ADU Construction Services in the City of Los Altos
During our first conversation, our team will ask you a handful of general questions regarding your ADU or garage conversion project so that we can better understand your needs and desires. If it feels like we are a good fit for each other, we will assign an experienced project manager to visit your property for your free in-home consultation.
The project manager will arrive on the agreed-upon day & time and examine the location of where you plan to build your ADU. Your project manager will be your main point of contact from this point on so that they can truly understand your vision, style, and design ideas for your ADU project in Los Altos.
If all goes well during the in-home appointment, your project manager will work with you and our office to break down the scope of the project. This phase will include an estimate of pricing for the project, the anticipated process, and the expected timeline for the completion of your new Accessory Dwelling Unit.
Allow us to show you what we can do for you with our no-obligation, free in-home consultation.
It is incredibly important to us that you’re able to touch and feel the material finishes available to you so that you can make a confident decision on the design of your ADU. Our showroom in San Jose will feature beautifully designed cabinetry, a variety of exquisite tiles, and many more materials to complete your ADU project.
As you decide on your design and finishes, we will provide you with the final drawings, layout, design, and 3D renderings so that you can truly see how your ADU or garage conversion will look when we complete your project. Your project manager will walk you through all of the possible choices and outcomes you may have before finalizing your project.
At this point, the excitement has built up and we will both be incredibly eager to get started on your dream project! So upon review of all the finalized details, your project manager and our office will work with you to review and sign the contract so that we can finally begin building your ADU unit in Los Altos!
Our team will immediately begin obtaining permits and scheduling appointments with the necessary trade experts to guarantee your home is in the optimal state needed to begin the ADU construction phase. Your project manager will handle this process from A to Z.
This is the fun part! Time to shop! You and your project manager will take the time to review all the remaining materials, fixtures, and accessories needed for your ADU Design-Build from our most trusted vendors. These selections will give that final touch to your beautifully designed accessory dwelling unit that you’re building in Los Altos.
Consistent communication is crucial for a successful process and the peace-of-mind knowing that your project is moving along. Due to our expertise and the care that our project managers have for their projects, you can expect a smooth and transparent process to completion of your new ADU home.
The initial phase of the actual construction will consist of us demolishing the area and removing all of the unwanted materials. Cleaning out the space in a timely manner will ensure that we stay on track with our ADU housing project timeline and prepare us for the framing phase.
Preparation is a key part of a truly smooth installation process, so it is incredibly important that we inspect the space after it’s been demolished and begin the process of framing the structure. As framing is completed, we can then stucco the exterior, interior drywall, plumbing, and other aspects needed to move on to the installation phase.
It’s finally here! The installation process is where your brand new ADU or garage conversion begins to take shape and finally comes to life. Your project manager will ensure that each step is handled with care so that everything is installed in a clean and perfect manner.
Once we complete the installation, your project manager will walk through the entire project with you and review the final punch list to ensure that everything was covered and handled properly. Any adjustments or minor tweaks will be handled in this phase of your accessory dwelling unit project.
While it is hard to say goodbye, we know how excited you will be to finally enjoy your beautiful new ADU home in Los Altos. So this final walk-through with your project manager will be the final inspection needed to bring your ADU project to completion.
If your project manager made your ADU construction process seamless and enjoyable, then let’s give them the praise they deserve! You can find us on all review websites like Yelp and Google, and it truly warms our hearts to hear the good news directly from you!
Begin your home remodeling project with us today with our free in-home consultation.
There are so many beneficial reasons to build a secondary home on the same property as your primary home. Hiring a skilled and knowledgeable ADU Los Altos contractor who can deliver high-quality services while adhering to local building requirements is crucial.
More homeowners are starting to construct accessory dwelling units in Los Altos. These construction projects require contractors who are experts in ADUs. Homeowners need plenty of preparation and careful planning to commit to building ADU houses.
Many successful construction and renovation businesses have built accessory dwelling units in the surrounding communities. Read on further to learn more about ADUs and become better prepared when communicating with ADU contractors in Los Altos about your specific project.
What is ADU in Real Estate?
Property and house owners can rent an ADU home to people for passive income by renting out the building as a makeshift office, gym, or art studio.
An accessory dwelling unit in the real estate market goes by different names, such as a “granny flat.” It is a supplementary living area located within the same property as a pre-existing larger house. Although accessory dwelling units can be attached to a home or standalone, their primary function is to offer their occupants a fully furnished and separate living space.
