ADU Builders Rancho Cordova, CA ADU contractor

ADU Unit Construction in Rancho Cordova

As mentioned above, there may be many reasons for establishing the accessory structure in your side yard. However, one can face just as many doubts if it is worth envisaging the project. Below you will find all the legal requirements for setting the ADU on the primary residence lot.

Types of ADUs allowed.

The most interesting part of the project is to consider which type of accessory dwelling units you are most interested in. So, the types and their characteristics are as follows:

• Attached ADU is an attachment to the new or existing main house. It can share some rooms with the main building or may have another entry and an absolutely separate space.
• Detached ADU is a separate dwelling unit, usually with its own bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, plumbing, and heating systems, if any.
• A converted ADU is a unit that is created by remodeling existing constructions on the lot. For example, it may be an unused garage, studio, or even a greenhouse.
• Junior ADU is a part of the primary residence and must be converted from the existing space. Most often, it shares the bathroom with the main building.

Choosing the type of ADU is a starting point of any project. If you are going to buy a new lot, make sure your primary dwelling will leave some space for adding new construction.

Number of ADUs allowed.

California legislation provides exact requirements for a single-family home–there can be one accessory dwelling unit and also a junior unit. If you question whether one accessory dwelling unit will be enough for your multi-family house, do not be worried. As for multi-family properties, the law provides the opportunity to have one accessory structure per every four residents, including both detached and attached ADUs.

Fortunately, in West Sacramento, there are no regulations for the minimum lot size for having an additional unit built.

ADU parameters.

Before launching the project, make sure you agree with the permitted sizes of the ADU and that your lot footage provides you an opportunity to add a new property.

The minimum possible size for any ADU is 150 square feet. The maximum size of the ADU in the city is:

• up to 850 square feet for one-bedroom detached ADUs;
• up to 1000 square feet for two-bedroom detached ADUs;
• up to 500 square feet for the Junior ADUs.

The total lot coverage of the ADU must be no more than 1200 square feet. Otherwise, the building permit cannot be obtained.

The maximum height for obtaining the building permit is 16 feet, which implies at least one-story construction.

Setback requirements.

The Residential Code has some strict conditions on the location of accessory structures in the property line of the lot. There should be a certain distance conformed to each part of the lot and the primary residence. For one-story ADUs, there are no requirements on the side and rear yard parameters, but they must be situated 60 feet away from the front property line. A two-story detached ADU must meet the 4-feet rear yard setback requirements.

Note that converting a garage or other old constructions does not meet the setback requirements!

ADU design.

As for architectural state standards, it is customary to do the accessory dwelling units style the same as the main dwelling units design. In this case, the property will have more chances to increase its value. Besides, for single-family properties, it is an essential tradition to make the primary residence and the accessory ones in one custom.

Moreover, the building of the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can be prohibited at all if the design is not compatible with the development standards of the city you live in.

Other requirements.

Each single unit dwelling has its own fire safety requirements. So, you will not need to comply with the fire sprinkler rules in such cases:

• detached ADU: if there is a fire sprinkler in the main residence or if the footage is no more than 1200 square feet;
• attached ADU: there is no sprinkler in the main unit, or the footage of the whole building with an accessory dwelling unit is no more than 3600 square feet.

In some states, the accessory structures also meet some obligations in parking spaces. However, there are no parking requirements for ADU projects in Sacramento County.

Rancho Cordova ADU Construction Company

If you are planning to have a single dwelling unit ADU on your lot, just start searching for your building company. Hundreds of pleased customers and thousands of successfully projected square feet of ADUs in Sacramento is A+ merit. That is why we are thankful to you for reading this article and considering us a trustworthy source. Hopefully, exactly A+ will become your ADU building and contractor company in your city!

No matter where your dwelling is located, our masters can visit you to review the case and make some estimates.

Building ADU in Rancho Cordova

If the legal requirements are met by your residence, we can move on. Below you can find the possible reasons which will bring benefits to you and your property if you set the accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

• Extending the living space. Adding the accessory structures to your lot can bring you more dwelling units. That is why you can consider the permitted maximum size of the ADU to use it with the highest utility. If you have guests often or planning for your relatives to visit you, set a couple of bedrooms in the ADU. Moreover, in any type of ADU, there can be a separated kitchen, sometimes a bathroom, which means that your guests will not be addicted to your presence in the primary single-unit dwelling.
• Creating a guest house. Some ADU owners prefer setting something like a hostel located on their lot. It is possible to apply for replacement parking so that the visitors can stay at your place while traveling through the city. However, you should check whether the conditions comply with the state standards of establishing such a service.
• Increasing the value of the property. Accessory structures became popular mostly because of the opportunity to increase the cost of the whole lot coverage in case of resale. Adding residential footage makes it possible to raise the final price of the lot, especially if the ADU is converted from older structures.
• Renting the ADU. Similar to setting the guest house, making your ADU a renting space, you can gain extra income by having tenants on your lot. Moreover, adding parking places on the lot lets the renters bring the car with them, for which you can make more money. Being located next to your primary dwelling, you will see whether the tenants follow the established rules of residence. However, it is better to use detached ADUs for such purposes, as you questionably want unfamiliar people to share the bathroom with you placing them in junior ADUs.

All in all, there are many ways of creating useful space from your ADU for various purposes. Furthermore, you can just try your architectural and designing abilities. For some people building these accessory structures became a whole life, after which they started a new career. Or, if you are tired of the original style of the residence, try adding the secondary suite located near the main building to refresh the general appearance of the lot.

Prefab ADU Construction

Prefab constructions are the best way to save money on accessory structures. This service provides the customers with ready-made constructions, so there is no need to waste time and spend budget on designing and estimating the zoning district’s parameters. All these structures already follow the rules of maximum height, footage, and development standards so you only need to inform the contractor about the lot parameters (including property line to estimate the side yard and rear property line setbacks).

ADU Housing

Now you know almost everything about establishing accessory structures. It is important to follow the state standards, with which you can familiarize yourself above, so do not be afraid to start thinking about the ADU of your dream.

The establishing process will not take too much time and money but will bring you guaranteed joy and utility. That is one of the reasons why you should consider having accessory dwelling units on your lot. Others can include extra living or storage space and additional income.

Entrust your ADU to A+ to be sure the final result will make you the happiest homeowner!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build a detached ADU in California?

The costs of establishing accessory structures vary depending on various factors. The materials, parameters, and type of construction affect the possible budget of the project. If you are planning to set a detached suite with a fresh start, the expenses will include engineering, geodesic analysis, and architect’s work. However, converting a detached garage may take less effort if you only want to change the appearance and layout of the construction.

Can I build an ADU on my property in California?

Accessory dwelling units are permitted throughout the whole state, though the regulations may vary in different cities. All the constructions must follow the development standards of local legislation; only then will it be possible to set the building process.

How much does an ADU permit cost in California?

Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) permit is an official document that lets the building process be launched. It is often a deal made by the contractor and licensed officials. The approximate minimum price of the permit is not less than 1000$, but its value is affected by the type of the project, the number of structures and depends on the rules of the zoning districts where the construction takes place.