Build Your ADU with Expert Guidance from Start to Finish

Planning an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is easier with Realm. Find ADU builders and contractors you can trust, get accurate cost estimates and bids, and navigate the entire ADU construction process with a dedicated Realm Advisor.

1. Review your ADU project with a dedicated Realm Advisor

Discuss your goals, budget, and timeline with your Realm Advisor and get all your pressing questions answered.

2. Refine your ADU design and scope with expert insights

Make informed scope decisions, using regulations and zoning rules, detailed cost estimates, and preliminary design visualizations.

3. Select an ADU builder with confidence

We handpick 3 trusted contractors and source competitive bids. We’ll review for accuracy and flag hidden costs — so you can choose confidently.

4. Finalize your contract and get ongoing support

We’ll negotiate and review your contract. After signing, you’ll also get access to additional perks like extended warranties and materials discounts.

With a Realm Advisor, you’ll get expert guidance from start to finish

A free kickoff call — no commitment required

Unlimited Zoom meetings

Expert help making budget and scope tradeoffs

Clear explanations of ADU construction zoning and permit requirements

Realistic ADU cost and timeline estimates based on local data

Handpicked, expert ADU contractors that fit your goals

Clear, side-by-side comparisons of contractor bids

Skilled negotiation and support when issues arise

Your Realm Plan

Vendor matching

Bid review & negotiation

Construction support

Build with confidence, not guesswork

Your Realm Plan helps you avoid scope changes, rework, and weeks of frustrating back-and-forth.

Local cost and timeline estimates

Cost & timeline estimates based on proprietary data from your region, not generic calculators or national averages.

Regulations guidance

We help you understand zoning and permitting requirements so your project starts and finishes without surprises.

Preliminary design support

We’ll provide initial floor plans and 3D renderings so you can visualize your project and make scope decisions accordingly.

Handpicked, trusted pros, matched to your project

Skip the cold calls and guesswork. We’ll handpick contractors from our exclusive network (less than 10% of contractors accepted) with contractors matched to your location, project type, budget, and timeline.

Verified, vetted vendors

We accept fewer than 10% of contractors. Each one is rigorously vetted for communication, reliability, and craftsmanship — so you don’t have to gamble on quality.

Tailored matching

You’ll get 2–3 contractors handpicked for your specific scope, goals, and working style — not just anyone who’s available.

Faster starts, less chasing

We coordinate all walkthroughs and follow-ups, so there’s no waiting or chasing bids. Contractors are ready to move when you are.

Get fair, transparent bids, with expert review & negotiation

Our Advisors review every bid line-by-line to identify missing scope, underestimates, or vague terms. We give you the insight and leverage to negotiate with confidence.

Clear bid comparison

We break down each bid line by line so you can easily compare what’s included — and what’s not — across contractors.

Apples-to-apples pricing

We adjust bids to reflect comparable scope and true costs, so you don’t end up choosing the contractor who underbids just to win.

Negotiation support when you need it

Whether you’re revising a bid or negotiating terms, your Advisor guides you through it — or handles the back-and-forth for you.

Even after work begins, Realm is still by your side

From escalation support to workmanship guarantees, we make sure you're never left alone mid-renovation.

Escalation support, if needed

Issues are rare with Realm contractors — but if something comes up, we step in to help resolve it quickly and fairly.

2-year workmanship warranty

Our contractors stand by their work. Realm’s extended warranty offers twice the industry standard, giving you peace of mind long after the job is done.

Exclusive discounts on finishes

Access additional discounts down the line. You can save 20% or more on cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and more through Realm’s network of finish material partners.

Have peace of mind when renovating with Realm

2x industry average warranty

<10% contractors accepted in our network

Escalation support

Find your path

Realm is FREE to homeowners.
To get started, we ask for a small deposit that is credited toward your first project.

Included in every plan:

Dedicated advisor with unlimited Zoom calls

Cost, zoning and permitting guidance

3 handpicked contractors

Fair pricing, with bid review and negotiation

Construction support

2-year warranty

Finish what you started

Already have architectural plans? Use these to select the right contractor and negotiate bids.

REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT

$299*

*Deposits are credited toward your first project

Get it done

Just getting started? We’ll provide you with end-to-end support, starting with scoping your project based on your goals and budget.

REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT

$499*

*Deposits are credited toward your first project

Scope and budget tradeoff guidance

Zoning and permitting assessment

Design services

Included in every plan:

Dedicated advisor with unlimited Zoom calls

Cost, zoning and permitting guidance

3 handpicked contractors

Fair pricing, with bid review and negotiation

Construction support

2-year warranty

Post-disaster rebuild

Full project support with up to 3 floor plan concepts and 3D renderings.

REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT

FREE

3 floor plans & 3D renderings

New build, with focus

Full project support with up to 3 floor plan concepts. Great for those with a strong design vision to start.

REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT

$999*

*Deposits are credited toward your first project

3 floor plans

New build, full visuals

Full project support with up to 3 floor plan concepts and 3D renderings. Great for those who need more help visualizing.

REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT

$1,499*

*Deposits are credited toward your first project

3 floor plans & 3D renderings

We’ve helped over 3,000 homeowners avoid renovation mistakes

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about Realm? Browse our FAQ for answers. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team—we’re here to help!

What types of projects can I do with Realm?

With Realm, you can tackle any home projects from remodels to new home construction.

Popular renovations include kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, basement finishing, attic conversions, and flooring upgrades. You can also handle electrical, plumbing, and HVAC updates, roof repairs, window and door replacements, and lighting installations.

Realm supports outdoor projects too, like landscaping, patio or deck installations, garage conversions, and pool installations. Whether you're adding an ADU, expanding your home, improving energy efficiency with solar panels or insulation, or simply upgrading your home’s siding or painting, Realm helps you plan, estimate costs, and connect with the right vendors for your needs.

Where does Realm operate?

Realm currently serves homeowners planning renovations and new builds in California and the Seattle area.

However, our free app is available to homeowners across the country, providing helpful tools and resources no matter where you live.

What does a Realm Advisor do?

A Realm Advisor acts as your personal renovation or new build guide, helping you prioritize projects that fit your goals and budget.

They’ll manage everything to help you prepare for your project, including assessing pricing and ROI. Your Advisor will create a customized project plan with renderings, pricing, and timelines, and match you with three vetted contractors. They’ll review and compare bids, negotiate on your behalf, and make sure your project aligns with your vision and budget.

Throughout the project, your Advisor is available to provide support and step in if any challenges arise, so you can enjoy a worry-free building process.

How do I match with contractors?

After discussing your project goals, budget, and timeline with your Realm Advisor, they will custom-match you with three contractors who best fit your specific needs.

Your Advisor will coordinate site visits with the contractors, allowing you to meet them and receive bids. They will then assist you in choosing the best option for your project.

Do I have to pay to use Realm?

Realm is free to use. You can access property-specific information and ROI calculations for a variety of projects in the Realm app after creating an account.

If you choose to work with an Advisor, a small deposit is required to demonstrate that you're a committed and qualified homeowner. This deposit will be refunded when you do a Realm qualified project with a contractor from Realm's network.

What can I do with Realm's app?

With Realm’s app, you can explore what your neighbors are doing through the interactive map, receive notifications about changes in your area or updates related to your home, and learn about your home equity and how to finance a project. The app also allows you to get detailed cost estimates for various renovations and create a project plan to understand overall costs.

For homeowners working on renovations or new builds with Realm, the app offers additional features like tracking project progress, viewing scheduled site visits, exploring contractor profiles, and reviewing bids as they come in. You can also access key documents such as home reports, bid comparisons, and contracts, as well as upload inspirational photos, plans, and other important documents. Plus, you can provide feedback for your Advisor and contractor directly within the app.

How is this better than a referral?

Referrals from friends can be hit or miss—they might have worked for their project, but your needs, budget, and vision are likely very different. If friend referrals worked reliably, Realm wouldn’t be in business.

At Realm, we’ve done the legwork that no casual recommendation can match. We’ve professionally vetted hundreds of contractors across a range of project types, ensuring they meet our standards by confirming licenses, permits, and customer references—steps most homeowners aren’t equipped to handle on their own.

With Realm, your Advisor will match you with three contractors tailored to you and your project’s needs. These recommendations will take into account your budget, personality, style preferences, and other important factors.

Plus, you’ll get expert guidance from your Advisor and the added protection of Reassurance by Realm, ensuring you’re never left navigating unexpected issues alone.

I already have a contractor referral. Can Realm still help me?

Yes, absolutely! Realm can provide you with additional bids to compare, ensuring you're not limited to just one option. Our goal is to help you make the best decision for your project by giving you a range of bids to consider, so you can choose the one that truly fits your needs.

Meet our leadership team

Liz
Young

Founder and CEO

Yufei
Pan

Chief Technology Officer

Scot
Parsley

VP of Finance & Strategy

Rohan
Weigel

VP of Data & Ops