#1 ADU Builders
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Subsidary Company of Golden
State Design & Engineering

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    About ADUs

    Questionnaire

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What are ADUs?
      An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is another home on your property. As the illustrations below show, it can take many forms – a separate small home, an apartment over a garage, or in a basement. It can be created by remodeling your existing home and garage or making additions to it, or it can be a separate building.
    • What is the maximum size Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) I can build on my property?
      The general guideline is 1200 square feet, but this can vary based on city regulations and other constraints, such as the size of the primary dwelling, setbacks & etc. (For example: Proposed ADU is limited to be max. 50% of primary dwelling square footage). Contact one of our ADU specialists today to schedule a site walkthrough.
    • Can my ADU have a garage attached to it?
      Yes, you can build a garage attached to your proposed ADU. The size of the garage may vary depending on city regulations, but generally, the rule is that the garage should be 50% or less of the proposed ADU's living area. Do you help with permit submittal coordination?
    • How Long does it take to build an ADU?
      Depending on the size it typically takes 3-5 months for your permit’s plans and Design and 3-4 months for construction.
    • How can I reduce my permitting/Impact fee & save thousands of dollars?
      These fees are based on the valuation of your overall project and includes fees for inspections and development impacts, such as schools and parks. Per State law, if the ADU is equal to or less than 749 square feet, the development impact fees are waived.
    • What are the benefits of build/owning an ADU?
      Learn from real homeowners like yourself who have decided to build an ADU. Link:

    • What are others in California saying about ADUs?
      Hear from local homeowners about how they started planning for their ADUs.

    • Do you provide post project support or maintenance services?
      Yes, we offer post-project support and maintenance services through our construction administration service. Each one of our project come with a 10 year structural integrity warrant and a 1 year fit and finish warranty.
    • Can you provide references or testimonials?
      Certainly! We can provide you with references or testimonials from our satisfied clients who have experienced our services firsthand. These testimonials will give you insights into their experiences and the level of satisfaction they received. Feel free to reach out, and we'll be more than happy to share the testimonials with you. Additionally, we offer previous project walk through and access to all our client review via google.
    • How do I start my ADU project with Golden State ADUs?
      All our project starts with a simple inquired and a 1 hour “initial Project walkthrough meeting” See our process page for more information.
    • What services do we offer for ADUs?
      With our in house parent company Golden State Design & Engineering company we are able to offer full service Design, Permitting and Construction of you Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
    • Can I rent my own ADU?
      Yes, you can rent out your ADU in California. State laws generally allow homeowners to rent their ADUs, either as long-term rentals or short-term rentals, depending on local regulations. Some cities may have specific requirements or restrictions, such as a minimum lease term or registration for short-term rentals. Always check with your local planning department to understand the specific rules and guidelines for renting out your ADU.
    • Are there any financing options available for building an ADU?
      Yes, there are several financing options available for building an ADU. Homeowners can explore options such as home equity loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), cash-out refinancing, and renovation loans. Additionally, some local governments offer incentives or grants for ADU construction. It's advisable to consult with a financial advisor to determine the best financing option for your situation.
    • Are there specific setback required for building ADUs?
      Yes, there are specific setback requirements for building an ADU, which can vary by locality. Typically, ADUs must comply with rear and side yard setbacks, which are often reduced compared to those for the primary residence. For example, some jurisdictions allow a minimum setback of 4 feet from the side and rear property lines. Always verify the specific setback requirements with your local planning department.
    • Can I build an ADU on a property with a Homeowners association (HOA)?
      Whether you can build an ADU on a property governed by an HOA depends on the HOA's rules and regulations. While California state law supports the construction of ADUs, HOAs may have specific restrictions or requirements. It's essential to review your HOA's covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) and obtain approval from the HOA before proceeding.
    • Can I build multiple ADUs on my property?
      In California, state law allows for one ADU and one Junior ADU (JADU) per single-family lot, provided certain conditions are met. The regulations for multiple ADUs on multi-family properties can vary, often allowing for at least two detached ADUs and additional conversions of existing non-livable spaces, such as storage rooms. Always verify with local regulations to understand what is permissible on your property.
    • Can I sell my ADU separately from my primary residence?
      Generally, an ADU cannot be sold separately from the primary residence because it is considered part of the same property. However, there are some exceptions in specific cases where an ADU can be sold as a separate property if the local jurisdiction allows for separate ownership, often through a condominium conversion process. Always check with local regulations and consult with a real estate professional. Note: not all county’s/cities have adopted the SB 36 bill yet, these conditions my vary depending on location.
    • What are the benefits of build/owning an ADU?
      Learn from real homeowners like yourself who have decided to build an ADU. Link:

