Backyard Cottage Builders in Northern California

We are the backyard cottage builders who turn unused space to something meaningful. You’ll get beautiful, functional backyard cottages that feel like home.

4.9/5 rating from 56+ online reviews.

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Smart Backyard Living Starts Here

A backyard cottage is more than just a small structure, it’s a fully livable space designed for comfort, privacy, and flexibility. Think of it as a small house in the backyard that works for your lifestyle, whether that means hosting family, earning rental income, or creating a peaceful escape just steps from your main home.

At Sidex, we build everything from custom designs to prefabricated guest cottage options, helping you find the right balance between speed, style, and long-term value.

Complete Backyard Cottage Services

Custom Backyard Cottage Design

We create tailored backyard cottage designs that fit your needs. Whether you’re exploring backyard cottage ideas or starting from scratch, we design spaces that maximize light, layout, and livability.

Ground-Up Backyard Cottage Construction

Our team handles full construction of your backyard house, from foundation to finishes. Every build is done with durability, energy efficiency, and real-life usability in mind.

Prefab & Guest Cottage Options

We offer prefab and prefabricated guest cottage options, including tiny backyard homes and guest house builds. These reduce timelines while maintaining quality and design appeal.

Built with Precision, Designed for Real Living

Explore our projects to see how we build functional, durable, and visually seamless structures across Northern California.

See Our Projects

How We Build Your Backyard Cottage

Consultation & Planning

We start by understanding how you want to use your space, whether it’s a rental, guest house, or private retreat, and explore the best backyard cottage plans for your property.

Step 1

Design & Permits

Our team develops detailed layouts and handles approvals, ensuring your ADU cottage meets local building requirements and fits seamlessly on your lot.

Step 2

Construction & Installation

We build your backyard cottages on-site or install prefab units, depending on your choice. Every detail is handled with precision, from structure to finishes.

Step 3

Final Walkthrough

We complete inspections, finalize all details, and hand over a ready-to-use small backyard house built for comfort and long-term use.

Step 4

Backyard Cottage Builders Across Northern California

We design and build backyard cottages across key regions, serving over 57 locations.

The Bay Area

From San Francisco to San Jose, we create modern backyard housing solutions that maximize property value and usable space.

South Lake Tahoe

We build durable backyard small house structures designed for colder climates, with proper insulation and weather-resistant materials.

Sacramento Region

Serving Sacramento and surrounding areas, we deliver practical and stylish backyard house solutions for families, rentals, and flexible living.

Backyard Cottage FAQs

What is a backyard cottage?

A backyard cottage is a small, independent living space built on the same property as your main home, often used as a guest house, rental unit, or private retreat.

Are prefab guest cottages worth it?

Yes. Prefab guest cottage options are faster to install and can be more cost-effective while still offering modern design and durability.

How big can a backyard cottage be?

Size depends on local regulations, but most backyard tiny homes and cottages are designed to maximize space efficiently within allowed limits.

Can I rent out my backyard cottage?

In many areas, yes. A guest house for the backyard can be used for rental income, depending on zoning and local rules.

Do I need permits to build a backyard cottage?

Yes. Whether it’s a custom build or prefabricated guest cottage, permits and approvals are required. We handle this process for you.

What’s the difference between a backyard cottage and an ADU?

A backyard cottage is a type of ADU cottage, a fully functional living unit separate from the main home.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 38 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Tatyana P 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
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   Vivi Babenko 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My grandparents backyard deck had taken a beating over the years, especially from all the snow and rough weather. It was definitely time for some love, and Sidex really came through for! What stood out most was the crew and how they treated my grandparents like family and were genuinely so kind throughout the whole project. Really glad we chose them!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sara Yarmolyuk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Extremely helpful employees and truly have honest work and craftsmanship.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Valya Stepanov 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough good things about Sidex Siding & Decking! From the first phone call to the final walkthrough, the entire experience was outstanding. The team was professional, punctual, and incredibly knowledgeable. They took the time to answer all of my questions, communicated clearly throughout the project, and paid close attention to every detail. The quality of their workmanship exceeded my expectations, and the finished deck looks absolutely amazing. They treated my home with respect, kept the work area clean, and completed everything on schedule. It’s rare to find a company that truly delivers on its promises, but Sidex Siding & Decking did exactly that. If you’re looking for a trustworthy, skilled, and reliable contractor, I highly recommend them. I couldn’t be happier with the results and will definitely use them again for future projects. Five stars all the way!
  
 
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   Max Gatsmanyuk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fast and professional
  
 
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   Vince Carterson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Andrey and Nate were very helpful, would work with Sidex again. I am glad everything went as smooth as they said it would.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sava Vashchuk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently hired SIDEX to completely replace the old, worn-out siding on our home and we could not be happier with the results. They gave us a highly competitive and transparent quote with no hidden fees.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rita Snizhko 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We couldn’t be happier with how our new deck turned out! From the very beginning, the whole process was so easy, and the Sidex Construction team was amazing to work with. They really listened to what we wanted and brought our vision to life exactly how we imagined it! Our outdoor space has completely transformed, and it’s now one of our favorite places to relax. It’s exactly what we had in mind for our home, and we honestly couldn’t have asked for a better result. We highly recommend Sidex Construction to anyone looking for quality work!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amanda Kilgore 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great experience working with Sidex. Nate was super helpful during the in-person site visit and took the time to explain everything clearly without making us feel rushed or pressured. Andrey was also very helpful with scheduling and keeping everything organized throughout the process. The whole team was professional, easy to work with, and communication was solid from start to finish. Really appreciated how smooth everything went. Would definitely recommend Sidex to anyone looking for quality work and good customer service.
  
 
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   Marjorie Siemsen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim did a wonderful job fixing a leak on my skylight windows. Totally professional and very detailed in his work. I would definitely consider him for future work!