The most common question we get as ADU professionals is: how much does it cost to build an ADU?
After a first consultation, the majority of those who are looking to develop an ADU are amazed at the actual costs. Often, actual ADU costs are not synced with what they have read online or with the information they have received from contractors.
To start with, it’s important to understand that developing an ADU is very much like developing a new house. Therefore, the process and costs associated with it are like those you face when developing a new home, with a few adjustments.
Table of Contents
- 4 Main ADU Development Costs
- ADU Design and Planning Costs
- City Fees Associated with ADUs
- ADU Construction Labor and Material Costs
- ADU Finish Materials Costs
- Type Of ADU Effects Costs
- Total ADU Costs
- Creating Your ADU Budget
- Don’t Forget About ADU Appliances and Furniture
4 Main ADU Development Costs
Before you even begin planning your ADU, you should be aware that developing an ADU has four main costs involved to it:
- Design and planning
- City fees
- Construction labor and material
- Finish materials
It is important to remember that these are just broad categories. Each category is broken down into more single items that add up to result in the total ADU cost of that category.
ADU Design and Planning Costs
There is a lot more that goes into design and planning than many people realize. For starters, you are going to have to work with a team of professionals in order to obtain all the different drawings and calculations that are needed. Just a few ADU costs associated with this category include:
- Architectural drawings
- Engineer calculations
- Energy calculations
- Land surveys
These costs will vary from person to person depending on your specific ADU requirements and needs. However, the average costs of ADU design and planning are between $6,000.00 to $14,000.00. Where you fall on this scale is completely dependent upon your design tastes and size requirements. Also, your ability to find ADU professionals that are willing to work with you, not just take your money.
Check out our ADU eCourse for a design and planning budgeting sheet to help you get an accurate idea of how much your ADU will cost.
City Fees Associated with ADUs
Every city you build an ADU in will require you to pay certain fees. These fees include things like:
- Plan check
- Impact fees – for certain sizes
- Utility fees
- Building permit
Fees will vary from city to city. However, most city fees are fixed costs and will vary based on the size and valuation of your ADU. The average total cost of city fees is between $3,000.00 to $11,000.00.
ADU Construction Labor and Material Costs
When it comes to ADU construction labor, contractor fees will vary greatly depending on who you hire. One thing you should always remember though is you should never hire the cheapest ADU contractor. They likely lack the experience and expertise you need and will likely hit you with hidden fees later on.
As for the ADU material costs, you will find that experienced contractors in your area will often have deals with local suppliers to help cut down on these costs for you. It is also worth noting that your designs and material choices will greatly impact the overall ADU cost of this category.
What Influences ADU Construction and Material Costs?
ADU construction and material overall cost will be mostly influenced by various parameters like:
- Design and plans
- Structure type
- Size
- Conditions of property
- Conditions of the existing structure (if it is a garage conversion)
- Distance and location of utility connections
- Cost of materials (rough and finish)
The larger the ADU, the more expensive it will be. However, the bigger the size of the ADU, the cheaper your costper square footwill be. For example, a detached 1,200 square foot unit is likely to be cheaperper square footthan a 400 square foot unit.
Although, if you plan on building a second story, it is going to be more expensive and can increase the ADU cost per square foot by up to 50%. Keep this in mind before deciding whether you need that second story.You can also check out our free ADU Guidebook for more information on contractors and construction.
Calculating Your ADU Construction Labor and Material Costs
On average the cost of building a conversion ADU is between $175.00-$225.00 per square foot. If you plan to build a new construction ADU, you can expect to pay anywhere between $250.00 to $300.00 per square foot for construction labor and material.
ADU Finish Materials Costs
Budgeting for your ADU finishing materials is key. They are what bring a decorative, nice look to your almost finished ADU. A few finish materials you will need include:
- Flooring
- Doors
- Windows
- Cabinetry
- Tile
- Stone
On average, finish materials will cost you anywhere from $50.00 to $75.00 per square foot.
You can learn more about budgeting for finish materials as well as the other aspects of each category in greater detail with this ADU Development eCourse:ADUeCourse. You will find countless helpful and in-depth videos with free bonus resources to help you with every step of the ADU building process.
Type Of ADU Effects Costs
The 2maintypes of ADU are new construction and garage conversions. In most cases, a garage conversion will be cheaper by 20%-25% compared to a similar size new ADU construction. This is mainly because of the use of existing foundation, framed walls, and roof. However, how much cheaper also depends on the condition of those elements. If they are in bad shape, they will need to be replaced, which will increase your ADU cost.
