Tag Archives: accessory dwelling unit

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”

Importance of scope of work

Building without scope of work is a recipe for disaster. Scope of work in construction is jargon for a recipe. You start building when you have scope of work under control. Doing so without one is a recipe for disaster. And that might be a very expensive mistake when it comes to construction in the Bay Area. (ForContinue reading “Importance of scope of work”

ADU in the East Bay?

We have just spent an engaging hour with Loni Gray, ADU advisor and Catalyst – she has been helping homeowners add space with ADUs in Oakland and surrounding areas. If you have missed the event, and would like to learn more about Loni, please check out her website. She has also shared a wonderful resourceContinue reading “ADU in the East Bay?”

ADU viewed from Los Altos Hills

Los Altos Hills town leaders have to abide by State ADU regulations. But they have discovered a way to ultimately get what they want: offer incentives for adhering to original town planning regulations.  If adopted in May, a new ordinance introduced at the latest city council meeting will provide increased building height and additional floorContinue reading “ADU viewed from Los Altos Hills”

Can ADU have kitchen?

It must. Otherwise it will not be an ADU. It also must have a bathroom. And a bedroom or two. Check your town website for the details. But here is what the law says: “Accessory dwelling unit” means an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one orContinue reading “Can ADU have kitchen?”