What is an ADU/JADU?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs') and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are an innovative and effective option for adding much needed housing in California. They have grown exponentially in number as more cities, counties, and homeowners become interested in ADUs as one solution to increasing the supply of affordable housing.

Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are allowed to be created within the walls of a proposed or existing single-family residence and shall contain no more than 500 square feet. JADUs offer additional housing options. They may share central systems, contain a basic kitchen utilizing small plug-in appliances, may share a bathroom with the primary dwelling, all to reduce development costs. JADUs present no additional stress on utility services or infrastructure because they simply repurpose existing space within the residence and do not expand the dwellings planned occupancy.

Benefits of an ADU/JADU

ADUs/JADUs are an affordable type of home to construct in California because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators.
ADUs/JADUs can provide a source of income for homeowners.
ADUs/JADUs are built with cost-effective wood frame construction, which is significantly less costly than homes in new multifamily infill buildings.
ADUs/JADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy.
ADUs/JADUs can provide as much living space as many newly-built apartments and condominiums, and they’re suited well for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors.
ADUs/JADUs give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care.

1. ADU Conversion of Existing Garage: 400SF - 500 SF

If you are considering a garage conversion you can expect to pay anywhere between $15,000 to $18,500 in pre-construction expenses. All of these plans are required by your local municipality in order to get your project approved & permitted. For a good quality garage conversion, you can expect to spend anywhere between $100,000 and $120,000. This will get you a studio style ADU with a small kitchen & bath with good quality materials & finishes.

A garage conversion (can be attached or detached), is the cheapest of all ADU types because the framing is already existing, but it may still need some work. The cost of construction is the lowest when the garage is at the front of the lot with easy access to the sewer system. This makes this a whole lot easier. Typically in this scenario the garage ceiling will need to be reframed, you’ll need to add wall insulation, and you will need an electrical upgrade.

2. Attached ADU (New Construction) : 300 SF - 700 SF

An attached ADU is similar to a home addition because it is connected to the main structure but is a separate unit. The unit will have its own access, and depending on the city, it might also have its own address. These ADU types are a bit intrusive during construction because they often share the main sewer line and the electrical system. You’ll need to upgrade your electrical service panel to at least a 200 Amp to be able to handle the increased loads. Some municipalities require a double-meter electrical panel.

For an attached ADU you can expect to pay anywhere between $17,000 to $22,000 in pre-construction expenses. All of these reports and plans will be required in order to get your project approved by the local zoning department. You will need a full set of plans to submit to the city for review and plan check, once approved, you can obtain a permit to begin construction.

3. Detached ADU (New Construction) : 350 SF - 1200 SF

Building a Detached ADU allows you to go BIG. You'll be able to design your ADU from the ground up, which means you can probably build a bigger ADU which can potentially get you higher rents (depending on your location). If your lot is large enough you can build a detached ADU up to 1,200 SF or 50% of the existing home's footprint, but this can vary depending on your municipality. A detached ADU offers all the comforts of new construction. Tenants will enjoy new insulation, air conditioning, noise-reducing double pane windows, and they'll enjoy private access to their own unit. In some cities you can even build a two-story ADU that features garaged parking on the ground floor. You can use this impressive ADU for your family, or you can rent it out to earn extra income.

For an Detached ADU you can expect to spend anywhere between $280,000 to $300,000+ to build an ADU that is comfortable and luxurious. Your tenants and family alike will enjoy the modern amenities of a large detached ADU.

DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

What is an ADU/JADU?

Benefits of an ADU/JADU

ADUs/JADUs are an affordable type of home to construct in California because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators.

ADUs/JADUs can provide a source of income for homeowners.

ADUs/JADUs are built with cost-effective wood frame construction, which is significantly less costly than homes in new multifamily infill buildings.

ADUs/JADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy.

ADUs/JADUs can provide as much living space as many newly-built apartments and condominiums, and they’re suited well for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors.

ADUs/JADUs give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care.

1. ADU Conversion of Existing Garage: 400SF - 500 SF

2. Attached ADU (New Construction) : 300 SF - 700 SF

3. Detached ADU (New Construction) : 350 SF - 1200 SF

For an Detached ADU you can expect to spend anywhere between $280,000 to $300,000+ to build an ADU that is comfortable and luxurious. Your tenants and family alike will enjoy the modern amenities of a large detached ADU.

ADUs/JADUs are an affordable type of home to construct in California because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators.

ADUs/JADUs can provide a source of income for homeowners.

ADUs/JADUs are built with cost-effective wood frame construction, which is significantly less costly than homes in new multifamily infill buildings.

ADUs/JADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy.

ADUs/JADUs can provide as much living space as many newly-built apartments and condominiums, and they’re suited well for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors.

ADUs/JADUs give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care.