An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on the same lot as a primary residence, designed for full-time living with essential amenities like a kitchen and bathroom. In contrast, an Accessory Building, such as a home office, studio, or workshop, lacks these full living amenities. The permitting process for Accessory Buildings is often simpler and faster because they aren’t intended for full-time living. If you’re looking to add a functional space without the complexity of a full ADU, an Accessory Building might be the ideal solution.

The size of your ADU is influenced by local zoning regulations, maximum allowable square footage, lot coverage ratios, and the balance between permeable and non-permeable surfaces on your property. While some areas set a maximum size for ADUs, this is often restricted further by the total lot coverage ratio, which includes the footprint of all structures on your property. This ratio also considers non-permeable surfaces like driveways and patios. Understanding these factors is essential to ensure your ADU complies with local rules and fits harmoniously on your property.

The first step in building an ADU is to schedule an initial consultation where we discuss your vision, budget, and property details. After that, a non-refundable retainer is required to proceed, which allows us to begin a site survey and start the architectural planning process. This comprehensive approach ensures that your project is well-planned from the outset and ready to move forward smoothly.

The permitting process for an ADU can take a significant amount of time, often comparable to the duration of the construction itself. This process includes multiple stages of review and possible revisions, and while we employ expeditors to help streamline it, it’s important to prepare for a lengthy timeline. Permitting can often take several months, so we set realistic expectations upfront to help you plan accordingly.

Yes, renting out your ADU can provide a valuable income stream, but it’s crucial to understand the local zoning laws and any HOA regulations that may apply. Some areas may have restrictions on short-term rentals or specific rules governing how ADUs can be used. It’s essential to verify what is allowed in your area to avoid legal complications and ensure that your rental plans align with local regulations.

The cost of building an ADU varies depending on factors like size, design complexity, and site conditions. Typically, the cost per square foot increases as the size of the ADU decreases, particularly when including a kitchen and bathroom, because these spaces involve fixed costs that don’t scale down with size. Additionally, soft costs—such as permits, design fees, and inspections—represent a larger percentage of the total investment for an ADU than for a full-sized home. In general, an ADU is one-half to one-third the size of a full house, and its price tends to mirror that proportion, with land savings offset by higher costs per square foot.

The construction of your ADU involves several key phases, each crucial to the project’s success. We begin with site preparation, grading, and foundation work, followed by framing, roofing, and exterior finishes. Once the structure is in place, we move on to mechanical rough-ins for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. After these systems are inspected and approved, we install insulation and drywall. The final stage includes mechanical finishes, interior customization, and all the details that make the space ready for occupancy. Throughout each phase, we ensure high standards of quality and keep you informed every step of the way.

Whether your ADU needs to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards depends on its intended use. If the unit is designed for elderly family members or individuals with disabilities, incorporating ADA-compliant features such as wider doorways, step-free showers, and lower countertops is recommended. We can discuss these options during the design phase to ensure your ADU meets the necessary accessibility requirements.