An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that takes the form of a cottage in the backyard of a single-family home is often called a granny flat (or in-law unit). The fact that granny flats are considered ADUs is a real advantage to property owners, particularly given the more streamlined zoning process state and city governments have implemented for the construction of ADUs. Cities like San Francisco and Oakland see ADUs as a relatively quick and inexpensive way [...]

According to an article in the New York Times, in 2019, 94% of residential land in San Jose was zoned for detached, single-family homes. The article, “Cities Start to Question an American Ideal: A House With a Yard on Every Lot,” (by Emily Badger and Quoctrung Bui, June 18, 2019) noted, “Townhomes, duplexes and apartments are effectively banned in many neighborhoods. Now some communities regret it.”  And rightly so, particularly high-density, urban communities like those in [...]

Indisputably, there is an affordable housing crisis in California. Rents have been unaffordable mainly due to years of bad housing policies. The policies have resulted in unaffordable rents and many think there is no end in sight. In the Bay Area, we have been experiencing the lack of affordable housing for so long that Bay Area residents – and rightly so – may be skeptical about any possible solutions.  Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), however, can be [...]

This may go without saying, but before you start researching accessory dwelling unit financing, or ADU financing options, you must have an accurate understanding of what the project costs will be. Costs vary a great deal depending on the type of unit(s) you will be adding; for example, converting habitable space in an existing area of your property might cost around $100,000. Higher complexity and new construction units may cost over $400,000, and conversions from non-habitable [...]

This photo shows a recently completed project at 1628 Tyler Street in Berkeley (an Accessory Dwelling unit added in the back two-story addition). Accessory dwelling units, also known as ADUs, are highly specialized types of housing requiring expert knowledge. The Trouble with ADUs ADU conversions on multi-family may convert non-habitable space into habitable space. The architect initially hired for this project did not have specific knowledge or experience in designing or building ADUs and could not [...]

An “Accessory Dwelling Unit” is what we used to call a Granny Flat, an In-law unit, or a backyard guest cottage. But for landlords, building an ADU in a multi-family property is an opportunity to generate passive rental income by converting non-habitable space to one or more additional units. An ADU will improve your cash flow and increase your property’s worth over time. And California is making it easier than ever. Recognizing the need for more [...]

We are pleased and proud to welcome Warren Mead to our team as Director of Sales and Marketing for Adapt Dwellings and Edrington and Associates.  Originally from Tennessee, Warren has been involved in California real estate since 2001. He has a deep understanding of residential, commercial and multi-family projects along with extensive property management experience. He loves people and solving problems, which makes him a great fit for our team and clients as well. Although it [...]

Adapt Dwellings Is Now Your Full-Service, End-to-End ADU Resource. We are excited to share some big news: Adapt Dwellings now offers construction services, which is great news for those considering the addition or conversion of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on their property.  Adapt Dwellings, Incorporated, now holds a Class B General Contractor License. What this means for property owners who are considering an ADU on their property is that Adapt Dwellings can now build the [...]

Ideas to Renovate a Small Garage That Can Help You Increase the Return on Investment for Your Property. In the high-tech epicenter in which we live, so many industries live and breathe conversion rates. In this case, the focus is on conversion of a very different kind, but one that can also generate really high returns: the conversion (or renovation) of a garage that is under-utilized. Regardless of the size of your garage, even a small [...]