Introduction to ADUs

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) have become increasingly popular in both suburban and rural areas. They are often used to maximize your space and add a unique touch to the property. Many homeowners have become curious about the appeal of ADUs due to the increase in their demand. Read on to learn about ADUs, their benefits, and more.

What’s an ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit is an additional building on the same property as an existing home. Simply put, they’re secondary homes that are often big enough to house a single family. They are primarily composed of the basic units of a house: one to two bedrooms, a kitchen, bathrooms, and a living area. They can be used for many purposes, but many homeowners take advantage of ADUs by turning them into a guest house or additional storage space for their items.

The Sterling-Watson Collective offers high-quality ADU Construction and room additions in Calabasas. Feel free to browse our website for more information.

Different types of ADUs

Detached ADU

These are separate infrastructures built on the same lot or property. Detached ADUs usually come in the form of backyard cottages, which offer enhanced privacy and space compared to sharing a living area in the main home. These are mostly used as a rental space or as a guest house for small families; it’s essentially a smaller house next to your home. There are separate entrances, utilities, and areas for tenants to occupy and use.

Attached ADU

As the name suggests, an attached ADU is an independent structure connected to the main house. There isn’t as much privacy with this type of ADU when compared to the detached variant, but investing in soundproofing and a firewall makes it feel more like an independent living space than an extension.

Conversion ADU

Conversion ADUs are often sourced from existing rooms in the household that were renovated to accommodate an additional area. One example is the attic or basement. Since this involves expanding the space of an existing area, it costs considerably less compared to Detached and Attached ADUs. This could also be used as a rental space or a guest area.

Benefits of ADUs

Serves as a Business Opportunity

Using your room additions in Calabasas as a bedroom or housing area for rent can generate additional funds for your budget. It still depends on how the ADU is built, but most of them are big enough to contain the basic utilities and spaces of a home, such as a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. ADUs also provide privacy for a tenant despite being so close to the main household.

Saves Money on Lodging

ADUs are quite useful when relatives come to visit, especially for big events like a family reunion or barbecue. Instead of being cramped inside one house, ADUs provide your guests with their own temporary living area. This saves time and enhances enjoyment since it eliminates the stress of having to share utilities like the bathroom and the bedroom, allowing everyone to bond with no worries.

Keeps Family Close

ADUs are a great option for family members who want a taste of independence without straying too far from their loved ones. These secondary homes can host young adults who are attending college and want a space of their own. They are also great for keeping an eye on elderly parents. It opens opportunities for bonding without invading their privacy or personal space.

Increased Home Value

As mentioned before, ADUs are steadily growing in demand and popularity. Many homeowners are willing to expand their budget to purchase a property with an ADU since it offers more space, privacy, and flexibility compared to a standard home.

Regulations for Room Additions in Calabasas

There are a series of requirements and standards with ADU construction Calabasas. First, homeowners must comply with the Eligibility Checklist provided by the city’s regulation committee. From there, they must apply for a zoning ticket from the city’s Planning Division and submit their plans to the Building & Safety department. A total of three sets of construction plans must be provided, and additional documents may be requested during the process.

ADUs must be a separate address from the main household. The secondary address will be identical to the primary household, with an additional B at the end of the address. For more detailed information about the requirements and regulations for ADUs in Calabasas, visit the city’s website.

Experienced ADU Construction Experts in Calabasas

If you’re looking to extend your home with an ADU then you’ll have to seek a new building permit provided by the city. As professionals in the ADU construction space, The Sterling-Watson Collective is ready to assist with this process, from the initial design to the final touches, we’ll handle everything with the help of our skilled, professional, and experienced team of ADU structural engineers, architects, designers and contractors.

Calabasas Housing Resources

Our Team at The Sterling-Watson Collective offers a variety of services under the scope of housing and engineering. We are a group of highly trained and motivated individuals who aim to provide sustainable and affordable services for potential clients who need assistance with land development, electrical engineering, ADU construction, and more. Book a consultation with us today and we’ll get you one step closer to achieving the home of your dreams!

Contact us today

Get in touch today to see how we can help you with your ADU construction project in Calabasas.

An ADU in Calabasas is priced the same as most other ADU’s in the Los Angeles area. It ranges, but the average is about $200 per square foot.
The best way to find a realistic price on what an ADU will cost is to speak to a structural engineer. This will outline all the general costs associated with the project.
Prices are always changing due to the cost of materials and labor but at a bare minimum, it will cost around $50,000.
Building an ADU can be a costly project, but there is a more affordable approach if the property allows. Pre-existing constructs allow for the space to be converted into an ADU, such as a garage or basement. This is permitted square footage that has already been built.

ADUs and Room Additions Calabasas