An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a residential structure that is an addition to an existing single-family home. ADUs are sometimes called granny flats, in-law suites, or backyards homes.
There are many reasons why people may want to build an ADU. Some people might want to have a space for their aging parents or in-laws; some might need more living space for their growing family; others might want to be able to rent out part of their home if they’re going away for work or school.
ADU Regulation in California
The State of California updated the standard for Accessory Dwelling Units in January of 2017 and again in 2020. The new law allows more flexibility to construct ADUs on single-family and multifamily properties. Many cities have passed their own ordinances that conform to state law. State law applies to those jurisdictions without an updated ADU ordinance, including Los Angeles.
Types of ADU
Detached ADU
Detached ADUs are backyard units detached from any structure on a property. This type of ADU is great for maintaining privacy for a renter or maintaining an independent lifestyle for families living together on a property.
Attached ADU
Attached ADUs are in-law units or rental units attached to the main house or another structure. Mostly, homeowners seeking Attached ADUs do so to maximize their lot coverage by eliminating any setback between the unit and the main house.
Conversion ADU (Garage Conversion / Interior Conversion)
Conversion ADUs are ADUs built into the existing house structure to become an ADU. Options could be converting a garage, basement, attic, or even a spare bedroom into an extra unit for rent. These are usually very cost-efficient ways of adding ADU space to your home
What is an ADU?
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a single legal residential unit that is added to a lot with existing or proposed housing. The unit can be realized through ground-up construction, a garage conversion, an addition to the garage, an addition to the primary residence, or a conversion of part of the existing residence.
An ADU is a detached accessory dwelling unit. It’s a separate living space that is contained in a single-family home. This living space has its own kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. They are often used to house extended family members or as a rental property.
How Much Time and Money You Can Save with an ADU?
In this section, I will be discussing how much money and time you can save by owning an ADU.
In Los Angeles, there are about 2.5 million ADUs, which is about 25% of the total housing units in the area. ADUs are becoming more popular because they provide affordable housing options and allow homeowners to generate extra income on their property without having to build out any additional space.
The benefits of owning an ADU are many: you can save on rent payments, have more space for guests, and live in your own home while renting out your ADU to generate income.
How to Get Started with an Accessory Dwelling Unit
There are several routes to get started with your ADU project. With YDS, it’s easy as 1-2-3
- Answer a few quick questions about your property and dream build. You will then remotely meet with a YDS architect to share your vision for the project.
- After signing an agreement, our Architect will visit your home and present a detailed report on design plans and specifications, requirements, and the project costs.
- YDS will proactively work with the city to secure all necessary permits. Once approved, the ADU project will now be endorsed to our onsite team, and proceed with the construction.
How can YDS help
We are an architectural design company based in Los Angeles, California. The company’s signature expertise is in Distinct Design Aesthetics, focusing on minimalism, sustainability, and holistic design techniques that mix high-quality traditional and smart materials.
Our mission is to provide client-focused service through responsible architectural design practice and to create unique and innovative design solutions that respond to each client’s aesthetic and budgetary needs. We offer a variety of architectural design services to homeowners focusing on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), landscape architecture, and house remodels.
The Pros and Cons of Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit
Pros:
- The ADU can be a good source of income for homeowners.
- ADUs are often located on the property of an existing residence, so the homeowner can still live in the home and have an ADU.
- In many cases, this type of housing is less expensive to build than a new single-family home.
- The homeowner may be able to take advantage of lower property taxes because they are building on their own land.
- The ADU can provide a rental unit for family members or friends who need extra space or live too far away to commute back and forth every day.
Cons:
- ADUs do not provide as much privacy as a standalone house would.
- If the homeowner decides to sell their property, they will have two.
Let’s get to work!
If you like the idea of having more living space or earning passive income, connect with us.
We’ll work with you from ideation and feasibility to design and permit an ADU that matches your needs.
Turn your property into a passive income generator. Contact us at (626) 660-0206 or email us at [email protected] today.
