FAQs

State regulations allow for the construction of an ADU on any property designated as single or multi-family, regardless of its location, homeowners’ association rules, or other local guidelines, provided there’s sufficient space available.

Typically, ADUs are positioned in the backyard, but they can also be placed in the side yard if there’s ample space, considering setback requirements, local codes, and any specific easements on your property.

Our on-site, block-built ADUs offer extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor our base models or design a completely unique ADU from the ground up.

Whether it’s tweaking the layout, adjusting room dimensions, selecting kitchen fixtures, or making aesthetic modifications, we’re here to help you craft the perfect space you’ve envisioned.

Here are some of the customizable features we offer:

• Choice of exterior paint color
• A variety of external finishing materials, including those to match your main residence
• A wide range of interior finishes, including flooring, tiles, countertops, and appliances
• Selection of paint colors for interior walls
• Various shower features, including different types of shower bases and door designs
• Multiple kitchen options, from the style of the sink and countertops to the color of the cabinets

Every detail on this list, plus many others, can be personalized for your new ADU.

There are a ton of financing options available for ADUs and our in-house financing department can help you find the best loans for your desired terms and cur

For those considering adding an ADU to their property, there are numerous financing avenues to explore:

• Home Equity Loans: These allow you to leverage the value of your home by borrowing against the equity you’ve built up.

• Home Improvement Loans: Tailored for renovations and additions like ADUs, these loans are designed to fund your home improvement efforts.

• FHA 203(k) Loans: Aimed at financing both the purchase (or refinancing) of a home and the cost of its rehabilitation through a single mortgage or to finance the rehabilitation of their existing home.

• Personal Loans: Flexible loans that can be applied towards various projects, including the construction of an ADU.

• Construction Loans: These are specific loans used to cover the costs of constructing a new structure, such as an ADU.

• Private Financing: This could come from investors or through crowdfunding platforms, depending on your network and resources.

• Government Grants or Incentives: Some regions offer financial support for building ADUs to encourage development and increase housing stock.

• Rent-to-Own: Certain companies that build ADUs might provide a rent-to-own scheme, where your rental payments also go towards eventually owning the unit.

The most common type of financing for an ADU project right now is either a cash-out refinance or a Home Equity Line Of Credit (HELOC) but there are a number of other options available as well including renovation and personal loans.

Feel free to reach out to us today to learn more about financing and get connected with our financing team!

Indeed, we provide shell or unfinished versions of our ADUs for those who prefer to take a more hands-on approach to the interior finishing.

With our shell model ADUs, we manage the entire process up to a certain point, completing the exterior and all the necessary structural work. This includes rough-in plumbing, electrical wiring, and the framing.

The interior, however, is left to you. You can finish it at your own pace, using your preferred materials and contractors. This option is especially cost-effective, with the shell model ADU costing around 60% of what a fully finished unit would.

Our ADUs are constructed on-site, which effectively resolves most access issues that could potentially hinder the building of an ADU on your property!

Moreover, we are confident that stick-built ADUs provide superior quality and add more value to your home. This approach often results in a superior final product and greater value for your investment, as stick-built structures typically appraise higher than their prefabricated or manufactured counterparts.

If you have any inquiries about our building process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Our standard practice is to construct ADUs on a permanent slab foundation, providing a stable and durable base for your unit. However, we also offer the flexibility to build on raised foundations if that better suits your property or preferences.

As of the latest information available, homes on wheels are not generally classified as ADUs and cannot be permitted on your property in most areas, except for a few specific locations where local regulations may permit them.

For detailed information about foundation options or regulations concerning homes on wheels, feel free to contact us.

State law sets the maximum size for an ADU at 1,000 square feet, but local city or county ordinances may modify this limitation. Depending on where you live, you might be required to build a smaller unit, or you could potentially exceed the 1,000-square-foot size cap.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on ADU size restrictions and other regulations applicable to your specific area, you should contact your local planning department. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us for further guidance and assistance with understanding the regulations and planning your ADU project.

Certainly! You can definitely use your own or pre-approved plans for building an ADU. Just share them with us, and we’ll get started.

The construction timeline for a new ADU typically ranges from 7 to 10 months, covering design, engineering, permitting, and the actual build. Permitting can be the most unpredictable part of the process, so the quicker we secure permits, the faster we can complete your ADU.

Permit and hookup fees can vary widely based on factors like unit size, location, trenching distance, and utility upgrades needed. For an accurate estimate, schedule a Property Analysis & Estimate so one of our Certified ADU Experts can assess your specific situation.

Our pricing is comprehensive, covering foundation work, construction, finishes, design and engineering, and permit submittal, among other things. The only expenses not included are the permit fees from the city or county and hookup fees. During our FREE Property Analysis & Estimate, we’ll assess your property to determine the hookup path and include those fees in your estimate as well.

ADUs can be versatile in their configuration:

• Attached ADUs connect directly to your primary home, essentially functioning as an extension of your existing living space.

• Garage Conversions can transform an attached garage into a self-contained living area.

• Junior ADUs (JADUs) involve converting a part of your existing home, such as a bedroom, into a smaller, independent living unit.

Each type offers different benefits and may be subject to varying regulations, so it’s important to check local zoning laws.

Absolutely, you can convert your garage into an ADU as long as it meets state requirements:

• A minimum of 150 sq.ft in size
• Includes a kitchen
• Has a bathroom

For more details and a free estimate on your garage conversion, don’t hesitate to give us a call.