You might find some local contractors in Los Altos, but it helps to search for businesses in the surrounding communities. An ADU contractor in San Jose, CA, is highly capable of constructing an accessory dwelling unit.
Is an ADU Legal in the City of Los Altos?
Constructing ADUs in Los Altos is legal as long as the correct permits are secured and the building and construction companies comply with the city’s zoning regulations. The experienced home builder you hire for your accessory dwelling unit project should understand ADU building laws at a city, county, and state level.
Hiring a contractor licensed and insured by the Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB) is highly recommended. An unlicensed and uninsured ADU builder can potentially lead to significant problems if a worker is injured on your property.
What Qualifies as a Legitimate ADU in Los Altos?
The Los Altos city website has public information on ADU and junior ADU requirements and regulations. The city’s planning division has a handout available that goes into more detail about the applicable municipal code, such as the following:
- Accessory dwelling units in Los Altos require an additional parking space on the same property as the primary house or multi-family home.
- Detached ADUs cannot exceed 1,200 square feet and must have a minimum 5 ft separation from the main single-family dwelling.
- Attached ADUs also cannot surpass 1,200 square feet.
The regulations mention architectural requirements, so homeowners must search for a wise builder that provides architectural design and support. These knowledgeable contractors are also expert custom homes builders in Los Altos, CA.
Benefits of Adding an ADU to Your Property in Los Altos
As shown in past years, ADUs are becoming more popular due to their numerous advantages. Most homeowners can potentially transform their property by constructing an ADU Los Altos, CA project.
In contrast to townhouses, ADUs are an ideal choice for families, couples, and singles looking for a modest, affordable home since they are classic and compact but not too small. An ADU offers the best choice for senior homeowners who want to rent their primary house to their adult children.
With accessory dwelling units, property owners can earn rental income while providing tenants with affordable options to reside in single-family neighborhoods. With a wise remodeling of the property, you can get the best value for money.
Does an ADU Increase Property Value?
Your property value may increase by a large percentage thanks to an ADU building. Every property’s value varies on different factors that may require an appraisal from a realtor.
Homeowners must also keep in mind that their property taxes may increase due to the increased square footage on the land. A rented ADU can provide passive income that can partly cover the increased taxes.
Accessory dwelling units are not the only construction project that may increase property value. A bathroom remodeling contractor in Los Altos, CA, can upgrade your bathroom and, therefore, possibly increase your home’s value.
Rent Your ADU Home in Los Altos, CA
Many homeowners in the area earn passive rental income from their ADUs. Take the time to look at a construction company’s ADU portfolio to see what kind of building fits your property and budget best.
ADUs in Los Altos can also be rented out through home-sharing apps like Airbnb, providing people with additional income. Accessory dwelling units are a great investment opportunity for many people.
What Types of Accessory Dwelling Units Can you Build In Los Altos?
Constructing an ADU on the same lot as your home is a great option to improve the living quarters and property value. However, with the numerous types available, not all homeowners can distinguish between backyard ADU, garage unit, or granny flat.
Detached ADUs
A detached ADU is an independent living space on your land that characterizes a modest home in appearance and style. These smaller homes have their water and energy connections and remain an excellent choice for renting out since it’s completely independent of the main building.
Detached additional dwelling units have their own entrances and offer tenants plenty of privacy. Most contractors have successfully built ADUs, but you should always seek the best ADU Builder in the California Bay Area that can make your project a reality.
ADU Attached to House
The attached ADU is built above, below, or on the side of a primary home. The top-rated contractors evaluate your current home and property and help decide on what kind of attached ADU suits your house best.
These additional dwelling units share a wall with the primary home but have their own entranceway. Although these smaller homes are attached to a house, they can have a separate mailing address.
Garage Conversion ADU
Some homes can benefit from transforming a garage into an ADU. Los Altos garage conversions use detached or attached garages and transform them into hospitable ADU homes. Homeowners should seek contractors that can complete all types of ADU construction projects.
Finding the Right ADU Builder in Your Area
Several Los Altos ADU Builders are eager to accept your cash and finish your ADU, but these projects require the right amount of time and hard work. A low price may lead to ADU construction that skips out on industry-leading materials in favor of cheaper materials.
