FAQs

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.

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?

Depending on the size it typically takes 3-5 months for your permit’s plans and Design and 3-4 months for construction.

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.

Learn from real homeowners like yourself who have decided to build an ADU. Link:

Hear from local homeowners about how they started planning for their ADUs.

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.

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.

All our project starts with a simple inquired and a 1 hour “initial Project walkthrough meeting” See our process page for more information.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Learn from real homeowners like yourself who have decided to build an ADU. Link: