Our guide to parts of your property you can add an ADU, starting with the easiest...
If you are considering adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your California property, you should understand that they do not need to be new construction in your backyard.
There are a bunch of creative and cheaper options which we will run through below:
1. Converting Existing Space
The most cost-effective option is to convert existing an existing space that is not already habitable.
ADUs need to have their own electrical distribution and need to be fire separated from the main house, so the often-unfinished nature of a garage or workshop makes them easier to convert than parts of the existing house.
Garages
All two-car garages are around 350-400sq.ft and pretty neatly convert into one-bedroom apartments. See below before and after photos along with the actual floor plan to show how they really do work!
Workshops
Homes occasionally have pretty large workshops which can invariably be transformed into two-bedroom ADUs once they are over 650sq.ft, such as the below former Home Gym we are working on converting right now:
Basements & Crawl Spaces
While California does not have many basements, there are lots of homes built on steep slopes – which often means extra large crawl spaces - where it’s often not that much work to do a little extra structural engineering to make at least some of the crawl space habitable
Basements are also great locations for ADUs once they have the required floor-to-ceiling height of 7'-0". There are often some technical challenges, such as creating an entrance or egress window - but these can be overcome relatively easily so long as we have the necessary height
2. Partial Conversion and Build an Addition
If you want to keep your garage or most of your home intact, you could consider a partial conversion and build an addition for your ADU. Zoning regulations typically require regular additions to be set back by often pretty onerous distances from property lines.
ADUs benefit from much more lenient setback requirements though, allowing for more space in your backyard - or even front yard - to be utilized to gain additional habitable square footage.
See this video below showing how much space becomes available just by designating the addition an ADU rather than part of the existing home:
3. New Construction
New Construction is, of course still an option - even on sites with limited open space. Prefabricated ADUs can be more affordable but offer less flexibility in design. Custom-built ADUs allow for more tailored layouts and features.
New construction ADUs can be within 4’ of the side and rear property lines. The video below shows an example an 800sq.ft ADU could NOT fit at the side or rear of the property and so, per State Legislation, it must be allowed in the front setback.
Factors to Consider
When choosing a location for your ADU, consider the following factors:
Zoning regulations: Ensure your desired location complies with local zoning codes.
Setbacks: Understand the setback requirements for ADUs in your area.
Existing infrastructure: Assess the availability of utilities and access to the site.
Privacy and noise: Consider the impact of your ADU on neighboring properties
Create a More Flexible Home with an ADU
They can provide income to young families or empty nesters who may rent them out
They afford families the opportunity to share a space comfortably, grandparents can maintain their independence, for example, while still being close to family when they need them
And, they are inherently sustainable, in that they require no additional infrastructure since they pop up in already existing communities.
Start a conversation with us today to see how we can find the optimal space for your ADU:
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