Accessory dwelling units or ADUs, more commonly referred to as granny flats or guest houses, are extremely valuable to southern California homeowners. The extensive list of benefits and additional market value on your home sound like enough to make the construction journey worth it, but what does remodeling or constructing a new unit on your property really look like and why should you do it?
Restrictions around how to build an ADU vary depending on the county and since we here at Built to Perfection cater to the Los Angeles County and surrounding areas, we will list the specifications according to LA County permittance.
What is required to build an ADU?
Homeowners who meet regulations on their property will be granted permission to build an ADU
According to California State law, homeowners in single-family neighborhoods can build an ADU if the detached unit is both 10 feet from the main property structure and 5 feet away from property lines.
Every county and local government is subject to specific guidelines that can be stricter than the guidelines set forth by the state.
ADUs don’t have to be stand-alone structures
If your garage is empty space you don’t use, why not turn it into a usable living area? ADUs are simply living spaces that include a separate entrance from the main home, a kitchen and at least one bathroom.
Whether you convert the already existing garage or create an addition on your home, it is still considered an ADU.
Prefabricated units are also an option
Although we always suggest a customized option if you are investing in your space, there are prefabricated ADUs. They may seem convenient but the cost of investment in your own unique style compared to the size, design and style requirements of the prefabricated units is something to consider.
Size requirements
According to California State law, ADUs are only allowed to be a maximum of 1,200 square feet or half the size of the existing structure (whichever is smaller). Detached units can not be larger than 1,200 square feet. The size is dependent on city ordinance.
Permits are Required to Build
In Los Angeles County, the only way to build an ADU is with the proper plans, approved by city permit, granted by the local department of building and safety. If you decide to work with Built to Perfection Inc. or a licensed contractor, they will provide the materials to have a construction permit granted.
The Benefits of Building an ADU on your Property
There are endless possibilities of investing in an ADU on your property. The process of putting your own personal style into this small space can transport you to living your HGTV dream. Not only are you increasing your home’s value, but interior design concepts have modernized and this is your chance to play with that in a smaller space, instead of your main home.
Whether you’d like to use the space for guests or utilize the space as a short-term (like listing the space on Airbnb) or long-term rental as tiny homes are trending around the country, if you have space, it’s truly a sound investment.
As this past year in a pandemic has closed us off to our homes, ADUs have not just been utilized as spaces of additional living, but some clients smartly used their space as a separate “work from home” space or even used this space as a yoga or meditation space.
In conclusion, if you are seriously considering an ADU on your property make Built to Perfection Inc. your number one call. We are happy to work with you through the questions to make sure this is the right move for you.
In conclusion, if you are seriously considering an ADU on your property make Built to Perfection Inc. your number one call. We are happy to work with you through the questions to make sure this is the right move for you.