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adu

Let us help build your new Accessory Dwelling Unit!

what is an adu? and why build one?

what is an adu? and why build one?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), also known as a Granny Flat or Backyard home, is a residential unit that may be added to a lot with an existing or planned single-family home, i.e, a lot zoned for residential use. These may be detached (as a separate building from the main house), attached to the main house, or garage conversion.  ADUs are independent rental units that have their own amenities; kitchen, bathroom, living area, private entrance and parking.

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The new state law (California AB2299), effective January 2017, encourages the construction of ADU on residential lot zones because the city of LA needs more affordable housing.  ADUs can provide additional living space for caregivers, family members, elderly parents, or renters that need an affordable solution to live in LA. That being said, because ADUs are rental units, they produce an ADDITIONAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME, so by helping provide affordable housing you obtain an added income and added value to your property.  Also, “empty nesters” could build an ADU on their backyard moving in it, managing to stay on their neighborhoods at a much affordable cost, and renting their larger existing home to pay off the mortgage.

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Please be aware that the City may pass new laws that will affect ADU construction.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), also known as a Granny Flat or Backyard home, is a residential unit that may be added to a lot with an existing or planned single-family home, i.e, a lot zoned for residential use. These may be detached (as a separate building from the main house), attached to the main house, or garage conversion.  ADUs are independent rental units that have their own amenities; kitchen, bathroom, living area, private entrance and parking.

​

The new state law (California AB2299), effective January 2017, encourages the construction of ADU on residential lot zones because the city of LA needs more affordable housing.  ADUs can provide additional living space for caregivers, family members, elderly parents, or renters that need an affordable solution to live in LA. That being said, because ADUs are rental units, they produce an ADDITIONAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME, so by helping provide affordable housing you obtain an added income and added value to your property.  Also, “empty nesters” could build an ADU on their backyard moving in it, managing to stay on their neighborhoods at a much affordable cost, and renting their larger existing home to pay off the mortgage.

​

Please be aware that the City may pass new laws that will affect ADU construction.

YOU MAY BUILD AN ADU IF:

  1. You own a single family home

  2. Your home has:

    1. Extra space on its backyard.

    2. A garage on its backyard.

    3. An available room that may be converted if accessible by its own entrance.

  3. If your home is:

    1. Located within  1/2 Mile from public transit?

    2. Has room and access for an additional parking space.

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PARKING:

When you add an ADU, you may have to add an extra parking space for the new tenants.  This space can either be covered or uncovered.

However, you may not need to add new parking space if:​​​

  1. The ADU is located within a 1/2 mile radius of public transit.

  2. The ADU is located in an architecturally and/or historically significant district.

  3. ADU is part of the existing primary residence.

  4. On-street parking permits are required, but NOT offered to ADU occupant.

  5. Your garage or park driveway has enough space for the added ADU car.

  1. You own a single family home

  2. Your home has:

    1. Extra space on its backyard.

    2. A garage on its backyard.

    3. An available room that may be converted if accessible by its own entrance.

  3. If your home is:

    1. Located within  1/2 Mile from public transit?

    2. Has room and access for an additional parking space.

​

PARKING:

When you add an ADU, you may have to add an extra parking space for the new tenants.  This space can either be covered or uncovered.

However, you may not need to add new parking space if:​​​

  1. The ADU is located within a 1/2 mile radius of public transit.

  2. The ADU is located in an architecturally and/or historically significant district.

  3. ADU is part of the existing primary residence.

  4. On-street parking permits are required, but NOT offered to ADU occupant.

  5. Your garage or park driveway has enough space for the added ADU car.

SSS is a one-stop shop that designs custom ground-up ADUs that perfectly fit your needs, creating a beautiful sustainable project at a great price.  We design, build, permit the whole ADU walking you through every phase of the project.

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

We create custom projects that fit your style and needs. Creating a functional, sustainable and affordable projects.

CONSTRUCTION

We have an expert construction team that is ready to bring your project to life.

ENGINEERING

We partner with qualified engineers that make sure your home is safe and efficient.

UTILITIES 

The ADU will be properly connected to all local utilities.  We also provide SOLAR installation that is not only more sustainable, but a long-term investment to save money in electricity.

PERMIT PROCESSING

We are involved in all permit processes, making sure all goes smoothly and time-efficiently.

FINANCING

We partner with a finance group that can help you find a suitable financing option for your specific needs.

TYPOLOGIES OF ADU

DETACHED ADU

  • Max of 1200 sqft.  There is a “mansionization ordinance” that restricts the total sqft of all structures (main house + ADU + garage) on a lot to 45% of the total lot size. Exceptions apply.

  • 5ft min setback from side and rear property lines

  • 10ft between main house and ADU.

  • Parking: see above specifications.

  • ADUs must maintain proper clearance from high voltage power lines. Requirements vary by city but 10’ is a safe distance.

ATTACHED TO MAIN HOUSE ADU

  • Max of 1200 sqft. The ADU cannot be more than 50% of the existing house. Exceptions apply.

  • Side and rear setbacks as required by zoning.

  • Parking: see above specifications.

  • ADUs must maintain proper clearance from high voltage power lines. Requirements vary by city but 10’ is a safe distance.

ATTACHED TO GARAGE ADU

  • Max of 1200 sqft.  There is a “mansionization ordinance” that restricts the total sqft of all structures (main house + ADU + garage) on a lot to 45% of the total lot size. Exceptions apply.

  • 5ft min setback from side and rear property lines (required only for the ADU, not the garage.  The garage may have its grandfathered setbacks).

  • Parking: see above specifications.

  • ADUs must maintain proper clearance from high voltage power lines. Requirements vary by city but 10’ is a safe distance.

GARAGE CONVERSION ADU

adu sizes and mockups

l

2 bed 2 bathrooms.

1200 sqft.

2 stories.

Approximately 20' x 30'.

m

1 bed 1 bathrooms.

600 sqft.

2 stories or 1 studio apt.

Approximately 15' x 24'.

s

1 bed 1 bathrooms.

450 sqft.

1 story.

Approximately 16' x 18'.

xs

Studio Apartment - Garage Conversion

300sqft.

Approximately 15' x 20'.

details

TIMEFRAME:

Design + engineering + permit process based on project, lot conditions and more. Construction based on project’s size and quality.

COST:

It may vary between X and X, depending on the project’s size and quality.

QUALITY:

Custom high-quality finishes and craftsmanship.

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