Garage Conversion Staff, Author at Los Angeles Garage Conversion Info.

Accessory Dwelling Unit

An Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU is a residential structure that can be legally built on a property with an existing single family home. Referred to as ADU for short, it can be a separate building in the backyard or it can be attached the primary residence. In most cases units attached to the primary residence would be garage conversion. An ADU by law needs to have it’s own kitchen, living room, bathroom and entrance for it to be used as a rental.

Why build an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

An ADU is a great investment on several levels. It can provide space for a caregiver, an adult child, elderly parents or even renters. If you do not have a relative staying int he unit it can produce additional household income for you. In some cases “Empty Nesters” will use it to stay in their neighborhood while renting their home to a family. These are just a few of the reasons a person might build an accessory dwelling unit on their property.

What is the law for ADUs in the City of Los Angeles?

A recent law (AB 2299, effective January 2018) makes it much easier for residents of Los Angeles County to build an ADU on a single family lot. The state even encourages the construction of these units since the City needs additional housing. You can read the entire law here, but it’s always a good idea to be aware in updates to the laws as new legislation may be passed that affects ADU’s.

Confirming Your Eligibility

Throughout the city of Los Angeles there are several different zones. To legally qualify to build an ADU on your property you must be located in a residential zone, most likely in a single family residential zone. Any lot in a residential family zone, regardless of size can add an ADU if it will fit on the property. Your lot must also have an existing house and only one accessory dwelling unit is allowed per lot. Keep in mind that this is an “accessory dwelling unit” not a separate unit. It’s an accessory to the existing home, so it cannot be sold separately from the home. It can however be rented out, listed on air BnB, etc. There are also some additional construction requirements to clear but if you have a house with a lot large enough, or an existing garage you can use, chances are good you will qualify.

Contact Us To Get Started!!

It’s a difficult economy and we all need ways to make money. If you’re a home owner you have a lot of options. One of those is to rent rooms or if you live in Los Angeles, particularly in areas like the San Fernando Valley you may have a detached garage. Any garage is easy to convert into an apartment but these types are great being detached from your home. So what is the cost to build a garage apartment? We compiled some info from the experts for you and if you’re really interested after reading this, contact us!!

Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU

The first thing you’re going to need to know, if you don’t already is the language around creating a garage apartment. In Los Angeles this would be referred to as an ADU or Accessory Dwelling Unit. You can’t sell an ADU separate from a house but you also don’t have to live on the property to build one. You can rent your home AND your garage apartment to separate tenants.

Finding the Cost to Build a Garage Apartment

This is not a question that can be answered directly. The answer can differ depending on several factors including where you live, what type of permits you need, how big your garage is, etc. So rather than try to give you a direct price we will give you some factors to consider.

Permits

The first thing you need to do is make sure that the area you reside in is zoned for ADU. There is a full guide you can read on UCLA’s “Citylab” here. Find your lot on the residential zoning map and make sure you’re legal. Once you are you can call your local city government and find out how to get the permits you need.

Every neighborhood in Los Angeles falls under specific zones. To build an ADU, your current house must be located in a residential zone, and most likely in a single family residential zone. ADUs are permitted in all single-family zones. Any lot in these zones, regardless of its size, can add an ADU if it will fit. Your lot must have an existing house, only one ADU per lot is permitted, and the ADU cannot be sold separately from the house. An ADU must meet additional site requirements as well as building construction requirements.

Size of Your Garage

How many square feet is the garage you’re converting? Depending on how big the garage is depends on how much the job will cost. It’s the same as any basic construction job. The cost per square foot will be about the same so it’s really a matter of getting several estimates and picking the contractors you trust the most with the most reasonable prices.

Conclusion

The cost per-square-foot of an ADU is likely to be the same as any other new residential construction; builders and architects can give you rough estimates.The best thing to do is to have someone who is experienced come to your property and give you a real hard estimate. Fill out the form below and one of our experts will be in touch with you ASAP!

Author: Garage Conversion Staff

Author: Garage Conversion Staff

Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU – What Is It?