Professional ADU Builders in Somersett, NV
Looking for a trusted ADU builders in Somersett ,NV? Want extra income every month? Need space for aging parents or adult kids? An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) could be your answer!
Popular ADU Services in Somersett
Our ADU Process
Step 1: Tell Us Your Goals
Share your ADU vision, budget, and property details through our simple online form or give us a call.
Step 2: We Match You With Local Builders
We connect you with vetted ADU contractors who have experience, understand Washoe County's permitting process, and can work with your neighborhood's characteristics.
Step 3: Get Free Design Ideas & Quotes
Receive detailed proposals and initial design concepts at no cost or obligation. Contractors will visit your property to assess lot layout, utilities, and site conditions.
Step 4: Choose Your Builder
Compare your options, review portfolios of completed ADU projects, and select the contractor who's the best fit for your project and budget.
Step 5: Navigate Permits Together
Your builder handles Washoe County permits and, if applicable, HOA architectural approvals, keeping you informed throughout the approval process.
Step 6: Watch Your ADU Come to Life
Your chosen builder handles all aspects of construction—foundation, framing, utilities, finishes, inspections, and final walk-through—while keeping you informed every step of the way.
Let's Start Your ADU Project in Somersett
Let’s chat about your ideas! Getting started is easy – simply reach out with details about your ADU project, and we’ll connect you with qualified, licensed contractors.
ADUs in Somersett — What Homeowners Should Know
Master-Planned Community Character
Somersett is a 2,400-acre master-planned community situated between Peavine Mountain and the Sierra Nevada range in northwest Reno. The neighborhood features approximately 11,000 residents living in a mix of contemporary homes, from townhomes and single-family residences to custom luxury estates. Properties here often showcase mountain and golf course views, with architectural styles emphasizing earth tones, stone accents, and contemporary desert aesthetics that complement the natural landscape.
Development began in the early 2000s, meaning most homes are relatively modern with updated infrastructure. Lot sizes vary considerably throughout the community—some areas feature smaller lots suitable for townhomes and cluster developments, while other sections offer more spacious parcels for custom homes. Understanding your specific lot dimensions is essential when planning an ADU, as the city requires a minimum of 5,000 square feet for ADU construction.
HOA Architectural Review Requirements
As a master-planned community, Somersett operates under the Somersett Owners Association, which maintains architectural standards for all new construction and significant modifications. Before submitting for city permits, homeowners planning an ADU must typically receive architectural approval from the HOA’s Design Review Committee. This process evaluates whether proposed structures maintain design compatibility with surrounding homes and meet community aesthetic standards.
The architectural review examines elements like exterior materials, color palettes, rooflines, and overall design character. Contractors experienced in Somersett understand these expectations and can design ADUs that satisfy both HOA requirements and city building codes. While the review adds a step to the process, it helps ensure new additions enhance rather than detract from neighborhood appeal and property values.
City of Reno Permitting Process
Somersett falls within Reno city limits, which adopted a comprehensive ADU ordinance in October 2025. The regulations allow ADUs on lots of at least 5,000 square feet where single-family homes are permitted. ADUs must be smaller and shorter than the primary residence, include at least one dedicated parking space, and meet the same setback requirements as the main structure. Attached and detached units follow the same size standards, with a maximum of 1,200 square feet.
The city’s approach emphasizes neighborhood compatibility, requiring that ADUs be located behind the primary residence and feature architectural character consistent with the main home. This aligns well with Somersett’s existing design standards. The permitting process flows through Reno’s Development Services Department, which reviews plans for compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and the new ADU ordinance requirements.
Climate and Elevation Considerations
At approximately 5,000 feet elevation on the south slope of Peavine Mountain, Somersett experiences a high desert climate with warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures commonly reach the upper 80s and low 90s, while winter temperatures drop to the 20s with regular snowfall. The community also experiences notable wind exposure due to its hillside location and open terrain.
These conditions influence construction decisions. Proper insulation is essential for managing temperature extremes and keeping utility costs reasonable. HVAC systems need appropriate sizing for the elevation and climate range. The community’s elevation and exposure mean construction schedules must account for potential weather delays during winter months. Material selection should consider low humidity, intense sun exposure, and wind loads that can be higher than in more sheltered locations.
Infrastructure and Utilities
Somersett properties connect to municipal water and sewer services provided by the Truckee Meadows Water Authority and the City of Reno. This simplifies ADU development compared to rural areas requiring well and septic upgrades. However, utility capacity still needs evaluation—service lines sized for a single residence may require upgrades to support an additional unit.
The community’s relatively modern infrastructure means most properties already have adequate electrical service capacity, though adding an ADU may still require panel upgrades or additional metering depending on how utilities are configured. Natural gas is available throughout the community for heating and cooking. Contractors need to coordinate utility extensions and connections through proper channels, ensuring all installations meet current code requirements.