    About ADUs

    What Client Says

    VlaDi P.
    VlaDi P.
    2024-06-19
    Very detail oriented group of guys designing and engineering homes. Had my addition and an ADU as well as my customers projects engineered by Golden State Design & Engineering, great experience.
    Semir Avdic
    Semir Avdic
    2024-05-18
    Golden state design did the design and engineering for my custom home. From the start William and his team were beyond helpful. The plans were well thought out and easy to read. Throughout the project any questions I had, William made himself available to answer very promptly. In addition to this, Golden State took on several other projects for us, and the results were just as great. William prepared all of the paperwork, filed with the county and did any revisions the county needed. I am beyond happy with their service and would recommend them to anyone. I will be doing an ADU in the near future and I can’t wait to see what golden state design can help us come up with.
    Angel Raya Soto
    Angel Raya Soto
    2024-05-03
    Golden State Design and Engineering did a great job with the design and with the permit process for my ADU, I highly recommend this firm, very knowledgeable!
    Ilia Gotisan
    Ilia Gotisan
    2023-10-26
    It was an absolute great pleasure working with Golden State Design & Engineering on our custom home. Even though we were working in different states, their professionalism, quick responsiveness, and attention to every detail exceeded my expectations. William and his team took their quality time and effort to bring all of our dream home expectations into reality. Their envision is highly unique and impressive. Thank you to the Golden State Design & Engineering team for your service.
    Nicholas Beliy
    Nicholas Beliy
    2023-07-18
    Recently had the pleasure of working with Golden State on a restoration project, and I must say, they surpassed all my expectations. We hired them to handle the design, drafting, engineering, and permit acquisition, and their expertise and professionalism were truly outstanding. From the moment we brought Golden State on board, it was clear that we had made the right choice. Their team, led by William, displayed an impressive level of knowledge and skill throughout the entire project. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence were evident in every aspect of their work. They took the time to understand the unique requirements of the restoration project and delivered a design that perfectly balanced modern functionality with the preservation of historical elements. Their ability to capture the vision of the project and translate it into a comprehensive plan set was truly impressive. They paid meticulous attention to every detail, ensuring that all specifications were accurately represented in the drawings. As well as addressing the structural challenges. One of the greatest advantages of working with Golden State was their ability to handle the often time-consuming and frustrating process of obtaining permits. They took charge of the permit acquisition process, liaising with the necessary authorities and ensuring that all documentation was submitted promptly and accurately. This saved us a significant amount of time and allowed us to focus on other aspects of the project. Throughout the project, William and Yasir were reliable and responsive points of contact. They maintained open lines of communication, keeping us informed of progress, addressing any concerns promptly, and providing valuable guidance and expert advice when needed. Their professionalism and dedication to client satisfaction were truly commendable. Thank you, Golden State Design and Engineering Firm, for your exceptional services!
    Jing Zhou
    Jing Zhou
    2023-07-15
    I hired William to design my ADU for me! They are very responsive and efficient! After we got the permit from the county, they are still willing to follow up if I need to make some changes to the permitted plans. And when my contractors have questions about the plans, they are willing to spend the time to discuss with my contractors. I really appreciate their help!!!
    stepan gorodnyy
    stepan gorodnyy
    2023-07-07
    I had the most incredible experience working with William and his team at (Golden State Design & Engineering), on our custom home. From their responsiveness and professional approach to their design and engineering skills, every aspect of the process exceeded my expectations. Their team's understanding and kindness made the collaboration smooth and enjoyable. There informative guidance and attention to detail truly set them apart, and I most definitely would recommend their services to anyone in need of residential design and engineering expertise.
    Alek Davis
    Alek Davis
    2023-04-23
    William built an ADU in my backyard. He handled everything from planning and getting permits to construction (only the original home plan was my idea). Some jobs (foundation, roof, HVAC, electrical, stucco, etc.) were done by subcontractors, but William was closely monitoring the work during all phases and his team did a lot of hands on jobs (site preparation, framing, insulation, interior, cabinets, painting, etc.) as well. In a few instances, William came up with the solutions that saved me thousands (he figured out how to set up electrical without having to add a new panel, chose the optimal option for solar, etc.). I'm very happy with the end result and would not hesitate to recommend William and his company for any type of construction or remodeling jobs.
    Elite Auto Imports Inc.
    Elite Auto Imports Inc.
    2022-10-29
    William was easy to work with. He knows his trade well. Till next project guys! Thanks again.
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