Recently, new legislation that makes it easier for homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) has come into effect in California. This legislation could not have come at a better time as ADU homes solve many issues, including reducing the housing crisis in California and giving homeowners the ability to turn their property into a multi-generational residence.
Category Archives: Building ADU
Costs of getting a building permit for your ADU
How much does it cost to get a permit for an accessory dwelling unit?It does not matter if you are building your accessory dwelling unit with a modular company, or a custom backyard cottage with a traditional stick-built builder, you will need to get the building permit from your city. There is no escaping this cost.
Convert a detached garage into an ADU
A garage conversion might be the least expensive option for adding living space if one can confirm the structural integrity of the foundation and walls.
Green Building and ADUs
How do CalGreen Building Code requirements relate to ADUs? CalGreen Mandatory Measures are a requirement of the California Green Building Standards Code. These mandatory measures are required on all new homes and residences. Furthermore, they also apply to additions and alterations which increase the building’s conditioned area, interior volume, or size. But be careful, notContinue reading “Green Building and ADUs”
Estimating change orders
We have written before about what you should expect to see in your ADU budget. We encourage you to make sure your budget includes all the big line items. As our founder likes to repeat, you cannot save money during ADU construction. You can only save money at the planning stage, when you are discussingContinue reading “Estimating change orders”