So, if your garage is in extremely poor condition, don’t expect the ADU costs to be significantly lower than building a new construction one. Our free ADU Guidebook can help you understand the different types of ADU’s and the costs associated with them.
Total ADU Costs
To sum it all up for you, here is what the total average cost of your ADU can be.
| Main Cost Category | Average Price Range |
| Design And Planning | $6,000 – $14,000 |
| City Fees | $3,000 – $11,000 |
| Construction Labor And Materials | $175 – $300 / Sqf |
| Finish Materials | $50 – $75/Sqf |
It is important to remember that ADU project costs are dependent on:
- Project size
- Various city fees applied
- Project location
- Design type
- Existing garage condition of framing and foundation
- The proximity of utility connections
- Owner selection of finish materials
Therefore, what you choose will make a big difference in what you pay.
You should also keep in mind that all these ADU costs are averages. When coming up with your budget, you should take care to do your research and get estimates for all the jobs that will need to be done to get your ADU developed.
Additionally, once you have your total budget, it’s generally a good idea to give yourself some wiggle room with a bit of extra money in case things end up costing more than you originally anticipated. The last thing you want is for your ADU development to be put on hold or stopped because you are under-budgeted for something and now do not have enough money to finish it.
Total ADU Cost Examples
Looking at the above example, it can be hard to figure out what your total ADU cost overall will be when looking at the construction labor, materials, and finish materials because they are based on per square foot.
To give you a better idea of what your total costs can be, we have two examples below of a new construction ADU (499 square feet) and a garage conversion ADU (2 car garage) with their total costs. That way you can get an idea of what each type is going to actually cost you.
| Main Cost Category | New Construction 499 SQ ft | 2 Car Garage Conversion |
| Design And Planning | $8,000-$9,000 | $6,000 – $7,000 |
| City Fees | $4,000-$5,000 | $3,000-$4,000 |
| Construction Labor & Materials | $124,750 – $149,700 | $63,000 – $81,000 |
| Finish Materials | $24,950 – $37,425 | $18,000 – 27,000 |
| Average Total Costs | $161,700 – $201,125 | $90,000 – 119,000 |
The new construction costs are based on a one-bedroom, one bathroom, 499 square foot ADU. ADU construction labor and materials are based on an average of $250-$300 per square foot.
For a 2-car garage conversion, ADU construction labor and materials will average around $175 – $225 per square foot. An average 2 car garage ranges from 300 square feet to 475 square feet. The above cost ranges reflect a 2-car garage that is 360 square feet.
ADU finish materials will still average around $50-$75 per square foot for both the new construction and the garage conversion. The above ADU costs reflect this.
It is important to remember that these are still just ADU cost estimates. The total cost of your ADU can vary greatly depending on your design and materials. But as you can see, garage conversions are often much more affordable than new construction ADUs.You can check out our free ADU Guidebook for more information on the different types of ADU’s and the costs associated with them.
ADU Size Matters
It is also important to note that the above new construction ADU is based on a 499 square foot example. An ADU is required to have a minimum living area of 150 square feet. Meaning new construction ADUs can be much cheaper than the above example. But they can also be much more expensive if they are the maximum 120 square feet.
Creating Your ADU Budget
Your costs will likely fall within the averages given above, but to get a better idea of your specific ADU costs, you can use ourADUCostCalculator. All you have to do is fill in information about your desired ADU and the calculator will give you an estimate right away of rough labor and materials.
You can also schedule afree consultationwith us to give you a clearer idea of what goes into developing an ADU and whether your contractor estimates present a full picture.
Always Start with A Budget
One of the biggestADU mistakesyou can make is not creating your budget early on. Creating a budget will help you determine which type of ADU will work best for you. For example, we laid out the average ADU costs of a garage conversion versus new construction. Seeing the difference between the two can sway you one way or the other based on your needs.
A budget will also help prevent you from requiring any unnecessary ADU costs throughout the project because you know you need to stick to what you have allocated to each category. It helps you develop your ADU without spending way more than you need to by getting caught up in add-ons later on that you don’t need.
You can download our ADU eCourse to gain access to helpful budgeting sheets for each step of ADU development.
