4645 Van Nuys Blvd #201
Sherman Oaks CA 91403
License: CSLB #1101305
Known today as Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, they were once called mother-in-law suites, in-law units, secondary units, and backyard cottages. These structures generally have a bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen like any other standalone home but can be attached or detached from a single-family dwelling.
Not to mention, these structures are also affordable and offer more living space outside of the primary residence. This makes it far more accommodating for both guests and homeowners alike. One of the most significant reasons Californians build an ADU is to generate additional income by renting out the space as either a long-term rental or vacation property.
Between 2017 and 2019 alone, California permitted 26,600 ADUs. This "ADU boom" is largely in response to the state's housing crisis. According to Zumper, the median rental price for a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles in 2022 was $2,475 and has only increased since. Many experts believe that building more ADUs is one way to help ease the burden on renters.
There are many great reasons to build an ADU in LA. Since the cost of land and homes in the area is relatively expensive, some people are opting to create additional space on property they already own rather than trying to sell the house and move elsewhere.
ADUs can be rented out long-term or short-term, providing much-needed extra income.
If guests come to stay, an ADU can provide them with their own private space rather than taking up a room in your home.
Building an ADU is often cheaper than buying a new home, making it a great option for those on a budget.
There are many reasons to build an ADU on your property, but the most common one is for supplemental income. By renting out this space, you can effectively offset a significant portion of your mortgage or even make a profit! Here are some reasons to consider adding an ADU to your property:
One of the most significant reasons to build an ADU is that it will add value to your home. Estimates show that an ADU can increase a property's resale value by as much as 20%. This is because potential buyers see the addition of an ADU as an instant source of additional income.
Another excellent reason to build an ADU is that it can help offset the cost of your mortgage. If you’re struggling to make ends meet each month, consider renting out your new unit to help cover the cost of your mortgage. In some cases, the rental income from an ADU can even exceed the monthly mortgage payment, resulting in pure profit!
An ADU can provide a much-needed passive income stream to help you reach your financial goals. By definition, passive income is money earned with little to no effort on your part.
A well-built and managed ADU can provide a consistent and predictable passive income stream that can help you reach your financial goals, whether paying off debt, saving for a down payment on a new home, or funding your retirement.
An ADU can serve several purposes in addition to providing rental income, including serving as an office, guest house, or home for grown children or parents. Other possible uses include greenhouses, music studios, and home gyms.
California has facilitated the construction of ADUs by passing multiple laws. A state law was established in 2017, permitting cities to be more flexible when approving ADU builds. Secondary legislation encouraging the building of ADUs was passed in 2018 and 2019.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for the cost of an ADU. It will depend on how large you want the unit to be and the features you include. Some things, like electrical and plumbing, are required. But other factors, like storage, laundry units, outdoor areas, windows and natural light, lofts, and soundproofing, can all impact the final cost.
Constructing an ADU from the ground up can set you back $100,000 to a whopping $400,000. If you're simply converting your garage, the cost is much more manageable at between only $80,000 to $120,000. However, it's important to note that adding an extra story or two or outfitting your new unit with high-end finishes like hardwood floors and stonework will drive costs up considerably.
On average, the ROI for homes with an ADU is 35% higher than those without an ADU. In LA, renting your ADU for just $2,000 a month could earn you an annual profit of $24,000! And that's not even counting the added value to your home should you ever decide to sell.
Looking for an ADU contractor in Los Angeles who can build an ADU on your existing property? Apex ADU Builders is here to help! We offer a wide range of services to make adding an ADU as easy and stress-free as possible, from helping you obtain the necessary permits to designing and constructing your new unit.
We'd love the opportunity to discuss your project and answer any questions you have about the building process. Contact us today to get started!
New construction is the simplest approach if your property has the space. It involves constructing a new structure and is the most customizable option. Conversions transform existing structures like garages or basements into an ADU, often requiring less square footage and lower costs.
Handled entirely by Apex ADU Builders, the planning and permitting process involves preparing and submitting the paperwork, drawings, and other documents needed for approval from your city or county– A time-consuming but necessary step to ensure your ADU meets all codes, regulations, and local ordinances.
Customizable design options make creating an ADU that meets all your needs easy. From floor plans and finishes to unique, custom features, our team will work with you every step of the way to ensure you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for.
APEX ADU Builders is a full-service company that specializes in helping homeowners build accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles. We provide a turn-key solution that takes care of everything from the initial design to getting all the necessary permits and approvals, allowing you to work with a single point of contact from start to finish.
We also handle the construction process from start to finish, so you can sit back and relax while we take care of everything. If you’re thinking about building an ADU, we can help.
Initial Consultation and Goals
The first step is to schedule a free consultation with us so we can learn more about your goals for the project and answer any questions you have. Determining the goals for your ADU is an important step in the process because it will help us determine the size, layout, and features that are right for you. We’ll also take a look at your property to see if it meets the criteria for building an ADU in Los Angeles.
Property Evaluation and Market Analysis
Once we’ve determined that your property is eligible for an ADU, we’ll conduct a market analysis to help you determine the rental value of the unit. This is important information to have because it will help you determine if building an ADU is a good investment for you. We’ll also take a closer look at your property to determine the best location for the ADU.
Customized ADU Designs
After we’ve determined the goals for your project and the best location for the ADU, we’ll start working on the design. We’ll create a custom floor plan that meets all of your needs and takes advantage of the available space on your property. We also work to ensure that your ADU is designed to meet all of the necessary building code requirements.
Detailed ADU Bid
Once the design is complete, we'll provide you with a detailed bid outlining the project's cost. This bid will include everything from the cost of materials to the labor costs associated with construction. We believe in being upfront and transparent about our pricing, so you'll know exactly what to expect before we start any work.
Site Permits and Construction
We handle everything from obtaining the necessary permits to building the ADU. We work closely with our clients throughout the construction process to ensure that they are happy with the progress and that their needs are being met.
Congratulations!
After construction is complete, we'll conduct a final walk-through of the unit with you to ensure that everything meets your expectations. We'll also take care of any final punch list items so that you can enjoy the extra space, income, and value your new ADU provides.
faq
What does ADU stand for?
The term ADU refers to an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Additional Dwelling Unit, which is a secondary housing unit that has independent living facilities that is located on a residential lot in addition to the main house.
What are the recent changes to ADU law?
The new ordinance in LA regarding ADUs has changed, and restrictions around ADUs have been lifted to open up new opportunities to homeowners. The most significant changes include:• Increases to the maximum permitted size • More varieties of ADU • Waived utility fees for homeowners • Changes to the parking requirement so that off-street covered parking is no longer required for ADUs
Whose approval do I need to build an ADU?
ADUs don’t require discretionary approval from the city planning department, planning boards, or neighbors. As long as you meet the established guidelines, you can build an accessory dwelling in LA by submitting plans to the building department and obtaining a permit.
Why should LA homeowners consider building an ADU on their property?
An ADU offers homeowners the opportunity to create a rental unit on their property for additional income without needing to build on or purchase a secondary residential lot. Instead, they can take advantage of their current lot.
What else can an ADU be used for?
In addition to potential revenue from rental income, an ADU can be used for a number of other things, including an office, a guest house, greenhouses, music studios, home gyms, hobby rooms, or homes for grown children or parents.
Customers trust us
Add Value to Your Los Angeles Property with an ADU
November 9, 2022
Garage to ADU Conversions vs. Newly Constructed ADUs
December 5, 2022
How Much Does an ADU Cost in California? Construction Costs, ROI, and Potential Income
December 5, 2022
The Pros and Cons of Having an ADU on Your Property
December 5, 2022
