Building a small detached or attached structure on your primary residence isn’t new. People have been building “granny flats,” “in-law units,” or “second units” on their property for several years. Technically, these secondary units on your property are called accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, and they are a great way to create a new income stream, house your college-aged student, or ensure your aging parents have a safe and comfortable place to live.
We can guide you through the entire process of building an ADU, from obtaining the necessary permits to planning and constructing the secondary unit. With help from Clever Design & Remodeling, we can work together to unlock the hidden potential of an ADU.
Unlock the Potential of Your Property with an Accessory Dwelling Unit
In this uncertain economic climate, adding value to your primary residence is essential, especially living in the competitive Bay Area of California. Securing remodeling services is a great way to increase your home’s value, but another option is adding an accessory dwelling unit. The ROI, or return on investment, of an ADU is very high, and this, coupled with the potential rental income, makes investing in an ADU a great idea. Want to learn more? Here is a comprehensive guide to the ROI of an ADU.
Why Accessory Dwelling Units Are Game-Changers
In the past, building an addition to your home meant adding square footage to existing structures. Today, you can truly get the most bang for your renovation buck by constructing an ADU on your Hillsborough, CA, home. Aren’t sure if building an accessory dwelling unit is the right option for your family and budget? Here are a few of the many advantages of adding an ADU to your main house:
- Allow family and visitors privacy while still being close to your home.
- Provide a secondary source of income.
- ADUs are less expensive to build than a new apartment or condo but can provide as much living space as either.
- ADUs can act as affordable housing for older family members.
- Construction costs are much lower than other multiunit or multifamily buildings, thanks to the ADU’s inexpensive wood frame construction.
Are you excited to see the possibilities that await you when you construct a quality ADU on your Bay Area property, including Mountain View, CA? Contact a remodeling contractor who offers comprehensive ADU services.
How an ADU Complements Your Primary Dwelling
Past ADU design was clunky and did not consider the aesthetics of the primary dwelling. Today’s remodeling contractors have the tools, skills, and design know-how required to create an ADU that blends perfectly with your existing primary home. At Clever Design & Remodeling, allow our years of experience to guide you in creating an ADU that will truly complement your home’s beautiful aesthetics!
Think About Some Additional Rental Income!
One of the biggest pros to constructing an ADU is the additional rental income! The housing market in the Bay Area is red hot, and people are clamoring to find a safe, affordable rental in a good neighborhood. The average rent for a newly constructed one-bedroom apartment in San Mateo County is $3,847! When you consider the initial investment costs and compare them to the increase in your monthly income and property’s value, constructing an ADU just makes sense!
Here are some simple tips and tricks to design and construct an ADU to maximize your potential rental income:
- Focus on quality. In addition to working with an established design firm, choose quality finishes and timeless touches, including natural stone countertops, hardwood flooring, and crown molding. Potential renters are willing to pay a premium for luxury.
- Plan for multiple bedrooms. You can charge more for a two-bedroom ADU, so consider adding a second or third bedroom to your detached unit to ensure you can receive the most rental income possible for your investment.
- Location is everything. The ADU should be located as far away from the main structure as allowed by Hillsborough, CA, local and state laws. This will provide prospective tenants with more privacy, which will ultimately help you charge more for rent.
Exploring the Types of ADUs for Your Hillsborough Home
There are four main types of traditional ADUs:
- Attached ADU
- Detached ADU
- Junior ADU
- Garage conversion
Each has its own benefits and setbacks, and before hiring a Hillsborough renovation company, it is vital to learn which type of ADU is best for your needs, intentions, and budget.
The Allure of a Detached ADU
A detached accessory dwelling unit is built entirely separately from the main house. Although the construction costs are typically higher for a detached ADU, there are still several benefits to choosing to construct a separate structure on your property. One of the biggest is the potential square footage of an attached vs. a detached adu.
According to California law, an attached ADU can be at most 50% of the main home’s square footage. This means that if your home is 2,000 square feet, the maximum size of your attached ADU is 1,000 square feet. In some counties, the connected accessory dwelling unit can only be 30% of the size of your main house.
If your lot size accommodates a detached ADU, it can legally be up to 1,200 square feet in most counties. Once again, if you are building a separate ADU, the costs will be higher because you will need to construct a new foundation and add a new bathroom, kitchen, and bedrooms. However, a detached, multi-bedroom, newly-constructed separate unit will allow you to charge more in rent than a smaller, attached unit.
The Convenience of an Attached ADU
As the name implies, an attached ADU is an addition made to the existing structures and foundation. However, instead of simply creating extra floor area in your home, the ADU is still considered a separate unit, even if it is attached to your primary residence. The ADU is typically attached to the side or back of the home. There are several benefits to attached ADUs.
