From the Rugby Field to Remodels: How Elite Got Its Start

Before we ever built our first ADU, we built trust and teamwork on the rugby field. That same spirit drives everything we do today: effective communication, mutual respect, and going the extra mile for the team — and our clients.

What began as a friendship between a Kiwi craftsman and a former engineer from Oklahoma has evolved into one of Santa Cruz County’s most trusted remodeling teams.

We’re selective about the projects we take on, and we approach each one with the highest level of craftsmanship and care. Whether we’re building a backyard cottage, converting a garage, or designing a detached home office, we deliver work that’s thoughtful, efficient, and built to last.

It’s not every day that a construction company begins with a rugby tackle—but that’s exactly how Elite started.

Meet the Elite Team

We take care of all the details so you don’t have to — navigating local building codes, coordinating subcontractors, and keeping you updated every step of the way.

  • Headshot of Alison, Kitchen Designer at Elite Construction in Santa Cruz.

    Alison

    DESIGNER

    BA Interior Design, UC Davis, ASID

  • Headshot of Lori, Bath Designer at Elite Construction in Santa Cruz.

    Lori

    DESIGNER

    BA Interior Design, Arizona State, Allied ASID

  • Headshot of Kate, Permit and Estimate Coordinator at Elite Construction in Santa Cruz.

    Kate

    PERMIT AND ESTIMATE COORDINATOR

  • Headshot of Maria, Operations Coordinator at Elite Construction in Santa Cruz.

    Maria

    OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

  • Headshot of Mason, Project Manager, ADU Division, at Elite Construction in Santa Cruz.

    Mason

    PROJECT MANAGER - ADU DIVISION

  • Headshot of Loren, Lead Carpenter at Elite Construction in Santa Cruz.

    Loren

    LEAD CARPENTER

  • Headshot of Mike, Lead Carpenter at Elite Construction in Santa Cruz.

    Mike

    LEAD CARPENTER

  • Headshot of Don, Lead Carpenter at Elite Construction in Santa Cruz.

    Don

    LEAD CARPENTER

  • Headshot of Jacob, Lead Carpenter at Elite Construction in Santa Cruz.

    Jacob

    LEAD CARPENTER

  • Headshot of Zac, Lead Carpenter at Elite Construction in Santa Cruz.

    Zac

    LEAD CARPENTER

  • Headshot of Matt, Carpenter at Elite Construction in Santa Cruz.

    Matt

    CARPENTER

  • Headshot of Evan, Carpenter at Elite Construction in Santa Cruz.

    Evan

    CARPENTER

  • Headshot of Darren, Carpenter at Elite Construction in Santa Cruz.

    Darren

    CARPENTER

What do you get when you combine a Kiwi craftsman with a former engineer from Oklahoma?

ADUs that are well-crafted, well-engineered, and almost... well, fun.

Whether you're expanding for family, guests, work, or rental income, we’ll help you make the most of your space — and your investment.

Ready to Build Your ADU?

“What impressed us about Elite was their attention to detail on the quote, and their knowledgeable, professional, and pleasant demeanor.”

-Rudi D, Soquel

We're thrilled to be recognized for our work