Requirements & Cost Considerations
Make sure you understand the benefits of your investment
Basic Requirements for an ADU
Accessory Dwelling Units come in a variety of shapes and sizes that can quickly and easily add tremendous value of your property. Here are the basic requirements in order to qualify to add an ADU to your home:
- Your property must be located in a single-family residential zone.
- Any lot in these zones, regardless of size, can add an ADU.
- The lot must have an existing house and only one ADU is permitted.
- The ADU must also meet construction and site requirements.
You may also be required to have additional parking unless:
- The property is located within a half mile of public transportation
- The property is part of an existing primary residence
- The property is part of an existing accessory structure.
- There may also be an exception where on-street parking permits may be required but not offered to occupants of the ADU, or there is a car-share vehicle located within one block of the ADU.
Want a comprehensive guide to ADU’s? Click below for the California ADU Guidebook created by UCLA.
Why ADU: An Estimate of Costs & Considerations
With a garage, you already have a structure and a foundation (in most cases). Therefore, the cost of creating an ADU out of your garage is far lower than the construction that starts with only the land.
In Los Angeles, the average price to do a garage conversion is about $70 per square foot (versus the average for residential construction of $200 per square foot). Just in the value added to your property you come out way ahead! For Example, at $70 per square foot for the conversion of a 400 square foot garage, it will cost a total of $28,000, versus the $198,000 you’ve added in value. That means you’re $170,000 ahead!
In January of 2017 a new state law (AB 2299) took effect in California that encourages homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to help people stay in their homes and provide them with additional means of income.
Most homeowners can finance their conversion with a simple home equity loan. At ADU Garage Experts, we are happy to discuss your financing options with you.
Our Info & Estimates for a Detached ADU
One of the most common ADU’s are what some refer to as a guest house, which is a separate dwelling that has been constructed on the property that often times has its own entry and exit.
Ideal for Properties That:
- Have a deep lot
- Back up to an alley for a separate private entrance
- Are in a neighborhood with high rents
- Have a detached garage that can be converted
- The lot is flat
Estimated Timelines & Costs for Conversions: ~ $200/sq. ft. | 9-12 months
Our Info & Estimates for a Converted ADU
Another type of ADU is a garage conversion, which basically means that the garage, or maybe above the garage, has been converted into a livable space.
Ideal for Properties That:
- Have a driveway
- Are in a neighborhood with high rents
- Have a detached garage that can be converted
- Back up to an alley for a separate private entrance
Estimated Timelines & Costs for Conversions: ~ $100-$150/sq. ft. | 4-6 months
Our Info & Estimates for an Attached ADU
The third type of ADU is where part of the existing dwelling is converted into a separate living space, with a separate entry etc. This can be done by adding on an addition, or by converting up to 50% of the primary dwelling space to be its own separate unit.
Ideal for Properties That:
- Are in a neighborhood with high rents
- Have a driveway
- Have a large lot and layout that could support two separate yards
Estimated Timelines & Costs for Conversions: ~ $200/sq. ft. | 9-12 months
Find out today if your property qualifies for an ADU and get more details about the process of converting a portion of your property to an ADU.