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The addition of ADUs prior to 2017 were prohibitive and disproportionately expensive. Prior to 2017, many building dept’s reported single and double digit permits for ADUs. The first phase new ordinances went into effect in 2017. There was moderate pent-up demand. Today, San Diego reported 443 permits for 2019. Los Angeles county is in the thousands.
The newest ordinances that took effect in 2020 continues to remove more barriers and reduce costs. Never has been a better time to seriously consider an ADU.
These new ordinances plus financing is a significant enabler that puts the ability to build an ADU into many homeowners and buyers grasp. This is an exceptional time to empower many homeowners to take care of family, create income stream while contributing to housing shortage.
Once a commitment is made to build an ADU, getting started can be bewildering. Even trade professionals will find the process daunting.
Never the less, this all becomes more manageable once you break down into functional groupings. So lets review these functions.
Purpose
What is driving the interest in building an ADU? Are you taking care of family, creating income stream, retirement strategy or ? You should also consider short-term needs versus longer term. You may need to consider ADA or Age in Place living conditions
This an important first step as it determines general design needs # bedrooms, # bathrooms, single floor, indoor/outdoor designs etc. The more clarity and defined you are, the better your resources like contractors, architects can service you.
In reality, many of these next processes need to start initially in parallel.
Phase l (initial)
Contractor – get estimate pricing. Contractor will want to know square footage, # bedroom/ bathroom. They will also want to know quality of finishes.
Financing – Explore types of financing. Select a lender. See Financing.
Design – Research local building department for new ordinances for ADUs. Search & view plans. Review public pre-design plans to provide ideas. You will need to hire an architect.
Phase II
Design – Hire an architect to design plans. Consider and review existing pre-designed plans
Financing – Complete loan application
Contractor – Interview and select contractor.
Phase III
Design – Plans complete. Submit to building department.
Contractor – Search, research and hire a contractor.
New, Attached – Allows new addition up to 50% of square footage of existing dwelling, not greater than 1,200 sf.
New, Detached – Allows new addition up to 50% of square footage of existing dwelling, not greater than 1,200 sf.
Conversion, Unconditioned – Typically a garage conversion.
Conversion, Conditioned – Also known as a Junior ADU. Converting living area. Must have separate outside access and setback that complies with fire safety code. Up to 500 sf. Must have kitchen(ette) and direct access to the outside.
