Luxury Accessory Dwelling Unit in Los Angeles
Chances are that you are already familiar with the term Accessory Dwelling Unit formally known as granny flats, backyard cottage, or backyard homes. You have probably also been noticing more and more homeowners are either constructing new additional units on their properties or converting their existing garages into living space.
The reason that you are witnessing so many construction sites around your neighborhood is that a few years ago the state of California passed a new amendment that legalized the construction and made permitting more accessible for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units in an attempt to fight the housing shortage.
What is an ADU?
ADU stands short for Accessory Dwelling Units and is simply secondary living units/spaces on your property that you can either legally rent for extra monthly income (perfect for an investment opportunity) or personal use. For example, if you need additional space for an additional family member (also formally known as granny flat), home office, music studio, arts/crafts area, or for any other use that you may have. Building an ADU is the way to go. The possibilities are endless.
Accessory dwelling units can take many forms and shapes, for example:
New Detached ADU (New Construction)
The detached unit (new construction) is separated from the primary dwelling structure.
Attached ADU
The attached unit is simply an attachment or an addition to the primary dwelling structure.
Home Conversion
The converted existing space (home conversion) of the primary residence is converted into an independent living unit. For example, a part of the residence such as the master bedroom, storage area, or similar living area can be converted to an accessory dwelling unit.
Garage Conversion
In addition, a more common option is to convert the existing garage into an accessory dwelling unit. In many instances, it is allowed to add additional square footage to the garage conversion.
Garage Addition
A new unit that shares at least one wall with the garage. Units can be built above the garage.
Junior ADU (JADU) or Interior Conversion
Last but not least the Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is a specific type of conversion where the existing space is no more than 500 square feet that can be built within a proposed or existing single-family home. For example, a JADU can be built by converting part of a spare bedroom.
Why Build an ADU?
There are many other reasons why homeowners are building these additional units on their property. If done correctly the rent income can exceed the construction loan mortgage amount instantly creating an additional income. This additional income can be used towards the existing mortgage. Not only it will generate an additional income monthly but it will also increase the resale value of the property. Especially when the design of the unit is crafted meticulously and harmoniously blends with its surroundings such as the existing dwelling and the backyard design.
How we can help!
We at SORSID CREATIVE believe that good design should be accessible to all. Hence we made our mission to design a luxury accessory dwelling unit that is not only affordable but also functional. Our design approach is to create an uncompromising modern, simple open plan that can very easily adapt in a range of sizes to maximize space and natural light. We also offer a fully customizable option that can adapt and cater to your specific needs or meet the design guidelines of your local city jurisdiction.
What is the process of building an accessory dwelling unit?
Site analysis:
It is highly recommended to perform a preliminary site analysis of your property prior to beginning the design process. An architectural site analysis will look at issues such as site location, size, topography, zoning, and local Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance code to determine the feasibility of the site.
With our preliminary site analysis package our team will review your property & present multiple design options for your ADU project such as the recommended location, size, orientation & style taking into account your unique site conditions, local applicable building & planning codes, and your desired use of the structure.
ADU Design Process:
Every client/project is unique & our design process is simple! We like to have an in-depth conversation with you regarding your project in order to fully understand and tailor the design that suits your unique needs.
We enjoy bringing our client’s visions into reality. Our creative process excels from the exterior to interior design to ensure we align with our client’s vision. Our goal is to partner with forward-thinking clients to create uncompromising design experiences for their projects.
We understand that this is your project & we are here to assist you.
Our goal is to save our clients time and stress with an efficient, multi-disciplinary approach. Be ready to collaborate, we love what we do and want you to enjoy the experience equally.
Poor planning and documentation can and will cost you thousands of dollars in unnecessary fees and mistakes. Hence, we are strong advocates for hiring a design professional to guide your projects through the correct process. The benefits of a properly designed dwelling far outweigh any upfront design fees that you may have to pay. Proper designed and engineered documents will save thousands of dollars in the long run.
We work closely with our clients to tailor their custom dwelling experiences!
We also offer pre-designed ADU plans that thrive on simplicity and are made to be customizable to fit into any shape and size site in Los Angeles.
The design entails large sliding doors and multiple skylights that dissolve the boundaries between the inside and outside This compact ADU sits at just over 500sf, yet offers all the amenities needed for a comfortable home. The living room opens up to an outdoor terrace through a three-panel sliding glass door.
Live & Cook
Create an uncompromising full kitchen space where you can cook and entertain guests. A space flooded with natural light pouring through. Marrying the indoor meets outdoor experience into one harmonious environment.
Work & Sleep
Choose what fits you. A space to rest or a place to launch your small business.
Play & Unwind
Work hard, play hard, repeat.
Work hard, play hard, repeat.
An oasis of your own to unwind, relax & recharge. Who said you can’t have it all?
Submit to City Plan Check and Obtain the necessary permits:
Yes, construction permits are necessary! Building an ADU without permits is illegal!
In order to obtain the appropriate permits, the design documents and structural engineering must meet the state and your local city code requirements. Upon the initial submittal, a plan checker will perform an initial review and get back with corrections and the necessary clearances which must be obtained from various departments. Upon successful correction responses and successful clearances, a building permit may be obtained. We guide and assist our clients to go through this rigorous process every step of the process.
Start Building:
Upon obtaining the necessary permits from the city our clients can either choose to start building as owner-builder or obtain a General Contractor to oversee the construction. Depending on the complexity of the project and material availability the construction can take from two to six months. Once finished and with a successful final inspection sign-off from the inspector, you are ready to occupy and enjoy your new space.
Have any questions?