Don’t Let Your Contractor Set Your Budget
Many people hire an ADU contractor as their first step to create a budget for them without any designs, plans, or engineering in place. Don’t do this. You will be relying on a contractor’s blind ADU estimates and allowing them full control over your project. You should be the one in control.
With a contractor in charge, you will have no way to properly check and balance your ADU development. This could result in major overspending.
Don’t Cut Out ADU Essentials to Save Money
Another key aspect of budgeting your ADU is knowing where you can and where you cannot cut expenses. You should never make the mistake of trying to cut expenses by:
- Not including a laundry area
- Removing windows
- Not planning for enough storage
- Hiring the cheapest contractor you can find
Living in a dark, small unit that has no storage or laundry appliances, is not an ideal situation for most people. Plus, hiring the cheapest ADU contractor often results in hidden fees later on or poor quality of work.
If you are looking to cut down on your ADU expenses, you can do so by:
- Opting for more affordable finish materials
- Cutting down on square footage
- Make it all-electric (no gas)
- Have only one plumbing wall
Cutting down on ADU expenses during the budgeting phase should only be done when it won’t affect the quality of life of the people living in the ADU.
Don’t Forget About ADU Appliances and Furniture
Just like when you build a new home, you need to think about how much it is going to cost to furnish your ADU. With a new home, it can be easy because you can take furniture and appliances from your current home without problems. However, an ADU is tight for space, so you need to invest in new appliances and furniture that can fit within the given space.
These compact ADU appliances are key to making the most of your given space, but you need to ensure you think about the costs associated with them. No one wants to live in an unfurnished ADU with no kitchen or water heating.
You can check out our ultimate guide toADU appliances and furniturefor ideas on what your ADU might need, and how much it is going to cost you.
Start Building Your ADU Today
Here at Levi Design Build, we can help you budget out your ADU to keep your ADU costs down. If you are struggling to budget your ADU yourself, you can trust us to help while still allowing you the ability to check and balance your ADU project. That is because we don’t tie the design phase team into the build phase team. We keep everything separate to allow you the most control over your finances.
You can trust us to help you properly budget out every aspect of your ADU development process and then help you complete those processes. We offer a personalized approach to designing, planning, managing, and consulting on building your ADU. We also provide a free ADU Guidebook and amazing eCourse to help ensure your ADU development goes smoothly.
It is our commitment to provide you with the highest service throughout the entirety of your project, including the budgeting phase and managing your ADU costs.
FAQs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in California 2022? ›
How much does an ADU cost in California? Overall, the cost of an ADU can range from $300,000 to more than $400,000, depending on how they're constructed and furnished. Most modestly-equipped ADUs in California cost around $275,000.
How much does it cost to build an ADU in California? ›The median statewide construction cost of an ADU is $150,000, or $250/square foot. A significant portion of ADUs (37%) cost less than $100,000 to build, and 71% of ADUs cost less than $200,000 to construct.
How much does an ADU permit cost in California? ›In Los Angeles, permit costs depend on the type of ADU and the value of its construction — but those permit costs can vary from $4,000 to well above $7,000. Thankfully, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety has a helpful tool you can use to calculate an approximate permit fee.
How much does it cost to build Adu in San Diego? ›How much does it cost to build an ADU in San Diego? As a good rule of thumb, figure on the ADU cost per square foot running $350-550 per square foot for your all-in cost to build a detached ADU, for units ranging from 500-1200 sqft.
How much equity does an Adu add? ›Appraisals can vary based on whether the ADU is viewed as additional living space or as a rental property. But broadly speaking, an ADU in California can realistically add $200,000-$500,000 to your property's value. And since detached ADUs cost around $200,000, that is an incredible return on your investment.
Is Prefab ADU cheaper? ›Prefab ADUs are a less-expensive option for a detached ADU, since there are no architect or design costs included. Less-expensive prefab dwelling units start at $25,000 - but keep in mind that estimate does not include construction costs or permitting costs, which can be quite high.
Is an Adu worth the investment? ›An ADU Will Add to the Value of Your Property
ADUs not only generate monthly income, but they also increase the resale value of your property! When done right, detached ADUs, in particular, have the potential to increase your property value by a whopping 20-30%.
In short, yes, an ADU can be two stories in many municipalities in greater San Diego! While California state law does not require that local jurisdictions allow two story ADUs, many cities – including San Diego, Oceanside, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido – allow ADUs to be two stories.