For instance, the project and construction costs are generally lower because you are building on the existing foundation. Add a separate kitchen or bathroom to the ADU to keep construction costs down, or the ADU can share a bathroom and kitchen in the primary residence. If you have an aging parent, an attached ADU allows you to create a separate but safe residence that will allow you to monitor your loved one without depriving them of their independence.
Adding square footage to your single-family home benefits you and is also great for your neighbors! The increase in your home’s value will actually help raise the property values of your neighboring homes, ultimately benefiting everyone, especially if you or a neighbor decides to sell your home.
Navigating the Legal Landscape: Permits and Regulations
The accessory dwelling unit laws in California are constantly evolving. Unfortunately, suppose you do not strictly adhere to the state, county, and city laws regarding the design and construction of an ADU. In that case, you may face fines or the need to spend even more money on materials to bring the ADU up to code. This is why you must hire a professional design and remodeling firm that understands the complex local and state ADU laws.
The Importance of Parking Space in ADU Construction
In addition to adhering to laws and codes regarding the dimensions and square footage of your ADU, you must also follow local parking requirements, especially if you are renting the property. The laws vary from county to county. For example, in some California counties, you must provide one space of off-street or on-street parking for your ADU’s resident or tenant. The parking must be near or on the same lot as the ADU. In Hillsborough specifically, there are no parking requirements if the ADU is constructed within one-half of a mile of a public transportation stop.
Deciphering Construction Drawings Like a Pro
Reading construction drawings can be overwhelming and downright confusing, especially if this is your first building or remodeling project. Start by reading the drawing scale, which helps you understand the project’s ratio to the actual size of the construction. Next, read the keynotes and general notes. These notes provide specific information about the build and are used by the architect or engineer to provide additional information to the homeowner and crew. Finally, read the legend, which defines every symbol used in the construction drawings. Ultimately, if you are still confused, ask the builder for assistance and clarification.
How to Secure a Building Permit from the Building Division
After finding a quality builder and determining if ADUs are allowed in your county or city, securing permits is another critical step that must be completed before your ADU. Construction drawings and designs must be submitted to two separate offices in California: the zoning office, the local building office, or the city clerk’s office. Additional permits for plumbing and electrical may be required.
The zoning office will determine if your lot coverage will accommodate an attached or detached structure. The building office will examine the finer details of your blueprints to ensure that they meet the local and state building codes. Don’t be surprised if, during these initial stages, either office requires changes to be made to your original layout and design.
A Guide to Acquiring Necessary Permits for Your ADU
Acquiring an ADU permit in the Hillsborough, CA, area can be confusing, mainly if you have never applied for construction or zoning permits before. Luckily, when you work with the Clever Design & Remodeling team, we will tackle this often-confusing process for you. We will walk you through every step of the permit application process. However, when it comes to submitting the applications for your Bay Area ADU, we will handle this task for you!
Understanding ADU Permit Fees and Budgeting
Permit fees will vary, depending on your location. A standard zoning permit in California costs between $25 to $4,000, while a building permit costs anywhere between $450 to $15,000. In Hillsborough specifically, you will need to pay entitlement fees, building and impact fees, water fees, and, if you are building in a particular district, school district fees.
With such a wide gap in permit fees, how do you budget for your ADU construction costs? The first step is understanding basic ADU costs and creating a realistic budget based on those costs. Much like the construction of a new home, there are set costs associated with building an ADU, such as the cost of permits, designing and planning the ADU, construction costs, and the cost of materials.
Elevate Your Living Space with Our Home Remodeling Services
Constructing an ADU is your ultimate goal, but you want to finish some home improvement projects on your main property first! As with any remodeling and construction project, you must start by finding a top general contractor in Hillsborough, CA. Whether you are planning a comprehensive kitchen remodel or are planning a small bathroom remodel to transform your master bath from boring to fabulous, the team at Clever Design & Remodeling can help.
Transform Your Space with Bathroom Remodeling
One of the most popular home remodel projects, and for good reason, Clever Design & Remodeling offers comprehensive bathroom remodeling services. With several years of experience transforming bathrooms throughout the Bay Area, we expertly plan and execute any bathroom remodeling project – big or small! Want to construct a new downstairs guest bathroom? Are you ready to create the master bath of your dreams? Do your kids need an updated jack-and-jill bathroom? No matter what the project, we can handle all your bathroom upgrades!
Achieve Your Dream Home with Home Improvement Projects
The Bay Area housing market is scorching and very competitive. Instead of spending hours searching for the home of your dreams, let the Clever Design & Remodeling team transform your current house into the home you have always wanted. Each homeowner is different, and for you, creating a dream home might be adding a new room, such as an additional bathroom, bedroom, or another type of Bay Area home addition. Our comprehensive whole home remodeling is one of our most popular services.
The Ultimate Kitchen Remodel to Elevate Your Culinary Experience
Who doesn’t want to prepare every meal in a gourmet kitchen? From a complete kitchen transformation to a total kitchen revamp in your Hillsborough home, our teams can handle any size kitchen remodeling project, big or small. Our workmanship is second to none, and when you work with our fantastic team of designers and builders, don’t be surprised if you don’t feel like you are living on the same property!
