What Classifies as an ADU in Carson, CA? Is an ADU a Good Investment? Can I Build One on My Property?

A secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot is an accessory dwelling unit, usually just called an ADU. As it is the most commonly used term across the country to describe this type of housing, the term “accessory dwelling unit” is an institutional-sounding name. The shorthand “ADU” is simpler since the full name is a mouthful. What defines an ADU is the fact that it’s a secondary housing unit, rather than a given structural form. It is natural to want to know what that concept looks like in the flesh when we’re learning about concepts. in order to better understand what they are, allow me to broaden that mental model by exposing you to the range of common ADU types as ADUs vary in their physical form quite a bit. Today, we at Anytime Remodeling would like to take the opportunity to help you get a better understanding ADU.

ADU Types

In addition to some of the other terms you might hear to describe them, below are the basics of some of the common structural forms of ADUs.
1) Depending on the jurisdiction, detached new construction ADUs, are also sometimes called backyard cottages, laneway houses, granny flats, or DADUs.
2) ADUs converted from a garage.
3) Above a garage or workshop, or attached to it are ADU, and these may be called garage apartments or carriage houses in some areas.
4) Addition ADUs or “bump-out ADUs”
5) Basement apartments, mother-in-law units, in law units, secondary suites, English basements, accessory apartments, and a plethora of other names are the basement conversion to ADUs.
6) Internal ADUs, where part of the primary house besides the basement is converted to an ADU.

ADU Design Characteristics

ADUs share some common traits and face common design and development challenges while their structural forms vary. The fact that they are secondary housing units on single family residentially zoned lots of places ADUs into a unique category of housing for beginners. To help further define, differentiate, and distinguish them from other housing types, ADUs also have some other distinguishing characteristics. Additional commonalities include:
1) Compared to permitted ADUs, a vast number of informal ADUs exist.
2) By homeowner developers, ADUs tend to be primarily developed asynchronously from the primary house.
3) Owned by one owner on a single family residential lot, ADUs tend to be one of two units.
4) When compared to the average US house, ADUs are significantly smaller.
5) To a primary housing unit, ADUs are accessory and adjacent.
6) As they dramatically affect their allowed uses, a large range of municipal land use and zoning regulations differentiate ADU types and styles.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Design & Construction & More in Beverly Hills, Bradbury, Brentwood, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Pacific Palisades, San Marino, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Ventura, Woodland Hills, CA | Los Angeles County & Southern California

To make ADUs a distinct type of housing, these differentiating characteristics are generally present. There has been a lack of common understanding around the language and best practices of ADU development. When it comes to constructing ADU in L.A. and surrounding areas, call Anytime Remodeling and let our certified experts assist with your project. No matter the intended use, we can help you construct a perfect ADU for your individual needs.

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