Accessory Dwelling Unit

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ADU

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as your main home. ADUs can be converted from existing space, added to an existing structure, or constructed as a new, detached unit.
But before you decide to build an ADU, it’s important to understand there are some challenges, especially if you’re new to this. Here’s a clear and simple guide for beginners.

If you’d like to consult over the phone with our expert Gad, please choose a suitable date and time from the calendar, and we will get back to you.

Our ADU Options

Unit 4

SPACE: 750 sq ft

PRICE: 250 - 300k

Unit 5

SPACE: 1000+ sq ft

PRICE: 300 - 320k

Unit 1

SPACE: < 400 sq ft

PRICE: 120 - 180k

Unit 2

SPACE: 400 sq ft

PRICE: 200 - 250k

Unit 3

SPACE: 500 sq ft

PRICE: 220 - 275k

What to know before building an ADU

Costs and Financing

Awareness of the costs and financial assistance available is essential. ADUs under 750 square feet are exempt from impact fees, but proportionate fees apply for larger ones. The California Housing Finance Agency’s ADU Grant Program offers up to $40,000 in assistance to qualifying homeowners for predevelopment costs, aiding in fostering more housing units in California. It’s crucial for homeowners to be informed about these provisions to efficiently navigate the financial aspects of ADU construction.

Construction Cosiderations

When constructing ADUs, especially in areas like historic districts or on lots with multiple dwellings, adherence to objective provisions and standards is pivotal. These standards protect the aesthetic and structural integrity of existing neighborhoods and structures while promoting the creation of ADUs without undue burden.

Land Use Restrictions

Land use restrictions vary based on local ordinances and the specific residential zone. These restrictions are designed to maintain the adequacy of essential services and public safety, allowing ADU creation within these parameters to enrich community living without compromising on essential community values and services.

Legal Provisions and Compliance​

Strict adherence to legal provisions like the Mitigation Fee Act and State ADU Law is non-negotiable in ADU construction. Compliance with these laws and any local regulations is pivotal to ensure the legal soundness of all developments and the appropriate use of any levied fees, maintaining a lawful and harmonious balance in community development.

Zoning and Building Codes​

ADUs are not mandated jurisdiction-wide but must be permitted in any residential or mixed-use zone, respecting local and State ADU Laws. Local governments may impose specific design and development standards, including considerations for properties in historic districts or those with multiple dwellings.

Permitting Process

The streamlined permitting process is designed to approve ADU applications ministerially within 60 days from receiving a completed application, facilitating quicker approvals and development. This efficiency is maintained even if minor revisions to the applications are required, avoiding additional lengthy review periods and ensuring timely project commencement and completion.

Utility Connections

Utility connections and related fees are a significant consideration in ADU construction. ADUs are usually not considered as new residential uses for calculating connection fees, ensuring the feasibility and affordability of ADU development. It’s crucial to understand these provisions to anticipate and plan for utility-related expenses accurately.

Fees and Charges

Understanding the variety of fees, especially impact fees, is essential. These fees, charged by local agencies, are instrumental in maintaining and developing public facilities related to ADU construction. Adherence to legal standards in calculating these fees is critical to promote responsible development and the construction of adequate facilities.

Despite all these nuances, Golden State Designs makes the process for you as easy as possible thanks to
our experience in the field.

Our ADU process is designed to reduce the Risk

We are well aware of the local laws and regulations. Our builders make the ADU blueprints for you which are durable and fulfill the local laws as well. We complete your ADU construction project within the estimated time frame using high-quality building materials.

Our ADU contractors can do all the remodeling work for you. If you have an already built old-fashioned ADU, our home extension builders can extend and renovate your ADU according to modern extension designs.