Why Choose Us for Your ADU and Renovation Needs
Building a Bay Area ADU is complicated, and there are several laws, rules, and restrictions to follow. Working with an experienced, qualified, and talented team that understands the unique California ADU building codes is critical. When you work with Clever Design & Remodeling, you will work with a crew of highly-trained professionals, from designers and contractors to project managers and builders.
Book a Free Consultation and Start Your ADU Journey Today
Whether you want to earn some passive rental income or are constructing an ADU for your aging parents, the first step in construction is booking a free consultation with a Clever Design representative. We will discuss every aspect of building an ADU, from permits and blueprints to zoning and finishing touches. During this consultation, don’t forget to ask about the impact of a home remodel on your property value and about all the other remodel services we offer.
The Renovation Solutions We Offer Are Second to None
Whether you are updating your kitchen cabinets, swapping out the bathroom vanity, or constructing a massive ADU in your backyard, your ultimate goal is to create a beautiful, luxurious finished product without breaking your budget. Our team can provide many simple tips and tricks to maximize your home’s square footage – including ADU space-saving tips, like building a loft, choosing lighter colors, and opting for an efficient kitchen!
What Sets Us Apart as the Premier ADU Contractor in Hillsborough, CA
With all the fantastic contractors throughout the Bay Area, what sets Clever Design & Remodeling apart, and why should you choose to work with our talented team of designers and contractors? Here are a few of the many reasons why when you search “general contractors near me,” you should always choose the pros at Clever Design & Remodeling:
- Expertise
- Quality assurance
- Years of experience
- Attention to detail
- Custom work
In addition to constructing an ADU, we can handle any other home improvement project you require. Need a home improvement contractor to design and build your Bay Area addition? Want to plan a bathroom makeover? Contact us today for a free estimate of your design and building needs.
Common Questions with Answers
How big can an ADU be in Hillsborough, CA?
In Hillsborough, CA, your attached or detached accessory dwelling units cannot be any larger than 1,400 square feet in actual floor space. Your attached ADU cannot be more than 50% of the floor area of your primary residence. For example, if your home is 1,000 square feet, your attached accessory dwelling unit cannot the floor space of your attached unit cannot be larger than 500 square feet of living area. This does not include the square footage of an attached garage.
Do you need a permit to build an ADU in Hillsborough, California?
You will require multiple permits to construct any type of ADU in Hillsborough, California. The zoning permits needed depend on the type of ADU or JADU you are constructing. In Hillsborough, specifically, you need to apply for A building permit and an ADU permit. If your ADU doesn’t meet the current zoning and building laws, you need to apply for a third permit called an “exception permit.” Each permit is subject to its own permit fees, as well. This can be very confusing, and you need to hire a design firm that understands the ever-changing ADU laws throughout California.
How long does it take to build an ADU in Hillsborough, California?
The time required to complete an ADU from start to finish depends on several factors. For example, suppose you are constructing a detached unit with a totally separate foundation, walls, flooring, and roof. In that case, it will typically take longer than a junior ADU, attached unit, or garage conversion. The average cost of an ADU in the Bay Area is approximately $145,000. There are ways to save on your ADU building costs, such as choosing a small floor plan, constructing an attached unit, or opting for a small garage conversion.
Can I build my own ADU in Hillsborough, California?
It is possible to construct your own ADU in Hillsborough, CA. However, if you are unfamiliar with the local zoning and building codes, understand the square footage restrictions, or know how to design and create building plans for the unit, your best option is to work with a professional. We have been in business at Clever Design & Remodeling for several years. In these multiple years of designing and completing hundreds of projects, we have definitely learned how to construct an ADU that not only meets the local building codes but is also functional, elegant, and eye-catching!
What steps should I take before renting my Hillsborough, CA, ADU?
Many homeowners are building an ADU on their property as a way to earn much-needed extra income. If you are renting your ADU, there are specific steps you need to take before putting an ad in your local newspaper! Start by obtaining insurance, setting up separate utilities, and understanding the local and state landlord laws and responsibilities. Next, establish a fair rent that is comparable with similarly-sized units in the area.
Finding the right tenant is paramount, and there are things you can do to ensure your tenant is responsible and respectful. For example, consider conducting a criminal and financial background check. Ask for references and work with the tenant to create a rental structure you are both comfortable with.
Are You Ready to Start Your Construction and Remodeling Journey? Contact Clever Design & Remodeling Today!
At Clever Design & Remodeling, we have one simple goal in mind: Providing you with a fantastic experience while meeting all your home improvement needs! Whether you are constructing an ADU for passive rental income, want to give your bathroom a facelift, remodel your kitchen, or add square footage to your home in Hillsborough, CA, with an addition, we will guide you through every step of the process.
