Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s)

Also known as “In-Law Units” or “Granny Flats” or “Casitas”

Accessory Dwelling Units (also known as “in-law units” or “granny flats” or casitas”) are smaller living units added to a property that already has a primary residence. These are fast becoming a specialty of mine.

In an effort to create more affordable housing, the state of California has recently passed a law requiring local governments to remove certain zoning impediments that made it difficult to add ADUs to properties and are now encouraging them instead. Cities are eliminating requirements for extra parking and allowing larger ADUs (two stories in some cases.)

These extra living units have become more popular than ever, whether for rental income or for an aging parent, a grown son or daughter, or as rental income. It can allow a relative to live independently but with family support nearby.

These units can either be separate from the main house or attached. There are size restrictions, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a highly livable little house with a splendid sense of design. This can include vaulted ceilings, adequate closets, skylights, an open floor plan and a topnotch kitchen.  An aging parent accustomed to life in a nice house who now wants to downsize and live near family can still have a satisfying lifestyle. I very much enjoy creating the best possible life inside these little gems.