San Francisco–based architect Mark Hogan of OpenScope Studio designs and builds accessory dwelling units—attached or stand-alone suites added to existing residences—across California. Whether ADUs are an effective solution to today’s housing crisis or not, homeowners are building them at breakneck speed for their relatives and to earn rental income. Hogan recommends considering these factors before undertaking such a project.
This article appears in Issue 24 of Alta Journal.
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Time and Budget
Infrastructural issues outside the scope of an ADU—like having to upgrade your electrical service or your water meter—can result in added time and expenses. Anticipate unforeseen issues.
Space
Building for your in-laws is one thing. Prospective renters need privacy. Make sure your lot has enough space for your ADU’s intended use. Requirements like having 32-inch-wide doorframes and 24 inches of clearance in front of a toilet bowl eat up space quickly.
Financial Support
Funds such as California’s new ADU Grant Program exist for predevelopment and construction. Some, like the San Diego Housing Commission’s ADU Finance Program, offer up to $200,000 in loans. See whether you qualify for any of these incentives before building, as some cover only preconstruction costs.
Location, Location, Location!
California state law (Assembly Bill 2221) says you can build an attached ADU to a maximum height of 25 feet or the height limit imposed by local ordinances, whichever is lower. It’s worth learning whether your local jurisdiction is more restrictive than the state, as it could inform the specific needs of your project.
Choosing the Right Builder
A single-family ADU has to comply with a local, state, or hybrid ADU program. Each of these programs comes with a unique set of regulations. Make sure to hire an ADU architect who understands the guidelines, to avoid any costly hiccups.•
