Planning and Preparation

In the first stage of building your ADU, you'll need to carefully plan and prepare. This involves key steps like determining the purpose of your ADU, choosing a design, and assessing whether the project is feasible. It's helpful to seek professional advice during this process to avoid complications later on.

Planning and Feasibility

Define the Purpose of Your ADU

Think about your needs and any limitations of your property. Will the ADU serve as a home office, guest suite, or something else?

Explore Your Options

Decide between a detached ADU, an attached addition, or converting an existing space like a garage.

ADU Eligibility and Feasibility Assessment

Eligibility. Check if your property qualifies for an ADU, which usually requires owning a single-family home and following local zoning rules.

Professional Support. Since this process can be complex, it’s wise to work with an ADU expert to confirm feasibility. They can assist with:

• Site conditions: Property characteristics like slopes or utility lines can affect costs and plans.
• Local regulations: Navigating zoning laws and permits can be tricky without help.

Feasibility Study. This step assesses factors like:

• Setbacks: The required distance between your ADU and property boundaries.
• Zoning regulations: Local laws that govern ADU construction.
• Topography: The slope of your land and its effect on building.
• Easements: Any restrictions on parts of your property.

Budgeting and Design

Set a Budget

Consult with a contractor or architect to get accurate cost estimates and timelines. Consider potential extra expenses that might arise.

Finalize the Design

Work with your contractor to design a layout that makes the best use of space and fits your needs, while staying within your budget. Decisions made here will shape the overall project cost.

Finalize Your ADU Plans and Obtain Construction Documents

Create a Blueprint

This technical drawing reflects your final design and includes details like electrical and plumbing specifications. Consulting a professional like an architect ensures your blueprint meets all requirements.

Prepare Construction Documents

These include the blueprint and other detailed drawings and specifications, which will be submitted to the city for approval.

Tip: Consider Pre-Approved Designs

Los Angeles offers pre-approved ADU plans, which can simplify the permitting process and reduce the wait time for approval from 4-6 weeks to as little as one day. These designs can also save on customization costs and ensure compliance with local codes.

ADUs are a great way to add value. Learn how much they could add to your property.

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Permitting Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Building an ADU can be exciting, but getting through the permitting process may seem challenging. Here's a simple breakdown to help.

Assembling Your Construction Documents

Start by gathering all the necessary construction documents. These are detailed plans created by an architect or contractor, covering everything from the layout to where electrical outlets will go. They serve as the technical blueprint for bringing your ADU vision to life.

City Review and Revisions

Once you submit the documents, your city's department will review them to ensure they meet building regulations and safety codes. It's normal for them to request small changes or adjustments before they approve the plans. Experienced contractors usually expect these revisions and can address them quickly.

Final Touches and Fee Payment

While revisions are being handled, this is a good time to finalize choices for things like flooring and cabinets. By picking materials early, you can avoid delays later on when it's time to start construction.

Fees and Approval

During the process, you'll need to pay fees for plan checks and permits. The amount varies depending on your ADU's size, and some cities even offer waivers for smaller units. After you’ve addressed the revisions and paid the fees, you’ll receive your permit, allowing construction to begin.

An ADU Analysis includes referrals to professionals to simplify the permitting process.

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Construction Phase

Improvements should be specified in detail to the contractor working on those improvements for your home. Get at least 3 contractor references from people you trust, such as relatives, neighbors, friends, and other professionals. Request an accurate quote from each based on the project specifications and particular product choices. To identify the best contractor, follow these steps:

• Inquire about their most recent work.
• References should be checked.
• Search web pages that give peer reviews about contractors and their work.

Of course, the expense of improvements to an existing house can vary greatly depending on the type of improvements you want to make, the design and size, as well as the value of land, labor, and materials within your area. Try to fit everything into your budget.

This guide outlines the key stages in the construction of an ADU, from mobilization to interior finishes. Understanding these steps will help you navigate the construction process efficiently.

Mobilization

Once your ADU project is permitted, the construction begins with the mobilization phase, typically within two weeks. This stage includes:

Site layout and planning. The exact location of the ADU is marked with stakes, giving you a clear sense of where it will be situated.

