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Get an assessment today and take the first step towards enjoying the many benefits of having an accessory dwelling unit on your property.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a residential structure used in connection with, or accessory to, a single-family dwelling. These homes, sometimes referred to as “mother-in-law apartments” or “granny flats”, are smaller than the primary dwelling but serve as complete independent living units with kitchens, bathrooms and sleeping areas. An ADU may be located within, attached to or detached from the primary dwelling.

The state of California recognizes ADUs as one of the strategies needed to tackle the housing crisis. However, even with state legislation removing policy barriers to ADU development, there are still many challenges homeowners face in the planning, permitting, and building stages of an ADU. Ohana Builders is here to support you in every step of the way.

Read the California Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook

What are different types of ADUs?

ADUs are second units that are built on the same lot as a single-family home. ADUs can be built as an attachment to an existing home or garage, a conversion of a garage or existing structure, a detached unit, or can exist entirely within the primary home. ADUs can be a source of additional income for homeowners as well as provide an affordable and convenient place to live for residents.

ADUs can be built through Basement Conversion, Garage Conversion, and Detached or Attached new construction.

What are Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs)?

A JADU is a second unit that is within an existing single-family residence and is limited to 500 sq. ft. A JADU does not need to have a full kitchen, but must have an “efficiency kitchen” and may include either separate sanitation facilities or share sanitation facilities with the existing residence. A JADU must be constructed from an existing bedroom and include a separate entrance from the main entrance to the JADU.

What are the benefits of having an ADU on your lot?

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are efficiency or 1-bedroom apartments located within or on the same property as a single-family, owner-occupied home. ADUs are often located above a garage, in a basement, or as a backyard cottage, and have been utilized widely in cities across the US and as a tool for older adults to remain in their homes as they age, to create housing for an elder or a dependent, and provide homeowners with a way to offset housing costs.

  • ADUs 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 can provide a source of income for homeowners.
  • ADUs are built with cost-effective wood frame construction, which is significantly less costly than homes in new multifamily infill buildings.
  • ADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy.
  • ADUs 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 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.

Read the California Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook

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