Today, more people are opting to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and a lot of these simple, classic dwellings are popping up around Los Angeles. Also known as granny flats and in-law units, an ADU can be an excellent addition to your home whether you’re looking for more space or interested in a project to take on. An ADU offers you a flexible option for guests, family, man caves, storage, and more. But before you start planning and building your ADU, here are four things to consider.
- Know your property’s eligibility
Before you can begin to plan your ADU, it’s important you know everything about your property’s eligibility and whether you’re legally authorized to develop on it. This can easily be done by consulting your local government. Some things you’ll need to consider include dimensions, height, density, utility installation, as well as if your property has any development limitations on it. Then, once you’ve determined the status of your property, you’ll get the okay to begin planning and building your ADU.
- Understand the conditions of your property
During the planning process, it’s critically important to survey your property to know exactly what you’ll be working with. If you’re building in your backyard, check if the ground is sloped or on an angle, inspect where rain runoff collects, make sure the soil is firm. All of these inspections will ensure there are no setbacks along the way while you are building.
- Determine how you will set up utilities
Because ADUs aren’t considered separate properties, you aren’t required to install separate service meters for your utilities. However, it’s important to make sure you can tap into your home’s utility lines. This includes electric, gas, and sewer. Older hookups may require an additional upgrade, so it’s important to know exactly what needs to be done — especially if you’d like your ADU to be fully equipped with a bathroom, electricity, and kitchen.
- Parking
In California, residents are no longer required to have off-street parking available in order to build an ADU. But you must make sure your ADU meets one of the following criteria: the ADU is within a half-mile of the public transit system; it’s in a historically and architecturally significant district; on-street parking permits are needed; or a car share vehicle is within a block of the ADU.
If you’re ready to plan and build your ADU, or you’d like to know more about ADUs or kitchens in Los Angeles, contact Levi Design Build.