If you’re thinking of building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your property, there are a few requirements you need to keep in mind and points to consider before moving forward.

First, you don’t need a detached structure on your property to build an ADU. You can add to your existing house or use your garage, although it should be at least a two-car garage if the latter is your preferred option. The maximum amount of space you can add is 1,200 square feet, and you can’t build more than 50% of your house’s square footage. For example, if your house is 1,000 square feet, you can’t add more than 1,000 square feet for your ADU.

Second, you might be in for a bit of a wait to obtain your building permit. Before you start building, you have to submit your plans to the Department of Building and Safety. In the past, you’d only have to wait a couple hours for your plans to be approved. Now that building ADUs is becoming so popular among investors, this waiting period has stretched to two to three weeks.

Don’t assume you’ll be able to just convert your garage for $20,000, either. Depending on what you’re trying to build, ADUs can also be cost prohibitive due to the construction regulations you must follow.

We’ve also found that many homes with ADUs end up being bought out by investors because they’re an ideal option for any investor looking for a duplex or a triplex. Those investors are getting a vacant property that they can start renting out immediately.

“Depending on what you’re trying to build, ADUs can be cost prohibitive.”

Lastly, by adding an ADU onto your property, you’ll be subject to the rules of rent control, especially if the property was built before 1978.

If you’d like to do further research on the matter, feel free to check out this more detailed article featured in Curbed

There’s still a lot more that goes into building and owning an ADU, so if you have any additional questions or would like further information on this subject, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d be happy to help you.