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ALL about an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)

10/6/2020

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Need more space in your home for your parents or home office? Here are the top 10 essential facts you should know about building an ADU.
 
1. What is an ADU?
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), otherwise known as an in-law suite, is an independent dwelling unit providing complete living facilities for a household, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
 
2. Can I add an ADU to my property even if I am maxed out on FAR (Floor Area Ratio = the maximum habitable space allowed by the city)?
Absolutely you can.
 
3. Can an ADU be attached to or detached from the main house?
Yes, you can have an attached ADU, for instance, by converting the existing garage, or can have a detached ADU.
 
4. How large can an ADU be?
Maximum 850 sf of habitable floor area for a studio or one bedroom, and 1,000 sf two bedrooms or more. An attached ADU cannot exceed 50% of existing primary dwelling’s gross floor area.
 
5. Do I need an additional parking space for an ADU?
No, the parking space can be shared with the main house. No additional parking garage or covered parking space is required.
 
6. What are the setback requirements?
5’ setback from the side and rear property line. 10’ minimum from primary dwelling or other structure if detached.
 
7. Can I have a separate address for ADU?
Yes, some cities including the City of Mountain View issues a separate address (house number) for ADU. They often also allow a separate electric meter which makes it easy to rent out the unit.
 
8. Does an ADU require a full kitchen or laundry?
Laundry not required. The required kitchen features include a stovetop, sink and fridge.
 
9. Do the style and design of the ADU exterior need to match those of the main house?
It depends, some cities such as Mountain View does not require the designs to match, so many homeowners go for a modern design for a detached ADU. We will confirm with your city during the planning process.
 
10. Do you help with the design & permit as well as construction of an ADU?
Yes, we are a licensed architect and general contractors and can help design and build.

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10 Key Steps to build your home

8/29/2016

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Do you know the key steps of building homes?  Your homebuilder will walk you thru the detailed process but it is useful to be aware of the key milestones.  Please note that it is not an exhaustive list of steps and tasks required to build a home.  The duration and steps required to build or remodel homes heavily depend on the size, complexity and scope of the project in addition to the building requirements by your city.

  1. Architecture drawings and building permit
  2. Demolition or deconstruction
  3. Foundation and Rough framing
  4. Rough HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing
  5. Siding and Roofing
  6. Rough Inspection
  7. Exterior finishes - moisture barrier and stucco
  8. Install insulation and painting
  9. Interior finishes - countertops, bathroom and lighting fixtures
  10. Finish flooring and Landscaping
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What to consider when building or remodeling my home?

7/7/2016

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As a homeowner, I have been struggling to figure out what to consider when selecting a good building contractor. After building a few homes, here are some tips to share.
  • Watch out for those who claim that they can do things cheaper then others.  When reviewing the estimates, do pay attention to the details to check what is included.  I found some estimates do not include the cost of finish products, such as kitchen cabinets, repairs after demolition.  
  • Even for a simple item like a bathroom facet, the cost can vary from $20  to a few thousands of dollars.   Discuss with your building contractor about the level of quality you expect, so that appropriate materials are selected and reflected in your budget.  And ask for amounts allocated as allowance.
  • Do not pay your building contractor the entire amount up front, and make sure to agree on pay schedule according to the progress of your project.   No good home builders will ask you to pay the lump sum in advance.
  • Make sure you have a proper contract signed and all necessary paperwork in place before starting your project.  In the event of the problems during or after the project, this will save you from trouble.
  • Although most cities accept the plans prepared by designers without architect licenses, it is in your best interest to hire a licensed architect who will be responsible for any problems during or after the permit issuance. Otherwise, you as a homeowner will be liable for any architectural or structural problems you may be encountering at a later phase.
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    Jenny Kang

    Home owner and Designer at Silicon Valley Custom Homes

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