Is Solar required for Adu in California? ›And yes, this includes ADUs! California is the first state in the nation to require solar photovoltaic systems, with the goal of promoting sustainability, increasing energy efficiency, preserving environmental quality, and saving consumers money.
Does an ADU need a kitchen California? ›There are a number of rules and regulations governing accessory dwelling units in California. The ADU must contain a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, and environmental controls like heating and cooling. The ADU can share the waterline with the house, which makes it easier to build. And it will need a sewer line.
How long does it take to build an ADU in California? ›
If you're building an ADU in California, you'll also need to consider Title 24, which administers building energy efficiency standards. Construction permits take two weeks on average, and ADU construction usually takes two to four months.
How many bedrooms can an Adu have in California? ›Maximum Size Limits on ADUs
That maximum size should be no smaller than 1000 square feet for a 2+ bedroom ADU, and no smaller than 850 square feet otherwise. If your local law is more restrictive than that, you may have grounds to argue that it is unenforceable.
Whether you add it as a long-term or short-term rental, an ADU can be a very profitable option. While you can generate rental income with ADUs, if you decide to sell your home, this unit can make it easier to sell your property. Buyers can be highly motivated to purchase properties with an ADU.
How long does it take to build an ADU in San Diego? ›The entire process of designing, permitting, and building an ADU will take 8-12 months depending on complexity of your design, the city in which you are located, and your site conditions. Design is roughly 3-4 months, permitting 3-4 months, and build out is 3-4 months.
How long does it take to get a permit for an ADU in San Diego? ›Does San Diego require coastal development permits? Yes, accessory dwelling units developed within the coastal zone are subject to a coastal development permit (CDP). This process will typically take 9-12 months (the coastal review happens before the building department will even look at the submission).
What is the ROI on an Adu? ›To calculate the property's ROI: Divide the annual return by your down payment of $45,000 to determine ROI. ROI = $16,704 ÷ $45,000 = 0.371.
How does an ADU affect appraisal? ›In a market-based approach, your appraiser will determine the value of your ADU by comparing it to similar ADUs or mother in law suites in the area. The appraiser will first look at the square footage (plus or minus 20%), within a six-month timeline, in a one-mile radius around the property.
How does an ADU affect property taxes in California? ›How much does an ADU increase property taxes in California? Generally, property tax rates on ADUs are in the range of 1-1.5% on the build cost. So, for example, if the construction cost of your additional unit is $300K, you might expect to pay around $3,000 in additional taxes per year.
How can I save money by building Adu? ›- Don't use any tile. Tile is expensive because it's labor-intensive to install. ...
- Make your ADU all-electric. ...
- Design your layout with only one plumbing wall. ...
- Find a good location to run the sewer line. ...
- Don't install separate meters.
The term 'stick-built' refers to the traditional method of construction; building the entire structure on site from the foundation to the roof. In this case, the 'sticks' refer to the pieces of lumber used to frame the ADU structure.
Does ADUs increase property value? ›
ADUs give various financial benefits in addition to social ones. ADUs can improve the value of your home by up to 30%, depending on your property and location. In addition, according to one study, houses with ADUs improved their resale value by more than 50%.
Does an ADU count as square footage? ›Does an ADU count as square footage? Yes, an ADU does count as additional livable square footage to the property. However, the value of that square footage would depend on whether it's a detached ADU , an attached ADU , or conversion/modification of the existing space, i.e., garage conversion.
How is Adu value calculated? ›Value of ADU after compilation — To estimate the property's value increase after the construction of the ADU, we multiply the property's per-square-foot value by the total size of the addition, and calculate 70%-90% of this product.
What is the maximum size of an ADU in California? ›Maximum unit sizes, by ordinance, can exceed 1,200 square feet for ADUs. ADU law does not limit the authority of local agencies to adopt less restrictive requirements for the creation of ADUs (Gov. Code, § 65852.2, subd.
How close to the property line can I build an ADU? ›A detached ADU must be ten feet away from the main residence and five feet away from any property lines. Since the local authority has the power to relax or tighten the laws, it is good to check with their offices before starting construction.
Can an ADU be sold separately in California? ›Garage conversion laws in California make it easy to build an ADU! It should also be noted that you cannot sell a detached ADU separate from the main property. You can, of course, rent it out (more on that later).
