Mana Construction Inc. provides a wide range of construction and remodeling services for residential clients throughout Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, Marin, and Santa Clara Counties. The company is especially known for building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in various styles, and it also offers remodeling services for kitchens, bathrooms, and entire homes in addition to constructing new houses.
Owner Nancy Cabrera credits much of Mana Construction’s success to its personalized approach to the remodeling process. “We don’t just give estimates online—we go to our clients’ homes to discuss their building aspirations,” she explains. “Many clients tell us they chose us because we genuinely listened to their reasons for remodeling and provided honest feedback. Ultimately, we truly enjoy helping our clients. If they need guidance, we are there for them.”
Mana Construction emphasizes quality control in every aspect of its operations, which Mrs. Cabrera believes is crucial for achieving successful results. “We are diligent with inspections and ensure everything is executed correctly," she says. "We understand that we are building permanent structures that need to maintain their quality, so we make sure to cover all our bases before considering a job finished.”
“Our clients hold great significance for us, so when they become part of our team on a project, we emphasize that they are considered family. We aim to provide them with an unforgettable building experience, which is why we prioritize clear communication and leverage our expertise and integrity to make their dreams a reality.”
Is an ADU a smart investment?
Accessory dwelling units, more commonly known as ADUs, are becoming increasingly popular in areas where housing shortages are driving up rent prices. Generally defined as secondary housing units on residential lots, ADUs are a smart way for homeowners with extra space on their properties to create more living space. They can be separate buildings, above garages, bump-outs, basement apartments and even internal ADUs. In the past, these units took the shape of backyard cottages; granny units; or mother-in-law suites for older children, aging parents, or visitors. Today, however, many homeowners are building ADUs to serve as rental units.
With financial incentives and potential income on the line, it’s a good time to consider whether an ADU is a smart investment for you. “The U.S. government is issuing grants for people who want to build ADUs in some areas where there are housing issues,” explains Nancy Cabrera, owner of Mana Construction Inc. in Vallejo. “A lot of people are jumping on the ADU trend for that reason, but it’s smart to really think about whether it’s the right move for you.”
Mrs. Cabrera advises finding an experienced contractor who can talk to you about your goals, your budget and whether this type of addition is a good fit for your home. Most companies that are experienced in ADU construction can also discuss grants, rebates and other sources of funding, especially if you’re in an area that’s experiencing a housing crisis.
Your first consideration should be space and budget. Start by thinking about where you could build an ADU and how much you want to spend. “Keep in mind that with new construction, you’re not just putting up walls—you have to think about the foundation, underground utilities, HVAC, fire sprinklers, permitting fees and other factors,” says Mrs. Cabrera. “So many people think their budget will be able to completely cover their ADU project, but they forget about how much goes into new construction projects.”
Once you have answers about your budget and location, think about who will live in the ADU (family or renters) and whether they’ll be permanent (long-term renters) or temporary (Airbnb guests) residents. This can help you factor in known and expected rental income or use benefits, minus expenses and maintenance, and whether it will offset the cost of construction.
Remodeling contractors are always looking for ways to differentiate themselves from their competition, and those that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award are already several steps ahead. In addition to its Diamond Certified status, Mana Construction Inc. sets itself apart by operating as a woman-owned company. “That offers our clients a different dynamic,” says owner Nancy Cabrera. “My husband [co-owner Mauricio Cabrera] and I are both contractors, so we approach each job as a team. We bounce questions and ideas off of each other, and we’re both honest and genuinely interested in our clients’ needs.”
Mana Construction has been providing construction and remodeling services for residential clients in Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, Marin, and Santa Clara Counties since 2017. The company’s primary focus is building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in various styles, but it also has the training and equipment to build new homes; remodel kitchens, bathrooms and whole houses; and more.
Unlike less experienced remodeling firms that rush through bids and jobs in an effort to maximize their workload volume, Mana Construction takes the time to offer each client a personalized experience. “When we give estimates, we actually come to the person’s home and talk to them so we can find out what they want to build and why they want to build it,” explains Mrs. Cabrera. “Our clients really matter to us, so we ask them questions that other companies don’t ask and always make ourselves available to help them. They really appreciate how much personal care goes into their projects.”
Ultimately, Mrs. Cabrera sees Mana Construction’s dedication to customer service as its most important attribute. “We show up every day, communicate clearly and do everything by the book,” she says. “Our clients know they can always reach us to talk about scheduling or discuss the progress of their jobs. We also regularly walk through every jobsite to make sure all the work is adhering to our high standards for quality.”
