A woman built a $260,000 ADU on her family's land in California

February 21, 2026 - 19:08

Facing the daunting prospect of California's competitive housing market, Mia Corippo charted a different course to homeownership. Rather than depleting her savings on a traditional house purchase, she invested approximately $260,000 to construct a 748-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on her parents' property in Santa Rosa.

The project transformed a section of the family's backyard into a modern, self-sufficient one-bedroom home. Corippo's new residence features a full kitchen, a spacious bathroom, and a dedicated laundry area, providing complete independence while keeping her close to family. The construction process, which broke ground in 2022, presented challenges, including navigating permit approvals and managing contractor schedules, but the result was a personalized space tailored to her needs.

Corippo's story highlights a growing trend as more individuals turn to ADUs as a creative solution to the affordability crisis. By utilizing existing family land, she achieved financial stability without a massive mortgage, demonstrating an alternative path to securing a permanent home. Her experience underscores the potential of backyard units to expand housing options and foster multi-generational living arrangements in high-cost regions.