From unfinished build to a family-ready home — keeping three generations together.
The Inherited Unfinished ADU Project
- Location: Helotes, TX
- Project Type: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
- Timeline: 24 weeks
- Result: Completed ADU — a move-in ready small home, designed for multigenerational living
Helotes ADU: From abandoned build to family-ready home.
Project at a Glance
- Square Footage: 1,100 sq. ft.
- Scope: Complete construction of ADU after previous builder abandoned project; new framing corrections, full mechanical systems, finishes, and site tie-ins.
- Special Features: Energy-efficient design, independent living layout, safe accessibility features for aging-in-place.
Client Brief / Challenge
After relocating from Mississippi to be close to their daughter and grandchildren, the clients needed a self-contained ADU on the family’s property in Helotes. Unfortunately, their first builder mishandled funds and left the project unfinished.
The family’s pain points:
- Significant financial loss from the prior contractor.
- Partially started structure with structural and permitting issues.
- Urgent need for a safe, permanent home close to their daughter.
Our Solution
Carson Custom Homes was brought in to take over the project, correct errors, and finish construction with integrity.
Steps we took:
- Assessment & Planning → Inspected prior work, engaged engineers to verify structural integrity, and reset the project budget and schedule.
- Re-forming slab & Corrections → Addressed code compliance issues and reworked several key sections including deepened beams, collapses, and over-spaced rebar installation on a 16’ tall foundation.
- Design Work: Plans provided were incomplete. We used existing measurements to re-create the design and added missing details.
- MEP Systems → Installed new plumbing, HVAC, and electrical with energy-efficient upgrades.
- Interior Layout → Universal Design elements designed with accessibility in mind (wide doorways, minimal steps on steep lot, grab bars, safe flooring).
- Finishes & Details → 10’ ceilings, cedar beams, wood-look tile flooring, tile shower, cabinetry, and light-filled open-plan living.
- Exterior Completion → Matched main property aesthetic with complementary stone and stucco and roofing.
Project Highlights
- Corrected and rebuilt structural slab issues left by prior builder.
- Integrated aging-in-place design features for long-term comfort.
- Completed project on schedule despite complex takeover.
- Delivered a turnkey, move-in ready ADU for multigenerational living.
Process & Timeline
- Phase 1: Stabilization & Engineering (2 weeks)
- Phase 2: Structural Foundation Corrections and & Framing (6 weeks)
- Phase 3: Mechanical Installations (6 weeks)
- Phase 4: Interior Build-Out (6 weeks)
- Phase 5: Exterior & Final Touches (4 weeks)
Total timeframe for this project: ~24 weeks from restart to move-in.
Casita Gallery
Casitas are sometimes called by other names: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU); tiny home; alley home; carriage house; cuartito; garage apartment; guest house; or in-law suite.
Results & Client Testimonial
Results:
- Family now enjoys independent living with proximity to children and grandchildren.
- Project delivered within budget range despite prior setbacks.
- Clients regained peace of mind after previous financial loss.
“Carson Custom Homes came in after a very bad experience with another builder. They were honest, transparent, and delivered exactly what they promised. Thanks to them, we’re now living in our new ADU beside our daughter and grandkids — something we thought might never happen.”
ADU’s Consistent Process
Carson Custom Homes uses long-standing design build processes to guide you through the steps to create your Casita ADU. We know how to handle your project from planning and design through the final touches of a small home dwelling unit. You will certainly enjoy the results for years to come.
How to Handle Your Next Steps
Planning an ADU or multigenerational home? Book a free consultation today.
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