Is California giving free solar panels? ›California does not have a free solar installation program. No state currently has such a program. Instead, California offers tax incentives and rebates to reduce the cost of installing solar panels. This makes it cheaper to buy solar panels and convert to solar energy than in some other states.
Does Adu need Title 24? ›Title 24 impacts your ADUs permit application. You will also need to include site plans, evaluations, design, and what is known as a Title 24 calculation. Title 24 is a state mandate that impacts your local permit office.
Can my HOA stop me from installing solar panels in California? ›In the state of California, the California Solar Rights Act prevents HOAs from limiting a person's ability to install solar panels. In other words, your HOA can not prevent you from installing a solar electric system on your property.
Can you have 2 ADUs in California? ›The new laws gave California homeowners more rights related to adding ADUs to their property, including the right to add two accessory dwellings. So for most homeowners, the answer is yes, you can add two ADUs.
Do you need a permit to build an ADU? ›
A building permit is required to convert attics, basements, or garages to living or habitable space. You also need a building permit to build a new ADU. Your project may also require electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits.
What is the new ADU law in California? ›New ADU funding laws effective January 1, 2021
The California Health and Safety Code (HSC), Section 65583(c)(7), requires that cities and counties develop a plan that incentivizes and promotes the creation of ADUs that can be offered at affordable rent for very-low to moderate-income households.
A new ADU, however, can take many forms. It can be attached to an existing home, attached to a garage in the rear of the lot, or detached completely. It can typically be one or two stories, with a maximum height of either 16′ or 25' (depending on location).
What are the setbacks for an ADU in Los Angeles? ›Conclusion. In recent years, the City of Los Angeles has eased rules regarding ADUs due to the lack of affordable housing in the area. California ADU laws have simplified setback rules, allowing for 4 foot rear and side-yard setbacks throughout the state.
How much is an ADU permit in Los Angeles? ›ADU permits typically costs between $1,800 and $8,000 in Los Angeles. This cost will very project by project and is determined by the estimated value of the construction being performed, and the number of square feet your project adds to the property.
Can ADUs be 2 stories? ›Browse accessory dwelling unit designs for two story guest houses with one to four bedrooms, the max that will fit in the 1200 sqft size limit for ADUs in California. We can also add a second story to any of our standard plans and adapt so that it works with your property constraints and design goals.
Can you rent out Adu in California? ›ADUs can typically be rented for periods of 30 or more days, per California state law and intended to encourage the use of ADUs as long term housing and not vacation rentals. A few municipalities have waived this requirement, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.
What is the difference between an addition and an ADU? ›Addition vs. ADU: What's The Difference? The fundamental difference between a home addition and an ADU is that ADUs are independent of the primary dwelling unit on a single-family property. Additions are rooms and other spaces that homeowners add onto the primary dwelling unit.
How much rent is an Adu in California? ›New ADU: $300-$400 per square foot. The bigger the ADU size, the lower the cost per square foot. ADUs over 1000sf could even cost less than $300/sf.
How much value does a granny flat add? ›How much value does a granny flat add to a property? According to the 2019 CoreLogic and Archistar report, adding a granny flat to your property can boost its value by up to 30%, as well as yield up to 27% more in rental income.
Does Fannie Mae allow Adu income? ›
Local ordinances usually require this as well. Fannie Mae allows for ADU rental income within their HomeReady mortgage program. This program also allows for a down payment as low as 3%, which makes it popular among borrowers.
How much does it cost to build an ADU in California 2022? ›How much does an ADU cost in California? Overall, the cost of an ADU can range from $300,000 to more than $400,000, depending on how they're constructed and furnished. Most modestly-equipped ADUs in California cost around $275,000.
How much does an ADU permit cost in San Diego? ›ADU fees will vary depending on the scope of work for your project. However, the average cost for permits when building a detached ADU can range from $6,000-$8,000. Accessory Dwelling Units are permitted when built at a single multifamily residence. However, multiple ADUs can be permitted at one multifamily complex.
How much does an ADU permit cost in California? ›In Los Angeles, permit costs depend on the type of ADU and the value of its construction — but those permit costs can vary from $4,000 to well above $7,000. Thankfully, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety has a helpful tool you can use to calculate an approximate permit fee.
How much does it cost to build Adu in San Diego County? ›How much does it cost to build an ADU in San Diego? As a good rule of thumb, figure on the ADU cost per square foot running $350-550 per square foot for your all-in cost to build a detached ADU, for units ranging from 500-1200 sqft.
