Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering adding an ADU to your property, you probably have many questions. The following guide answers some of the most common questions we get from prospective clients.
It is short for Accessory Dwelling Unit, also known as an in-law unit or granny flat. The ADU process overrides local zoning laws which control density, parking requirements, height limits, building setback requirements, etc.
Accessory dwelling = additional to a primary dwelling structure on the same lot.
Yes, the State of California dictates if you meet their checkoff list, your local jurisdiction must give zoning approval within 60 days. However, local concern for health and safety can restrict approval. You still must meet the State Building Code, a minimum standard of construction requirements. Our ADU Feasibility Study provides a roadmap to the best decision for adding or converting space into an ADU.
Based on our experience in the Bay Area, you can expect to pay about $300,000 for design and construction costs for the average ADU. Of course, many things affect the cost of an ADU, including existing conditions, chosen fixtures and finishes, and local code requirements.
ADU Single-family Homes rules
Yes, if it is a legal, permitted structure. However, it must meet current building and fire codes,
Yes, you can convert your basement to an ADU or a Junior ADU. Keep in mind that you must have finished ceiling heights of a minimum of either 7ft or 7.5 ft., depending on your local building codes.
You may have options but the first thing you should do is consult an attorney if it is tenant occupied. There is a path to legalizing such units, and our ADU Feasibility Study can outline how to proceed.
You may qualify for an amnesty program if such a program exists within your area. Our ADU Feasibility Study will address any changes you might need to make to the unit and give you a ballpark estimate for those changes.
A JADU is a unit up to 500 sq ft created within the existing walls of a single-family dwelling. JADUs can share bathing facilities with the primary dwelling, in which case the actual square footage of the unit can be as small as 150 sq.ft. With its own bathroom, the minimum size for a JADU is 220 sq.ft. JADUs also require owner occupancy of either the JADU or the primary dwelling.
Potentially you can add an ADU and a JADU, but there are significant restrictions, including requiring owner occupancy of the JADU or Primary dwelling.
Yes. Homeowner’s associations must allow ADUs and have a reasonable design review process.
Generally, state law allows for up to 1,200 sq. ft. However, depending on the number of bedrooms, and whether you are converting or building a standalone structure. There may be local limits and we can identify those for your particular property in an ADU Feasibility Study.
ADU Multi-family rules
Yes, you can add at least one ADU and possibly more depending on the number of existing units in your building. If you have space not currently used as livable space (such as storage, parking, etc.), you can add one conversion ADU in such space for every 4 existing units. Properties with fewer than 4 units can add one ADU. Furthermore, building up to 2 new detached ADUs is also an option. It may be possible to combine options, to get both the conversion and detached ADUs added to your lot. Our Multi-Family ADU Feasibility Study includes a site inspection and a report listing options, obstacles, and ballpark numbers for the various recommendations.
For buildings with three or more units, certain ADUs will be subject to accessibility requirements. This is one of the many things that will be uncovered during the feasibility study process.
All Properties
Impact fees are often charged by local jurisdictions to account for increased density and strain on infrastructure. An ADU of 749 sq. ft. or less is exempt, which can present substantial cost savings but square footage over that amount may be subject to your local impact fees.
Many older properties may need to upgrade utilities for more capacity. This is something we evaluate in our feasibility study.
Maybe. This is a complex situation that changes from area to area, but it is included in our ADU Feasibility study.
It depends. Some municipalities limit how much you can pass capital improvements through to the tenants. Our feasibility study includes a rough estimate of costs, income, and return on investment for the unit planned.
Adapt Dwellings specializes in ADUs, taking clients from concept to keys. We start every project with a Feasibility Study to help you understand your options and how easy or difficult building an ADU will be. It includes an on-site inspection by an International Code Council Certified Combination Inspector and a report on zoning, permit history, particular building issues, and a financial analysis.
For projects that look feasible, the next phase is having our in-house licensed architect prepare a detailed set of plans and complete your ADU application. We are not only experienced with ADU laws, but also with navigating local planning and building departments. We will work with you on a custom design you love and help walk it through the approval process and the construction.