The best accessory dwelling unit contractor will always offer the best materials while staying within a homeowner’s budget. The top-rated companies provide different construction services. For example, a home addition contractor in Los Altos, California, may have the skillset to build an attached ADU.
Does Building an ADU on your Property Add Value to Your Land in Los Altos?
An ADU may add more value to your property regardless of how much it costs. An ADU builder may not be able to tell the exact amount your property will increase but can suggest what designs are popular and improve property value.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Detached ADU?
The costs of constructing ADUs in the city of Los Altos and other locations in the area depend on various factors, such as the unit’s size, choice of materials, and the overall project scope. Request a quote from any contractor or look for companies that provide free estimates.
Gathering different prices can help you determine which contractor or home remodeler fits within your budget.
Choosing an ADU contractor in Los Altos
Before you commence ADU construction in Los Altos, reaching out to a contractor who can fully comprehend your project needs is beneficial. These companies will assign project managers to provide clients with consultations and assist them in bringing their home renovation ideas to fruition.
Some companies are specialists in different services, and some homeowners hire them as a kitchen contractor in Los Altos.
The process to Building an ADU Home in Los Altos, California
Every legitimate contractor should have a project process, including an ADU Los Altos construction. Homeowners must have a budget prepared based on the estimates they received from different construction companies. You must also have a few ADU house designs to present to a contractor.
Your chosen ADU contractor will provide further consultation on designs and building materials. The hired ADU builders in Los Altos should be able to take care of any pending permits.
Additional dwelling unit projects will require subcontractors for plumbing and electrical work. ADU contractors in Los Altos should only employ experts who can handle the specific mechanical work an accessory dwelling unit requires.
Communication is vital, and an ADU project manager should stay in contact with the homeowners throughout different stages of the construction. These are just a few critical details in successful Los Altos ADU projects.
Do You Need Planning Permission for an ADU Unit in Los Altos?
Los Altos garage conversions, detached, and attached ADUs all require permits with detailed plans. The city’s planning division reviews permit applications submitted by contractors, and permits for ADUs do not require public notice announcements.
Los Altos ADU Setback Requirements
Unless stipulated by state law, a single-family ADU, detached or attached from the main building, must not intrude upon the necessary front yard and must have a four-foot offset from the other yard property boundary.
The city’s website has an entire section dedicated to ADU requirements by the planning division.
How Long Does it Take to Build an Accessory Dwelling Unit in Los Altos?
The amount of time in months it takes to complete an additional dwelling unit varies. Contractors should provide a project timeline with dates when the construction crew completes certain stages.
Some projects will run into delays, but responsible ADU contractors in Los Altos will notify homeowners immediately to address any issues. Weather delays are the most common for ADUs and affect other projects, such as remodeled homes in Los Altos.
Interesting Facts to Know About Los Altos in California
The City of Los Altos was once an agricultural town with many apricot orchards and summer cottages. After a population boom, the city now has a population of over 30 thousand residents.
The neighborhoods in this city are home to many talented workers who commute from Los Altos to the rest of Silicon Valley. Los Altos is more of a residential than a commercial city, so many families call this location home.
What Specific County is the City of Los Altos in?
Los Altos is located in Santa Clara County, part of the South Bay Area. Residents of Los Altos enjoy hikes in Redwood Grove Nature Preserve. The giant trees provide hikers with shades and beautiful natural views.
Frequently Asked Questions: Building an ADU in Los Altos, California
Are Garage Conversions Legal in California?
As long as it meets the building standards in the state, garage conversions are legal in California. Also, Los Altos ADU Contractors can help property owners ascertain whether their building meets the state government requirements.
Can an ADU Have a Basement?
Yes, it can. ADU Builders in Los Altos have been creatively transforming mid-sized buildings into a basement with proper ventilation and plumbing.
Can You Add an ADU to a Duplex?
California law allows ADU construction on multi-tenant units within the state. Los Altos zoning regulations can further determine what kind of ADU is suitable for your property.
Is an ADU Considered a Single Family Home in Los Altos?
ADUs in Los Altos can be considered single-family homes because they live on single-family properties. However, an ADU is not actually a single-family home on its own since ADUs are more of an add-on to properties and not stand-alone properties.
Can You Build an ADU on Top of a Garage?
Yes, you can build an ADU on a garage, and it’s a cost-effective way to save parking space from the garage. This type of ADU is called a garage conversion and is a very popular type of ADU build.
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