Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as 'granny flats' or 'in-law suites,' have surged in popularity in recent years. They are self-contained housing units located on the same lot as a single-family home, and they offer an efficient and cost-effective solution to housing shortage issues, while also providing homeowners with an additional source of income. As a leader in construction innovation, Avorino is here to guide you through the process of ADU construction in Orange County, California.
What is an ADU and Why Should You Consider Building One?
An ADU is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone (i.e., single-family) house. ADUs come in different forms – they can be a converted part of an existing house like a basement or garage (known as an attached ADU), an addition to an existing house, or a separate building (a detached ADU).
There are several compelling reasons for building an ADU. For homeowners, ADUs can provide additional income through rental, increase property value, and offer a housing solution for extended family. For communities, they add to the housing supply in a sustainable and less disruptive way than large-scale housing developments. Check if you are eligibile to build an ADU on your property.
Understanding Orange County ADU Regulations
To facilitate the development of ADUs, the state of California has passed several laws in recent years, including Senate Bill 13 and Assembly Bills 68 and 881, which came into effect in January 2020. These laws limit the ability of local governments to impose certain restrictions on ADU construction, such as minimum lot size requirements, maximum ADU dimensions, and off-street parking requirements.
However, local regulations can still affect various aspects of ADU construction, such as setbacks, height limits, architectural design, and owner occupancy requirements. In Orange County, different cities have their own set of rules. For example, Anaheim has eliminated the requirement for the property owner to live on-site, while Newport Beach still requires owner occupancy for properties with ADUs.
Starting Your ADU Project with Avorino
Building an ADU is a significant project, and Avorino is here to guide you every step of the way. Our ADU services in Orange County include initial consultation, feasibility study, design and planning, permit application, and construction.
During the initial consultation, we will discuss your goals, budget, and timeframe, and answer any questions you have about the process.
In the feasibility study stage, we will assess your property's suitability for an ADU, considering factors like zoning restrictions, lot size, access, and utility connections.
Once we establish feasibility, we move on to design and planning. Our team of architects and designers will work with you to create a design that meets your needs, complies with regulations, and blends seamlessly with your existing property.
After finalizing the design, we handle the permit application process. We have extensive experience navigating Orange County's building permit process, and we ensure your project meets all local and state regulations.
The final stage is construction. Avorino is committed to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, and our team of skilled professionals will bring your ADU to life with meticulous attention to detail. Download the FREE ADU magazine.
ADUs and Property Value
Building an ADU can significantly increase your property value. A 2019 report from the Appraisal Institute found that an ADU can boost a property's value by up to 30%. Besides the direct value from adding living space, an ADU can also generate rental income, which further increases the property's value.
Conclusion
ADUs present a fantastic opportunity for homeowners in Orange County. Whether you aim to accommodate family, earn rental income, or increase your property's value, Avorino is here to make your ADU project a success. With our commitment to quality, extensive experience, and deep understanding of Orange County's regulations, you can trust Avorino to deliver an ADU that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.