FAQs

Under the 2020 state law, your guaranteed at least an 800 sqft ADU if you have One Bedroom or less. If you have Two Bedrooms or more, you are guaranteed a size of 1000 sqft. You are also guaranteed a height of 16 feet.

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Any size or height greater must be approved by local jurisdiction. However, many cities heavily encourage ADUs and actually deregulate further, allowing up to 1200 sqft ADUs, multiple ADUs (Sacramento) and even waive parking requirements.

Great question! Luckily California has a robust system for holding contractors responsible, and protecting homeowners. The CSLB is a state regulator of contractors that can handles all complaints about contractors. After an investigation, the CSLB can discipline them, and even compensate the homeowner using the contractors Bond on file.

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Building inspectors act as another line of defense to ensure a contractors work is done to meet CA building codes.



Of course we hope this never happens, and always keep communication open so if a problem does start developing it is handled before it becomes worse.

he most common foundation type for an ADU in California (and most new houses) is the Slab on Grade (SOG). The other option is a raised foundation which is typical of older homes.



SOG is more cost effective, and provides great features like pest and water resistance and insulation.

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A raised foundation raises the floor an additional 2 feet or so off the ground, with a wooden floor and crawlspace below. Benefits are ability to relocate and repair sewer drains, ability to do floor HVAC ducting, and ease of install for nail-down flooring.

Yes, your ADU will have its own separate address. Utility bills are a little different and can vary based on local agency. Usually, you are allowed a separate electric meter (we include standard), but not separate water/sewer/trash connections or accounts.

Check out the Pre-Construction Timeline (also linked under "Documents") for a great general idea! Usually, jobs take anywhere from 9-15 months from first conversation to keys in hand and move-in.

The first step to getting plans drafted is an initial phone call to talk about the project, and determine if an ADU project makes sense for you. If so, there will be a site visit to take measurements, then a rough floorplan created. If the site plan meets planning regulations, and the ballpark price is within budget, we are ready to begin drafting a completed set of construction documents.

If your building is under 800 sqft and less than 16 feet tall, it is guaranteed 4 foot setback from property lines. Otherwise, those distances are set by the local jurisdiction.

Distance from existing house varies by jurisdiction, but is usually anywhere from 4 feet to 10 feet.

Your ADU can typically be as close to the front/side street as your existing house, but no closer.

2020 was a great year for ADUs. There were multiple laws passed to make ADUs more attractive to build, and reduce red tape getting in the way of development.

If your ADU is under 750 sqft, you will be exempt from "Impact Fees" which are fees charged to contribute to local roads, schools, etc. that other development projects usually have to pay.

From our experience, if under 750 sqft, permit fees range from $5k to $10k, and if over 750 sqft fees range from $10k to $20k.

Stick-Built construction is the traditional way of building - the building is built piece by piece (or stick by stick), from the ground up. The foundation is built, then each trade comes in and does their part to make the building. Local building inspectors verify and sign off each step.

Modular construction is when a building is built in a factory, under a separate set of Modular specific building codes. It is then transported by road to the build site, and set or craned onto its foundation.