Terrain and Site Considerations
Somersett’s hillside setting creates beautiful views but also presents site development challenges on some properties. Many lots feature slopes that require thoughtful placement of ADUs to minimize grading and foundation costs. Properties in the more elevated sections of the community may have limited flat areas, making siting decisions critical to project feasibility and cost.
Drainage is another important consideration given the sloped terrain. ADUs must be positioned and graded to prevent water flow issues that could affect either the new structure or the primary residence. Local contractors familiar with Somersett’s topography understand how to work with these conditions efficiently, selecting building sites that minimize earthwork while optimizing the use of available space.
ADU Costs in Somersett
Typical Project Cost Ranges
ADU construction costs in Somersett reflect Reno’s current construction market along with factors specific to the community’s standards and terrain. Here’s what homeowners can generally expect:
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Garage Conversion (400-600 sq ft) | $85,000 – $160,000 |
| Small Detached ADU (600-800 sq ft) | $160,000 – $260,000 |
| Standard Detached ADU (800-1,200 sq ft) | $240,000 – $375,000 |
| Premium Custom ADU (1,200 sq ft) | $375,000 – $525,000+ |
These ranges reflect complete project costs including design, engineering, HOA and city permitting, utility connections, site work, and construction with standard to mid-range finishes. Projects at the higher end typically involve steeper lots requiring more site preparation, architectural features that enhance property value, or premium materials and finishes.
Key Factors That Influence Pricing
Several elements significantly impact final ADU costs in Somersett. Site topography tops the list—properties with level building areas cost considerably less to develop than those requiring substantial grading, retaining walls, or complex foundation systems. A lot with a gentle slope might need minimal site work, while a property with a significant grade change could add tens of thousands to the project budget.
HOA architectural review requirements can affect costs depending on the design expectations for your specific area within Somersett. While maintaining community standards benefits everyone’s property values, meeting those standards may involve higher-quality exterior materials, specific roofing products, or design elements that cost more than basic alternatives. Most contractors familiar with Somersett factor these expectations into their estimates from the start.
Material and finish selections always influence project costs. Basic but functional finishes cost less than custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, or premium flooring and tile work. HVAC and insulation quality also matters—given Somersett’s climate extremes, investing in proper climate control systems pays off in comfort and long-term utility costs.
Utility connection complexity varies by property. While all Somersett homes have access to municipal services, the distance from existing lines to the ADU building site, along with any necessary service upgrades, affects costs. Properties where the ADU can be positioned close to existing utility runs typically spend less on these connections.
Somersett-Specific Considerations
Certain cost factors are particularly relevant in Somersett. The HOA architectural review process requires working with designers or architects who understand community standards, which may add to design costs compared to simpler projects without review requirements. However, this investment helps ensure smoother approval and better integration with the neighborhood.
The community’s hillside location means many properties require additional attention to drainage and erosion control. These aren’t optional considerations—proper site management is essential for long-term structural integrity and compliance with city requirements. Contractors experienced in Somersett understand these needs and plan accordingly.
Wind exposure in parts of the community may require additional structural considerations, particularly for roof systems. While not dramatically expensive, these requirements represent another factor that experienced local contractors account for in their estimates.
Given Somersett’s property values, many homeowners invest in ADU designs and finishes that complement their main home’s quality and aesthetic. While you can certainly build a functional ADU with modest finishes, many Somersett residents choose to invest in features that maintain the overall property presentation and maximize the impact on home value.
Transparent, Detailed Estimates
Quality contractors provide comprehensive estimates that break down all project components. These should clearly separate design and permitting costs, site preparation, foundation work, structure and finishes, utility connections, and contingencies. Understanding where money goes helps you make informed decisions about where to invest and where savings are possible.
Be wary of estimates that appear significantly lower than others without clear explanations. Experienced ADU builders factor in the real complexities of construction in a master-planned community, including compliance with both HOA standards and city requirements. A thorough estimate protects you from surprise costs and accurately reflects what the project will actually require.
What Makes Our Contractor Network Different
Experience with Master-Planned Community Requirements
The contractors in our network regularly work in Somersett and similar master-planned communities throughout northwest Reno. They understand the HOA architectural review process and know how to prepare submissions that address design committee expectations. This familiarity helps streamline approvals and reduces the likelihood of requests for revisions that delay projects.
They know which design elements and materials typically receive approval, understand community preferences for architectural character, and can guide homeowners through decisions that satisfy both personal preferences and HOA standards. This experience is valuable—it prevents the frustration and expense of designing an ADU only to face unexpected pushback during the approval process.
