FAQs
Every question you
haven't asked yet.
Anyone exploring an ADU has a lot of questions. Here are the ones we hear most. It isn't an exhaustive list — this is a big decision, so call us and we'll talk it through properly.
ADUs & the rules
What is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?
ADUs are additional homes built on existing single-family or multifamily residential properties. They also go by backyard homes, guest houses, casitas, mother-in-law units and granny flats. Some are separate structures in a back or side yard (detached); others are conversions of existing space such as basements, attics and garages (attached). MyADU4Less specializes in detached ADUs.
Are ADUs allowed in my neighborhood?
In 2020 and 2021 new laws were passed making it easier for Californians to build ADUs. Major changes to zoning regulations, permit requirements and development standards came into effect, making it easier, faster and cheaper to build an ADU on your property.
Can I build an ADU? How many can I build?
On most single-family residential lots you can build one detached ADU and one junior ADU — a unit no more than 500 square feet located within the home. If you live on a multifamily lot you may be able to build two detached ADUs.
Do I have to build a parking space for an ADU?
Under current state law an additional parking spot is not needed if the ADU is within half a mile of a public bus stop or rail station; is on a street requiring on-street parking permits where the permit has not been offered to the ADU occupant; or is within one block of a public car-share program. If you don't meet one of those, we'll need to show a space on your lot — and that can be a tandem space on your existing driveway.
What are the setback requirements?
In most cases setbacks in rear and side yards have been reduced to 4 feet. The setback from the primary home to the ADU varies by city and is typically between 5 and 10 feet.
Can an HOA prevent me building an ADU?
No. State regulations specifically prohibit homeowners associations from interfering with ADU construction.
Does an ADU need a separate address?
Most cities will assign a separate address for the ADU.
How will an ADU affect my property tax bill?
Your primary home will not be reassessed — ADUs do not trigger Prop 13. Typically your property tax is recalculated on a blended assessment, increasing your annual bill by roughly 1% of the value of the ADU.
How will an ADU affect the sale price of my house?
An ADU can increase property value, and can therefore boost the price of the primary home when it's time to sell. That said, many factors go into home prices and every case is unique.
Building with MyADU4Less
How do you build your ADUs?
We are prefabricated construction specialists. Our ADUs are built in a factory to ANSI code (Tiny Homes), Federal/HUD building code (Manufactured Homes) or local building code (Modular Homes). We build this way because we have far more control over the timeline and the quality — and because prefabricated construction is much less disruptive to you and your neighbors, since our time on site is minimal.
Does my city allow prefabricated ADUs?
Yes. Prefabricated homes — manufactured and modular — are a style of construction, and cannot be denied by your city on that basis.
How long does the entire process take?
The majority of ADU projects finish within about 12 months, but there are many variables — including how quickly you settle on your floor plan and finishes, local approvals, and material availability.
How long does permitting take?
It varies by jurisdiction. We recommend ordering your home while we are still in the permit phase, which shortens the overall build time considerably.
What type of foundation are your ADUs built on?
Foundations are engineered to meet state and federal standards for wind, snow and earthquakes. Exterior foundation walls are concrete block stem walls.
Design & options
Can I customize the standard floor plans?
The Silver and Gold floor plans have limited options for changing the plan itself, though the interiors do have some flexibility and upgrades available. The ModPro series is a custom plan — we can make changes to those plans, or create a custom floor plan for you.
What flooring options do you offer, and can I upgrade?
Standard Silver and Gold flooring options include carpet and linoleum, with the option to upgrade to vinyl plank. ModPro comes with vinyl plank and engineered wood options.
Can you make the unit wheelchair-accessible?
We cannot make a home officially ADA-compliant, but we will work with you to install features that make the unit more accessible — wider doors, a shower with grab bars, and wheelchair ramps.
Is there heating, ventilation and air conditioning?
Our Silver and Gold ADUs come with a gas or electric furnace; the ModPro has a mini-split system. Both are A/C ready.
Your property
How do I know if an ADU will fit on my property?
Many properties can accommodate one, and we offer ADUs ranging from 160 sq ft to 1,200 sq ft. To find out for certain, contact us for a free virtual site assessment.
How does an ADU connect to sewer, water and electricity?
In most cities ADUs are allowed to connect to the primary home's water, sewer, electricity and gas. MyADU4Less makes these connections.
Will my current electrical panel handle an ADU?
Typically a primary residence needs a 200-amp panel. If yours is smaller, we'll work with you and your electricity provider to determine whether a panel upgrade or a separate meter is the better route.
What if I'm on a septic system?
Many homes on septic are sized for the primary home only. We'll analyze the existing system to determine whether an upgrade is needed.
What if I live on a hillside?
Cities often have special building regulations for hillside construction. Feasibility has to be determined case by case — that's part of what the site assessment is for.
Cost & payment
What is the payment schedule?
Once you've chosen your ADU model we provide a contract and a payment schedule for that model.
Are there hidden or surprise costs?
We offer all-inclusive pricing for standard sites. If your lot has special circumstances — hillside, sewer pumps, septic, crane access — we determine any additional charges for extra site work and upgrades with you upfront, so you know your full cost to build.
How does prefab ADU pricing compare to a stick-built ADU?
Built with prefabricated construction efficiencies, an ADU can cost up to 45% less per square foot than a newly constructed, traditional site-built ADU. Specific prices vary based on the home, the location and the scope of work.
Does it actually make sense for me to build one?
Only you can answer that, but here are two reasons it often does. You need extra space for aging parents or adult children, and renting them an apartment nearby is expensive. Or you have unused space on your property and want the extra income. Run the numbers on a local apartment rent against the monthly payment on financing an ADU through your home equity — for a lot of our clients, it either saves the family money on rent or earns them money every month. We'll help you work out which.
Do you have a referral program?
We do, and we love referrals. If you send us a friend, a family member or a client and they build a new home or an ADU with us, we'll send a referral fee your way. Contact the office to complete a registration form.
STILL WONDERING?
Ask us the one
that isn't here.
This is a big decision. Talk to our ADU experts and get a straight answer about your property, your budget and your timeline.
Contact Us →or call (951) 679-9907 ext 1
MyADU4Less
Full-service design & build firm for prefabricated ADUs (Granny Flats) throughout Southern California.