OCA Builders

OCA Builders is a licensed ADU construction company based in Santa Cruz, California, specializing in the design and construction of accessory dwelling units throughout Santa Cruz County and surrounding areas. The company has more than 10 years of construction experience and handles ADU projects from initial design and permitting through construction and final finishes. Its California contractor license is CSLB #1047731.

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) — also known as a granny flat, in-law suite, backyard cottage, casita, or secondary dwelling unit — is an independent living space located on the same property as a primary residence.

ADU Services

1. Detached ADU: OCA Builders constructs standalone ADUs that can be used as guest houses, rental units, family accommodations, or private living spaces.
2. Attached ADU: The company builds attached ADUs that integrate with the existing primary residence while providing additional independent living space.
3. Garage Conversion ADU: OCA Builders converts existing garages into functional, self-contained residential units, providing an alternative to ground-up construction.
4. Internal ADU & JADU: The company converts existing interior areas of a home into ADUs or Junior ADUs, allowing homeowners to create additional living space without expanding the property’s exterior footprint.
5. ADU Design & Permitting: OCA Builders manages the process from design and permitting through construction and finishing touches, helping homeowners navigate local requirements.
6. Pre-Designed ADU Plans: OCA Builders offers pre-designed plans approved by Santa Cruz County, including approximately 425-square-foot, 637-square-foot, and 998-square-foot layouts with multiple exterior style options.

What OCA Builders Offers Beyond Construction

OCA Builders takes a design-build approach to ADU development, coordinating design, permitting, construction, and finishing work under one process. The company emphasizes local knowledge of Santa Cruz County regulations and provides guidance on zoning, permitting, utility requirements, and other development considerations.

The company also provides information and cost guidance for different ADU development approaches, including garage conversions and new detached construction. Its published resources cover planning and building fees, utility connections, electrical upgrades, and other soft costs that can affect the overall ADU budget.

OCA Builders is led by Oren Atia, who states that he has more than a decade of experience in the construction industry and previously worked as a project manager for various construction firms.