Is an Adu worth the investment? ›An ADU Will Add to the Value of Your Property
ADUs not only generate monthly income, but they also increase the resale value of your property! When done right, detached ADUs, in particular, have the potential to increase your property value by a whopping 20-30%.
| Square Footage of Existing single-family residence (SFD) | Maximum Allowed Square Footage for Detached ADU | Maximum Allowed Square Footage for Attached ADU (up to 50% of SFD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2,000 sq. ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. | 1000 sq. ft. |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. |
| 4,500 sq. ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. | 1,200 sq. ft. |
An ADU Will Add to the Value of Your Property
ADUs not only generate monthly income, but they also increase the resale value of your property! When done right, detached ADUs, in particular, have the potential to increase your property value by a whopping 20-30%.
Although cities and counties are mandated to permit ADUs and JADUs, they are not required to adopt ADU and JADU ordinances. However, any city/county that does adopt an ADU ordinance, must submit the ordinance to HCD within 60 days.
Do ADUs in California need solar? ›And yes, this includes ADUs! California is the first state in the nation to require solar photovoltaic systems, with the goal of promoting sustainability, increasing energy efficiency, preserving environmental quality, and saving consumers money.
Can you build a 2 story Adu in California? ›
In short, yes, an ADU can be two stories in many municipalities in greater San Diego! While California state law does not require that local jurisdictions allow two story ADUs, many cities – including San Diego, Oceanside, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido – allow ADUs to be two stories.
What is the average ROI of Adu? ›According to this survey, unfortunately, the average ROI or resale value of an ADU is not encouraging, based on agent estimated costs and value estimates. Nationally, the average ROI is -15%, since the cost to build and the added value are disproportionate to each other.
How does an ADU affect appraisal? ›In a market-based approach, your appraiser will determine the value of your ADU by comparing it to similar ADUs or mother in law suites in the area. The appraiser will first look at the square footage (plus or minus 20%), within a six-month timeline, in a one-mile radius around the property.
How can I save money by building Adu? ›- Don't use any tile. Tile is expensive because it's labor-intensive to install. ...
- Make your ADU all-electric. ...
- Design your layout with only one plumbing wall. ...
- Find a good location to run the sewer line. ...
- Don't install separate meters.
Maximum Size Limits on ADUs
That maximum size should be no smaller than 1000 square feet for a 2+ bedroom ADU, and no smaller than 850 square feet otherwise. If your local law is more restrictive than that, you may have grounds to argue that it is unenforceable.
“The ordinance does not allow home-sharing in ADUs, because the city wanted to protect these long-term units – ensuring that they are not taken off the market and replaced as backyard hotels,” Keshishian added.
Are Adu profitable? ›Whether you add it as a long-term or short-term rental, an ADU can be a very profitable option. While you can generate rental income with ADUs, if you decide to sell your home, this unit can make it easier to sell your property. Buyers can be highly motivated to purchase properties with an ADU.
Can my HOA stop me from installing solar panels in California? ›In the state of California, the California Solar Rights Act prevents HOAs from limiting a person's ability to install solar panels. In other words, your HOA can not prevent you from installing a solar electric system on your property.
Does Adu need Title 24? ›Title 24 impacts your ADUs permit application. You will also need to include site plans, evaluations, design, and what is known as a Title 24 calculation. Title 24 is a state mandate that impacts your local permit office.
Is it legal to install your own solar panels in California? ›First off the good news, California does allow property owners to design and install their own solar systems on their own homes. The difficult part with this approach is that you have to know what you are doing and demonstrate your knowledge through accurate plan design and then proper electrical code installation.
Does an ADU count as square footage? ›
Does an ADU count as square footage? Yes, an ADU does count as additional livable square footage to the property. However, the value of that square footage would depend on whether it's a detached ADU , an attached ADU , or conversion/modification of the existing space, i.e., garage conversion.
What is the maximum size of an ADU in California? ›Maximum unit sizes, by ordinance, can exceed 1,200 square feet for ADUs. ADU law does not limit the authority of local agencies to adopt less restrictive requirements for the creation of ADUs (Gov. Code, § 65852.2, subd.
How close to the property line can I build an ADU? ›A detached ADU must be ten feet away from the main residence and five feet away from any property lines. Since the local authority has the power to relax or tighten the laws, it is good to check with their offices before starting construction.