ADU Home

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Detlef Albrecht
Detlef Albrecht
2024-09-13
We have known Gad for about three years and he has helped us with several home projects. We are extremely happy with his rapid and diligent communications, the advice provided for projects, and the quality of the work done by his company or the contractors that he recommended. Specifically, we had a complex repair job for our garage floor which was managed under his supervision and was completed with excellent quality, on budget, and on time. His recommendations and contractors for a solar project, paint work and roof repair were all very good as well. We highly recommend GSD for your next home project.
Mei Stinson
Mei Stinson
2024-09-07
We were very happy with our decision to go with Golden State Designs for our home construction project. We expanded the house, added rooms and remodeled the kitchen. The team was professional, showed up every day and kept our project on schedule. They took care of a lot details like adding extra trim and casing to make sure our skylight and cabinets look and fit well. Our brand new master bath turned out great and I was really happy with Gad’s recommendation on the tile layout and drop in tub. Since we lived in the house during the entire project, they made sure our living space was blocked properly from the workspace. My kids loved seeing the team every morning before they went to school and checking out the progress when they came home. We don’t wear shoes inside our house and whenever the any of the workers had to go into our living space, they would remove their shoes even though I never asked them to. It was very respectful and considerate. Overall, it was a fantastic job and team. I have gotten nothing but compliments from family and friends who have seen the finished work. Thanks GSD!
Andrew Stinson
Andrew Stinson
2024-08-28
Gad and his team completed our home remodel. We couldn’t be happier. The job was finished within the quoted time and price. I love Gad’s positivity and energy. His team was consistent, on-time and very respectful of our space as we lived in our home during the remodel. Highly recommend.
Tali Krakowsky Apel
Tali Krakowsky Apel
2024-08-22
Incredible craftsmanship, attention to detail, customer service, and absolutely reliable. Our expectations were managed the whole way, without surprises in timing or budget. Gad is THE BEST!
Khanh, Nguyen Thuy
Khanh, Nguyen Thuy
2024-08-16
We have an ongoing project with Golden State Designs and so far we are happy with what the company offers. Gad has such a pleasant personality and his staff Carlos is very nice and helpful. We appreciate the flexibility the company is offering whenever we add additional works to the project. Despite the extra work, they keep the project on schedule with more workers on site who’s willing to stay late and spend extra hours to fulfill the job. We’re ready to give the company a six stars when our project completed and will sure have a very nice story to share.
Julie Hawkins, The Biz Psychic
Julie Hawkins, The Biz Psychic
2024-06-19
It took me over 2 years to find the right GC to remodel my kitchen and dining room. As soon as I met Gad I knew he was the right contractor for many reasons. We got started about 4 weeks later. When I asked Gad for a time estimate, he told me he could complete the work in 5 weeks, and he was true to his estimate. First rate work, highly responsive, honest, and top quality. Gad and his team are first rate.
Dorothy Caldwell
Dorothy Caldwell
2024-06-10
I just finished a garage conversion ADU with an additional 200 sq ft add-on. I now have a 600+ sq ft, one bedroom, one bath with full kitchen and laundry that I love! Working with Gad and his crew was a wonderful experience. The job was completed in the timeframe given and all inspections were passed the first time. These men are truly craftsmen, artists really. The work they did was incredible. When something did come up that needed to be addressed, they always found a great solution. I can't say enough about their workmanship and professionalism. I highly recommend Gad and his crew for any job you may have.
Andreas Tiit
Andreas Tiit
2024-03-15
Got a 1000sqft ADU, and it's perfect! Incredible design, efficient space use, and extremely high quality. Exceeded our expectations in every way. Highly recommend!
Ash Miller
Ash Miller
2023-12-20
Gad and his team were absolutely fantastic to work with. Very communicative during the construction process and top notch work done in our 2 bathrooms and kitchen renovations!
Guillaume Carle
Guillaume Carle
2023-10-12
Gad and his team were extremely helpful to complete our renovation project. We had to part away from our previous contractor and were left with an open construction site. Gad responded extremely quickly to help us. He took over all the bathrooms remodeling including plumbing and electrical. They finished the wet bar area and completed the fireplace. Price was right and quality was on point. Will definitely work with him again in future.