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ADUs & garage conversions · Completed project
Two-Story ADU with a Loft Bedroom and Iron Railings
An ADU that builds up instead of out: open living and kitchen downstairs, a loft bedroom upstairs, and every corner used, including laundry tucked under the stairs.
- Project
- Detached ADU
- Layout
- Living and kitchen below, loft bedroom above
- Highlights
- Loft, laundry under stairs
- Service area
- San Jose Bay Area
Project overview
About this project
This ADU uses height to fit a full home into a small footprint. The ground floor holds an open living room, a kitchen and a bathroom; a staircase with black iron balusters leads up to a loft bedroom under a vaulted, beamed ceiling.
The kitchen pairs warm wood-grain flat-panel cabinets with white subway tile, open wood shelves and a full-size range and refrigerator. Large-format floor tile downstairs and wood-look plank flooring in the loft keep the two levels distinct.
Space under the stairs became a laundry nook with a side-by-side washer and dryer and open shelving. The bathroom has a walk-in shower with a bold blue-and-white patterned tile wall and matte black fixtures.
Loft bedroom
Vaulted ceiling with a wood beam and a black iron railing overlooking the living room.
Full kitchen
Wood-grain cabinets, subway tile, open shelves and full-size appliances.
Laundry under the stairs
Side-by-side washer and dryer with shelving in otherwise unused space.
Patterned-tile shower
Blue-and-white patterned tile, black fixtures and a frameless glass panel.
Project photos
Photo tour: 12 photos
Photos of the finished work. Tap any photo to view it full screen, then swipe or use the arrow keys.
Scope of work
What we built
Everything Quartz Construction & Remodeling handled on this project, grouped by part of the job.
Structure
- Two-level detached ADU
- Staircase with iron balusters
- Loft with railing
- Skylight and vaulted ceiling
Kitchen
- Wood-grain flat-panel cabinets
- White subway tile
- Open wood shelves
- Full-size range and refrigerator
Bathroom
- Walk-in shower
- Patterned accent tile wall
- Matte black fixtures
- Open wood shelving above the toilet
Systems & finishes
- Ductless mini-split
- Laundry hookups under the stairs
- Large-format floor tile
- Wood-look plank flooring in the loft
How we work
How a project like this comes together
The same five steps run every Quartz job, from the first visit to the final walkthrough. One team designs, permits and builds it.
Site visit and feasibility
We look at the lot or garage, utilities, access and setbacks, and talk through how you plan to use the unit.
Design and plans
Floor plan, kitchen and bath layout, and finishes are drawn up and prepared for the city.
Permits
We prepare and submit the permit package and coordinate plan check with the city or county.
Construction
Foundation or slab work, framing, utilities, insulation, drywall, then kitchen, bath and finishes.
Final inspection and walkthrough
The unit passes final inspection and we walk it with you before handing over the keys.
Questions & answers
ADUs & garage conversions: common questions
Planning something similar? These are the questions homeowners ask us most. Anything else, just call.
(650) 749-7436Do you handle ADU permits?
Yes. As your general contractor we prepare the permit package, submit it to the city or county and coordinate inspections through final sign-off.
Can a detached garage be converted into an ADU?
Often, yes. It depends on the structure, the slab, setbacks and utilities. We check those on a site visit before any design work.
What does an ADU need inside?
A legal ADU needs its own kitchen, a full bathroom, a sleeping area and a separate entrance. Heating and cooling, laundry and storage are planned into the layout.
Can I rent out an ADU?
In California, ADUs are commonly used as rentals or for family. Local rules on rental terms vary by city, so check your city's ADU rules for your lot.
Do you work in my city?
Our office is in San Jose and we build across Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Call us to confirm your address.
Client reviews
What our clients say on Google
We had an amazing experience with Quartz Construction for our garage conversion ADU. The entire process was smooth and stress-free—they made everything incredibly easy for us from start to finish. Our project manager, Ohad, was fantastic to work with. He was always available, professional, and made sure everything ran smoothly. On top of that, they also completed a full backyard renovation, and the results exceeded our expectations. The quality of work and attention to detail were outstanding. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and professional construction company!
We hired Ohad and his crew for a home addition, and they did a fantastic job. The new area feels like it’s always been part of the house. Great craftsmanship and smooth process.
Working with Ohad on our full home remodel was an incredible experience. He helped us through every decision and made sure everything turned out exactly how we envisioned. The team was easy to communicate with and super detail-focused. We still can’t believe how beautiful our home looks!
More projects
Explore more of our work
More completed Quartz projects across the San Jose Bay Area.
From our blog
Helpful reading before you start
Guides on permits, materials and planning, written by the team that builds these projects.
Room Addition vs. Second-Story Addition: Which Fits Your Lot?
Ground-level room addition or second story? Compare foundation work, structural engineering and San Jose zoning rules before you design your Bay Area addition.
ADU vs. Garage Conversion: Which Fits Your Lot?
Setbacks, parking replacement and permit timelines compared for garage-conversion and detached ADUs in San Jose, sourced from the city and state law.
Free estimate
Begin your home remodeling journey
Your house deserves more than basic repairs. Tell us about your project and we’ll call you to set up a free on-site estimate.
- Call or text(650) 749-7436
- HoursMon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM
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