Site preparation. This may involve clearing plants, rocks, or other obstructions.

Temporary facilities. A portable toilet is usually set up for the crew.

Project meeting. Your project manager will review the approved construction documents with you and discuss the next steps.

Site Work

Before actual construction starts, the site must be properly prepared. This phase includes:

Extensive site preparation. Clearing debris or vegetation and ensuring the area is stable for building. This might include leveling the ground or adding retaining walls.

Utility installation. Installing essential utilities like electricity, plumbing, and possibly prewiring for future solar panels.

Grading. The soil is flattened to create a solid platform for the foundation, which is especially important for sloped properties.

Excavation & Foundation

Excavation. Trenches are dug around the ADU’s footprint to install utilities like water, gas, and electricity.

Foundation construction. Wooden formwork is set up to shape the foundation. Concrete is then poured into the formwork, creating a solid base for your ADU.

Rough Framing

In this phase, the ADU’s framework, including walls, floors, and the roof, is assembled. This stage typically takes 12-14 working days. While the interior may look like a maze of beams, the exterior will start taking shape.

MEP: Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing

Skilled professionals install key systems:

Plumbing. Water supply lines are installed according to the blueprint.

Electrical. Wiring is added for lighting, appliances, and circuits.

HVAC. Ducts for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are integrated, depending on the ADU’s design.

This phase usually takes about two weeks to complete. Referring to your blueprint ensures the precise placement of these systems.

Exterior Finishes and Roofing

At this stage, the ADU becomes weatherproof:

Roofing. A fully sealed roof is installed.

Exterior walls. Cladding like siding or stucco protects against wind and rain.

Windows and doors. These are installed and sealed for protection from the elements.

Once these tasks are done, the ADU reaches the "watertight" stage, allowing interior work to begin. A city inspection should be scheduled to ensure code compliance.

Insulation & Drywall

With the exterior complete, the focus shifts to making the ADU energy-efficient:

Airtightness. Sealing any cracks in the framing to prevent air leaks.

Insulation. Soft batts of insulation are placed between the interior wall studs, and rigid insulation boards are added to the exterior walls to enhance thermal resistance.

Drywall. Once insulated, drywall is installed, and the ADU’s interior starts to take shape.

Interior Finishes

This final phase personalizes the ADU and includes:

Flooring and carpentry. Flooring is laid, and cabinets, doors, and baseboards are installed, completing the space and making it ready for use.

Plumbing installation. Valves, inserts, toilets, sinks, and other fixtures are installed, and walls are painted afterward.

CityStructure ADU Analysis calculates the maximum ADU area for the highest return.

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Completion and Occupancy

The completion and occupancy stage of your ADU construction is an exciting point, where all the planning and work come together. Here's what happens during this final phase:

Final Touches

Countertops and appliances. Once countertops and appliances are installed, most of the interior work is complete. Careful installation ensures they both function well and look great.

Attention to detail. A final cleaning makes sure the ADU is spotless and ready for use. Each fixture is inspected to ensure everything is properly installed and working. The construction dumpster is then removed, clearing the site of leftover debris.

Handover and Inspections

Final walkthrough. You and your contractor will do a final walkthrough to check if everything meets your expectations. This is the time to raise any concerns or spot small fixes that might be needed.

City inspection. After the walkthrough, the city will conduct a final inspection to make sure the ADU complies with all building codes and is safe. If everything checks out, the city will issue a Certificate of Occupancy (CO), which officially allows you to live in the ADU.

Beyond Construction

While construction typically ends once you receive the CO, you might want to add personal touches. This could include landscaping or adding walkways around the ADU to enhance both its look and functionality.

Key Points to Remember

• Completing the final touches can take a few weeks after exterior work finishes.
• You need the CO to legally live in the ADU.
• Make sure to plan time for the final walkthrough and city inspection.
• Consider landscaping or other exterior projects to personalize your ADU.

By understanding these steps, you can smoothly move into your newly completed ADU.

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Choosing the best ADU option isn't easy. Get an ADU Analysis to evaluate all your options.

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