Knowledge of Reno’s ADU Ordinance
Since Reno adopted its ADU ordinance in late 2025, the regulations are relatively new. The contractors we work with have studied the requirements and understand how they apply to Somersett properties. They know the minimum lot size thresholds, parking requirements, setback standards, and height restrictions that govern ADU development within city limits.
They also understand how city and HOA requirements interact. In some cases, HOA standards may be more restrictive than city minimums, meaning both sets of requirements must be satisfied. Contractors experienced with this dual-approval environment navigate it efficiently, ensuring plans meet all applicable standards from the start.
Familiarity with Somersett’s Terrain and Conditions
Working regularly in Somersett gives contractors firsthand knowledge of the area’s topography, soil conditions, and typical site challenges. They understand how properties in different sections of the community vary, which neighborhoods feature steeper slopes, and how to efficiently work with hillside lots.
This local knowledge helps contractors provide more accurate initial estimates. Rather than generic assumptions, they can often anticipate site-specific factors during initial property assessments, helping homeowners understand realistic project scopes and budgets before design work begins.
Understanding of High Desert Climate Construction
Contractors serving Somersett understand the construction requirements for the area’s high desert climate and elevation. They know appropriate insulation values for keeping homes comfortable through both hot summers and cold winters. They size HVAC systems properly for the elevation and temperature range, select materials suited to low humidity and sun exposure, and understand how to manage the wind conditions some properties experience.
They plan construction schedules realistically, accounting for weather windows and potential seasonal delays. Rather than making promises about timelines that ignore Reno’s climate, experienced contractors set achievable schedules and communicate openly about factors that might affect project duration.
Established Local Relationships
Reliable contractors maintain working relationships throughout the Reno area with material suppliers, specialized trades, and utility coordination personnel. These connections often result in better material availability, competitive pricing, and efficient scheduling of the various construction phases.
When specialty work is needed—particular electrical configurations, custom architectural elements, or unusual site challenges—contractors with strong local networks can bring in the right expertise quickly. This capability helps keep projects moving forward smoothly when challenges arise.
Commitment to Project Success and Accountability
Choosing a contractor based in the Reno area means working with someone invested in their local reputation. They remain accessible throughout the project and afterward for any warranty work or questions that arise once you begin using your ADU.
For homeowners making a significant investment in their property, this ongoing accountability matters. Local contractors understand their business depends on satisfied clients and positive referrals within the community. They’re motivated to ensure projects are completed properly and that homeowners feel confident in the finished result.
Licensed & Insured Contractors Only
Every contractor in our network maintains active Nevada contractor licensing and carries appropriate insurance coverage. We verify these credentials before making referrals, giving homeowners confidence they’re working with legitimate professionals who meet state requirements.
Licensed contractors follow proper building codes and permitting processes, which protects homeowners from both immediate construction issues and potential problems when selling the property. Insurance coverage provides protection if accidents occur during construction. These safeguards are essential for a project as significant as adding an ADU to your property.
Need Help?
Frequently Asked Questions About ADU in Somersett
Below are some of the most common questions Our Network get from families about ADU. If you have any other questions contact us!
How long does it take to build an ADU?
Timeline varies by ADU type:
- Garage conversion: 3-5 months (including permits)
- Detached new construction ADU: 6-10 months (including permits)
- Basement ADU: 3-6 months (including permits)
Washoe County permitting typically takes 4-8 weeks. Construction time depends on size, complexity, weather, and material availability.
Can I build an ADU if I'm in an HOA?
It depends on your specific HOA’s CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions). Some Sparks HOAs, particularly in newer master-planned communities, have restrictions on detached structures or require architectural approval. Your contractor can help review your HOA documents and navigate the approval process if allowed.
How much rent can I charge for an ADU?
ADU rental rates typically range from $1,200–$2,000+ per month depending on:
- Size (studio vs. 1-2 bedroom)
- Finishes and amenities
- Location within Sparks
- Market conditions
Spanish Springs ADUs often command higher rents than older neighborhoods due to the area’s desirability and newer construction.
Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel?
Many older Sparks homes (pre-1990) have 100-150 amp electrical service. Adding an ADU typically requires upgrading to 200 amp service to handle the additional load. Newer homes may already have adequate capacity. Your contractor evaluates this during initial planning.
REAL STORIES FROM SATISFIED CUSTOMERS
Talk to an ADU Builder in Somersett Today
Whether you’re in Somersett proper, nearby areas like The Cliffs, Sierra Canyon, or considering an ADU in other northwest Reno communities, Reno Home Remodel connects you with contractors who understand the specific requirements for building in your neighborhood. We know Somersett homeowners value the community’s quality and character, and the contractors we work with respect what makes these neighborhoods special.