ADU

What is an ADU – Accessory Dwelling Unit

ADU, is an additional unit constructed on a single-family property. An ADU may or may not be attached to the main home. ADU conversions are smaller than the main family home having a maximum allowable size of 1200 square feet per code. The great thing about ADUs is that they are fully independent living spaces, equipped with their own electrical sub-panel, air-conditioning and heating unit, plumbing and hot water heater, kitchen and bathroom, making them the perfect rental properties.

ADU ‘S can be done in several ways such as: a detached garage conversion ADU, above garage ADU conversion, new construction stand alone ADU, and an attached garage conversion. 

On September 27th, 2016  The state law governing Garage Conversions for Los Angeles gave homeowners the right and opportunity to build a secondary dwelling onto their existing property were revised by Governor Brown when he signed two accessory dwelling unit bills into State law, Assembly Bill (AB) 2299 and Senate Bill (SB) 1069 that amended the State’s existing second unit law (Government Code Section 65852.2). These amendments to the existing second unit law went into effect on January 1, 2017.

These secondary units, now called accessory dwelling units (ADUs), was signed due to lack of housing space providing an important housing option to both potential renters and homeowners. They typically cost less than other types of housing, and maximize limited land resources and existing infrastructure, and assist homeowners with supplemental income.

This converted living space can be used as a rental property that generates income and adds to the livable square footage area of your existing home. Make valuable income from your unused space and increase the value of your property. in general an ADU that is rented will cover the initial cost of construction within 4 years. (this is an approximate time, it will change from one unit to the other based on finish materials, zoning, and value of rent)

Updated laws effective January 2020

The State Legislature updated the law governing ADUs effective January 1, 2020 to clarify and facilitate the development of ADUs and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs). One major change is the ability to build a concurrent ADU and JADU on a single-family zoned property. Other modifications include, limited exemptions or reductions in impact fees, and reduced parking requirements. Click here to view the complete Accessory Dwelling Unit Technical Assistance Memo from the California State Department of Housing and Community Development for more information.

What’s are JADUs?

A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is similar to an regular ADU. The main difference being a JADU must be attached to the existing single family residence either in existing space or as an addition to the home, up to a maximum size of 500 square feet. A JADU uses existing home infrastructure systems like HVAC, electricity and plumbing. It may contain a basic kitchen and share a bathroom with the main home, all in an effort to reduce the build costs.

What are the steps in building an  ADU?

• Meet with one of our specialist and get a simple 3D design 
• Architect visit to take measurements 
• Provides a full set of plans
• Submit plans to the city for approval and permit issue 
• Remove existing garage door for new foundation 
• Pour new foundation per approved set of plans
• Connect new Sewer line directly to the main line outside the property
• Provide dedicated electrical system for the new ADU
• Provide new gas line for the new ADU
• Provide new separate Tankless water heater for the new ADU
• Pour cement to level garage floor
• Provide framing as needed
• Supply and install windows and doors per approved plans and title 24
• Install exterior lath and stucco to match existing style
• Install insulation and drywall per code
• Complete bathroom construction per customers requirements
• Supply and install kitchen cabinets and countertop
• Install kitchen appliances
• Primer and paint the new unit
• Receive Certificate of Occupancy once final inspection is completed 

Projects are typically completed within 3 months once permit is issued.