ADU Design in Santa Rosa: How to Make the Most of a Smaller Space
And How We Embrace the Magic of ‘Less is More’
Ever since legislative reforms in California in 2016 to reduce barriers for ADU construction (in addition to an ADU grant program), California has been leading the demand in the US for ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units). ADU’s account for around 20% of all new California housing permits. Whether you intend to provide a home for a loved one, or want to generate rental income, Affordable Drafting Services can design plans for an ADU that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.Our Portfolio shows you what’s possible. The tips below describe the path to successful ADU design.
In this post, we will cover these main points:
- What is an ADU?
- Common Types of ADU’s
- Why “Less is More” Matters in ADU Design
- Local Codes, Zoning, and Permit Requirements
- Infrastructure and Hidden Costs to Consider
- Confirming Whether Your Property Is Eligible for an ADU
- The Financial Benefits of Building an ADU
- How Long Does an ADU Project Take?
- How Affordable Drafting Services Helps Bring ADU Plans Together
ADUs. What It is and Your Options.
-
What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit, commonly known as an ADU, is an independent living space on the same lot as the primary residential home. ADU homes are smaller, standalone dwelling spaces that provide a variety of solutions such as a backyard cottage, garage conversion or an ADU apartment such as a granny flat. In order to be classified as an ADU, ADU requirements are: they provide living, sleeping, cooking or a bathroom facility and are entirely private of the main residence.
2. Common Types of ADU’s
While there are virtually unlimited design possibilities, there are four basic types to consider as you get started with ADU plans:
- Detached ADUs: Free-standing structures and often built in backyards.
Detached ADUs offer the most privacy and return on investment but may
require higher upfront costs for new foundations and utility connections. - Attached ADUs: These units are built as an extension of the existing home.
They are typically more cost-effective than detached units as they can share
existing walls and utility lines and greatly reduce upfront costs. - Garage Conversions: Many homeowners choose to repurpose an existing
attached or detached garage into a living space. As this popular option uses
an existing structural shell, it is a truly budget-friendly approach. - Junior ADUs (JADUs): Contained within the footprint of an existing single-
family residence, these are smaller units, up to 500 square feet. A Junior
ADU sometimes shares sanitation facilities with the main house.
3. What We Mean By ‘Less is More’.
Our ADU designs here at Affordable Drafting Services combine optimal space utilization, livability and maximum bang for the buck. ADUs have strict square footage limitations of up to 800 square feet. We won’t cram too many bedrooms or baths in too small a space, instead we creatively work within the space.
Based in Santa Rosa, our ADU plans for California clients are a result of proactively listening to the client while bringing our practical experience to the table so that ADU building plans actually deliver in the real world. Less truly is more.
4. Local Codes and State Mandates.
ADUs are governed by state codes but your city may have its own size limitations, fire codes, height restrictions and more. California’s streamlined process doesn’t exempt you from local regulations. ADS knowledge of local building and zoning codes is unequalled.
The typical ADU size in California is typically 600 to 800 square feet, while in contrast, other states like Texas don’t have a statewide ADU policy and state ADU requirements are instead up to individual cities and counties.
5. Infrastructure and Hidden Costs.
There are many additional costs include critical considerations when you want to add on an ADU unit. Important questions to solve for ADU housing are: how you’ll bring plumbing and electricity to the building, a driveway leading to it, and possible structural upgrades to older homes.
Unless any and allquestions like these are solved in the initial plans for an ADU, you can easily see ADU building costs go up. ADS designs around all of these requirements for practical ADUs of the highest quality.
6. Verification of Property Eligibility.
We advise first confirming your ADU design can be permitted and built. State law allows everyone ADUs but in some cases they may be prohibited by septic systems in rural areas that can’t be expanded, water restrictions if you aren’t connected to public water, HOA’s and more.
You always want to be on the right side of ADU zoning requirements in your area, so make it priority #1 to see if your property is eligible.
7. Proven Financial Benefits of ADUs.
According to real estate data, adding an ADU is a shrewd investment for homeowners. Beyond substantial passive income from rental ROI of 8-12%, overall property value can increase 20-35% and appreciates much faster than single-family homes without an ADU.
Adding an ADU to your home is a win-win: you’re able to enjoy the ADU benefits when you have one on your property and if you ever move, you will be able to list your property at a higher value.
8. Prepare For a Realistic Timeline.
It’s a complicated process with many moving parts and seasonal considerations so avoid unrealistic expectations. Months not weeks, even up to a year to design, get permitted and built. But relax, ADS expertly navigates the complexities to bring your ADU vision to life.
9. ADS Puts Everything All Together
The oldest not-so-funny construction joke? Construction always takes longer and costs more. Our smart, proactive approach mitigates much of that. The secret to a happy ending is knowing what to expect, proper planning and an accessible, collaborative design partner.
Ready to Start Planning your ADU?
In this post, we covered these nine points:
- What is an ADU?
- Common Types of ADU’s
- Why “Less is More” Matters in ADU Design
- Local Codes, Zoning, and Permit Requirements
- Infrastructure and Hidden Costs to Consider
- Confirming Whether Your Property Is Eligible for an ADU
- The Financial Benefits of Building an ADU
- How Long Does an ADU Project Take?
- How Affordable Drafting Services Helps Bring ADU Plans Together
Interested in building an ADU on your property for your family or interested in adding an ADU for ADU rental income? Our team, based in Santa Rosa, California, can help you navigate through the entire process, from ideas to smart planning, to quality, permit-ready ADU plans.
Tony
YOUR DREAMS, OUR PLANS.
Get the Conversation Started!