The Ultimate Guide to an ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit for a Single-Family Property
This post is all about ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit, in a single family property. Otherwise and more commonly known as granny flat units, in-law units, guest houses, backyard cottage, and even tiny homes. I’m sharing my first hand experience and expertise on ADU.
The Ultimate Guide to an ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit for a Single-Family Property
Introduction
ADU are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide additional living space, generate rental income, and increase property value.
Check out my post here where I make the case for having an ADU.
It’s very easy to apply for and get the ADU permitted and approved from many major cities around the US, including my own hometown of Los Angeles.
I’m going to share the different types of ADU available and the process to adding it to your property.
What is an ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit?
An ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit is a smaller, secondary dwelling unit located on the same lot as a single-family home. They can be attached to the main house, located above a garage, converted from a garage, carport or other structures on the property, or built as a detached structure in the backyard.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) typically consist of a kitchen, bathroom, living area, bedroom, and their own private entrance.
ADUs were introduced as a solution to increase rental housing and affordability in major cities. Initially, there were numerous regulations when the law was first implemented in 2017, but they have since become more lenient.
You’re allowed to build ONE ADU on your single family property. And you’re also allowed to build one JADU in your single family property.
Types of ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit
There are a variety of ADU types that you can choose from that best fit your needs. The following are all options that you can build on your single family property.
Garage and/or Carport Conversion
Perhaps the most common type of ADU is the garage conversion.
The period after World War II saw suburbs grow in the United States. This was fueled by factors like the G.I. Bill, which gave veterans low-interest mortgages, the growth of the automobile industry, and a desire for a better quality of life. This resulted in suburban sprawl and our reliance on cars.
Our Zoning Code mandates a two-car garage for every new house we construct. Therefore, the garage is a good option to legally convert into an ADU.
For years, homeowners have illegally converted their unused garages into units and rented them out. Now, homeowners have the option to legalize or permit their garage conversions.
Most garages, attached or detached, are about 350 SF to 400 SF which is enough for a studio apartment or a small one-bedroom apartment. Additions to these garages are possible as well to gain more space, including converting the garage and adding a second floor to it.
We converted the detached 2-car garage in our property without compromising parking because we have an alley in the back.
On top of the Garage
ADU can be built entirely on top of a garage. This is a great option to keep the garage and the backyard intact. The existing garage will require reinforcement to support a second floor above, and stairs will be built on the side of the garage to reach the ADU.
Brand new Construction
The second most popular option is a brand new construction ADU. This works well when you have a large, unused backyard. This option is popular because you get to custom design every aspect of your house, including the layout, floor heights and the exterior design. You also get a brand new construction house: new windows, well insulated, modern materials, etc.
Most homeowners opt to live in this new ADU or rent it to their children, aging parents or extended family.
For my client, his parents had an unused part of their corner lot. An ADU was perfect in this location because it has its own driveway. The client wanted a garage attached to his house and was able to do so because it’s new and design and built to his specifications.
Attached to the Main House
Attaching the ADU to the main house is rare, particularly because families want privacy, but it is possible and available. There are several reasons why you want to attach the ADU to your house, including wanting to keep the garage for cars and storage, and to keep as much of the back yard as possible.
When attaching the ADU, consider necessary modifications to the main house, such as closing windows or doors where the connection occurs. Design and construction should also prioritize soundproofing between the two units.
Furthermore, the attached ADU must seamlessly integrate with the existing house design to avoid an out-of-place appearance.
We attached a 500 SF, one bedroom apartment to our L-Shaped three-bedroom house. We had to close a few windows and doors in order to achieve this. And built extra thick walls between both units for sound insulation. We did this because we wanted to keep parking and maximize the layout of the lot.
Family room, Basement or Attic Conversion
You can convert an unused, existing living space within your house into an ADU, for example the extra family room you don’t hang out in, or the formal dining room no one eats in or the too-large mudroom.
In this example, we have a three bedroom house with two living rooms and a large mudroom. We “split” the house in 2, and converted one of the bedrooms, the extra living room and the mudroom into an ADU. We built a kitchen in the mudroom.
Even less rare is a basement or attic conversion. We live in Southern California and basements are almost none existent. They are however, prevalent in hillside areas. They’re totally possible and come with their sets of code challenges like providing safe escape from bedrooms.
Conversion of other structures
If you have a large storage room, a shed or an unused patio, those are also great candidates to convert into an ADU.
Now onto the steps of adding an ADU to your Single Family Property:
Steps to Adding an ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit:
- Research: The first step is to research the local regulations and requirements for adding an ADU. This will vary depending on your location, so it’s important to check with your city or county planning department. For the most part, if your property is zoned for single family, you can build an ADU.
- Determine Your Needs: Decide how you plan to use the ADU. Will it be for yourself, a family member, or a renter? This will help you determine the size, layout, and features of your ADU.
- Develop a Budget: Get estimates from contractors to determine the cost of building your ADU. This will help you secure financing and plan for the project size and scope.
- Hire a Professional: Consider hiring an architect, designer, and contractor to help you design and build your ADU. They can ensure that your ADU meets all local codes and regulations. They also help get the project designed and approved in a timely manner.
- Obtain Permits: You will need to obtain permits from your local planning and building department before you can begin construction. This may require submitting plans, paying fees, and passing inspections.
- Construction: Once you have all the necessary permits, construction can begin. This typically takes several months, depending on the size and complexity of your ADU.
- Completion: Once construction is complete, you will need to pass final inspections and obtain a certificate of occupancy before you can move in or rent out your ADU.
Additional ADU Resources:
There you have it! These are all the different types of ADU you can build in your single family property and the steps to do. This journey is much less scary and overwhelming than you think and it’s totally worth it. This post is all about The Ultimate Guide to an ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit for a Single-Family Property.
I’d love to hear from you if you have any questions or feedback about ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit. Please leave me a comment or send me a message. I read and respond to every message. Good luck with your ADU!
