ADU Frequently Asked Questions
We turn underutilized garages or spaces into income-producing property & living areas
Are ADUs Legal?
Yes! In 2016, the California Legislature passed a series of laws effectively eliminating the red tape associated with building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the backyards of existing single family homes. In 2019, the state legislature passed Assembly Bill 68 which further removed restrictions involved with building ADUs, including allowing them to be built on multi-family properties like duplexes. Read more about AB 68.
Can my home support an ADU?
An ADU West Coast ADU generally requires a backyard that can accommodate a 20’ x 24’ footprint to build. If you have an existing garage, it can be removed and replaced with an ADU, or if you choose to keep your garage and have enough accessible, additional space, the ADU can be installed separately from the existing structure.
Find out if your home qualifies and get a free ADU consultation.
Does ADU West Coast offer custom designs, two-bedrooms units, build above the garage, etc.?
Our goal is to offer a scalable and affordable solution to building ADUs in the West Coast. To achieve that goal, we currently build one design.
Will my property taxes increase?
Yes, but not very much. When you build an ADU, the city will conduct a blended assessment, which does not affect the value of your existing property, but instead assess the cost of the construction and add that to your original property value. Your taxes will only increase by 1.1% of the total cost of the improvements, which ends up being just a couple hundred dollars extra per year, a small price to pay compared to the rental income you will receive.
How will my insurance be affected?
ADU West Coast carries a $1M insurance policy on the ADU for the entirety of the lease. You should notify your insurance company that there is a tenant living in the ADU on your property. They may increase your annual premium by $20-$35 to cover the liability.
What services does ADU West Coast provide on ADUs?
ADU West Coast is a design/build operation on the California West Coast for detached, ground-up ADUs and garage conversions.
We are a one-stop-shop with semi-custom, predesigned models. Modative handles all aspects of the process, including:
- Architecture
- Construction
- Engineering
- Finish & Fixture Options
- Permit Processing
- Termite damage
- Burnt wood
- Financing Partnerships
Does ADU West Coast provide financing?
We have partnered with lenders that specialize in delivering the best options for financing your ADU. Contact Us so we can review options..
What is an ADU?
ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit. You might know ADU’s by other names such as granny-flats, mother-in-law-quarters, tiny home and so on. They are dwellings–either attached or detached from a main house–that exist on a lot with another house.
How long does it take to build an ADU?
Every city/jurisdiction is a bit different, so exact time estimates are difficult to predict. But most ADUs take 3-9 months to construct. The exact time can vary, so Contact Us today so we can learn more about your space and give you a more accurate timeline.
