Why Downsize?
Many ADU’s seen on TV are actually built as RV’s also known as Park Models. These units are NOT allowed as permanent residence and WE DO NOT BUILD these Units. OUR Tiny Homes aka Accessory Dwelling Units or Granny Flats are built to Federal or Local Building Code.
Regulations in California
With the passage of Senate Bill 1069, that went into effect January 1, 2017. California just opened the doors for more people to build Accessory Dwelling Units aka Tiny Homes aka granny flats on their property. The law was prompted by escalating housing prices and a need for more affordable housing units. Although building secondary units on property for elderly parents coined the term “tiny homes,” real estate agents and lawmakers say rent is so high that just about everyone is trying to get in one nowadays. “It’s a modest step,” said Steve Russell, executive director of the San Diego Housing Federation. “Anything that contributes to housing supply is part of the solution . . . it’s a big drop in the bucket but it’s still just a drop in the bucket.” Bill Cavanaugh, USModular Inc said “Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit is a cost effective way to add square footage for family members or for a rental unit to offset the rising cost of homes in California. Our typical client builds an 850 sq. ft tiny home which will have a kitchen, living room, up to 2 bedrooms and baths which is manageable and affordable for most home owners.”
Key Points
*Tiny Home cannot exceed 1,200 sq. ft
*Tiny Home can be standalone unit/house or be a converted garage
*Reduced Parking requirements must meet several variables
*Reduced Fees for water, sewer, utility connection
*Tiny Home can be built with Modular Construction, Site Built or built as a Manufactured Home
*Fire sprinklers may be eliminated if main dwelling does not have sprinklers *Tiny Home plus main residence must still meet local zoning Floor Area and Set Backs Although SB 1069 streamlines the process and reduces fees and parking requirements – the local building departments still have rules and regulations for submitting applications and plans for an ADU. To determine if it’s feasible from a zoning and financial standpoint – USModular offers a Feasibility Study with a Conceptual Budget service that will help most homeowners make an informed decision as to the size, location and cost of building an ADU.
Phase I Feasibility Study
• Review Local Building Department Rules/Regulations to determine:
• Floor Area Ratio, Setbacks, Parking, Mass Transit Plan, Available Utilities and Needs analysis
• Plan Submittal Requirements
• Create Site Plan of Current House
• Analyze options for Converting Existing Garage to tiny home or New construction for tiny home • Develop Conceptual Budget for Garage Conversion and/or New Construction
Phase II New Construction
• Choose a pre-designed ADU (most cost effective) or custom design ADU
• Determine Type of Construction (site Build, Modular, Manufactured)
• Create required Civil Engineering Plans and House plans
• Submit site and house plans to State and local building departments for approvals
• Demo/Grade
• Install required utilities
• Build Foundation
• Build Home / Install Modular / Manufactured Home
• Coordinate with State and local building department for inspections
• Complete exterior site work or landscaping per plans
• Obtain Certificate of Occupancy
Cost
Tiny Homes start at *2 $125/sf
*2-Based on average sf of Accessory Dwelling Unit 850 sf.
ADU Floor Plans