Creating an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) offers a valuable avenue for real estate development and enhancing property worth. ADUs boast diverse functions, serving as offices, extra living spaces for families, or as lucrative long or short-term rentals. They come in three main types: attached ADUs sharing a wall with the main house, detached structures like granny flats, and conversion ADUs transforming existing interior spaces such as garages.
Given the unique nature of each ADU project, California lacks a standardized timeline for the building process. The entire journey involves designing, permitting, constructing, and installing the unit. Opting for a pre-approved design plan, such as the one offered by Abodu, can potentially expedite the process compared to a customized layout. Construction timelines in California can average between 10-18 months, influenced by factors like zoning restrictions and property topography.
Project Phases Overview:
Consultation and Design (~6 weeks to 4 months): Collaborate with a designer to discuss budget, assess the site, and determine ADU placement, installation dates, and utility connections.
Contracts and Permitting (~2 to 4 months): Finalize ADU plans and costs, securing necessary permits.
Site Prep (~2 to 4 weeks): Clear obstructions, lay foundations, and set up utilities.
Construction (~4 months to 1 year): Build the ADU according to design plans.
Installation (~1 day): Watch the prefab ADU get delivered to your backyard.
In-Depth Phases:
Consultation and Design: This phase, taking 6 weeks to 4 months, involves site measurement, identifying challenges, and determining optimal ADU placement. The design team creates floor plans, obtains approvals, and completes permit application documents.
Contracts and Permitting: Spanning 2 to 4 months, this phase finalizes plans and costs, working on permits and applications. Pre-approved ADUs under California's exemption program may expedite the process, with some cities, like San Jose, offering same-day approvals.
Site Prep: Following the acquisition of the ADU construction permit, this 2 to 4 weeks phase involves clearing obstructions and setting up the foundation and utility hookups. Terrain complexity can influence the duration.
Construction of ADU: Depending on complexity, this phase lasts 4 months to a year, involving subcontractors, city inspections, and potential delays due to weather, inspections, or supply chain issues. Prefabricated ADUs streamline the process.
Installation: Once the prefabricated ADU is complete, a quick one-day installation connects utilities, allowing immediate enjoyment.
Design and Permitting Timelines:
Design (6 weeks to 4 months): Simpler units reduce design time, with pre-approved ADUs exempt from regulations offering a faster route. Homeowner indecision or plan changes can extend this phase.
Permitting (Varies): California legislation mandates ADU design approval within 60 days, but actual timelines can be longer. Pre-approved ADUs ensure compliance.
Factors Influencing Project Delays:
Plan Changes: Revisions after design approval require additional reviews, potentially increasing construction time and material needs.
Utility Upgrades: Upgrades for systems like septic, electrical, or plumbing may necessitate additional permits, adding time and cost.
Right of Way Work Permits: Work on public property, like repaving driveways, may require permits, taking weeks to months to obtain.
Material Lead Times: Material availability can impact timelines; standard sizes aid sourcing.
City Delays: Unique rules and permit requirements in different cities influence timelines; early research can minimize delays.
Zoning Regulations: Varied jurisdictions and review processes in different areas impact ADU construction; early submissions help.
Homeowners Associations (HOAs): Unique HOA conditions may necessitate additional reviews, requiring adherence to their rules and regulations to avoid delays. Providing plans to both the city and HOA simultaneously can streamline the process.