Building an ADU in Orinda CA

[Shervin R.]

We are thinking to build an ADU. House is on a 0.5 acre lot and has a large flat area with access from the road. we were wondering if building an ADU for our guests or to rent is a good Idea or not and how much does it cost. Greatly appreciate your input.

[Collin Chan]

@Shervin R. I have been looking at ADUs including modular and for many of them, the costs are not lower and more restrictive in terms of layout and design.  I decided to go custom and have been quoted $250-$300 a sq/ft including everything.  Most modular don't include foundation and hook ups to electrical, water, and sewage but some will so take that into consideration when looking around.  The savings is more in the time than cost though so if you want less disturbance on site since you live there, then it might be of value to you.

Based on cost, you can use rentometer to see what a 1/1 or 2/1 would rent for in your area (typical ADU floorplans although you could go larger). Then you can run some numbers and see if it makes sense.

Collin

[Reynard Azada]

I've research about ADU's also called Granny flats or In-Laws. With the space you have the space for it. Try Housable. There are other ones out there just google " ADU designs" you'll get a lot of info and get a handle on that! I wanna know what you decide since I'm thinking about one on my soon to be rental. God Speed

[Account Closed]

There have been some really good threads on this in the California forum.  You can just use the search feature and you'll find them.

[Shervin R.]

I am going to talk with housable and see what they offer when I get a chance. What about Modular homes? Are they reliable? They are much cheaper. Check out Cuttingedgehomes.net.

[John A Murray]

Too bad you don't have a garage to convert. That's by far the best way to do an ADU. The only way for me.

[Collin Chan]

@Shervin R. I have been looking at ADUs including modular and for many of them, the costs are not lower and more restrictive in terms of layout and design.  I decided to go custom and have been quoted $250-$300 a sq/ft including everything.  Most modular don't include foundation and hook ups to electrical, water, and sewage but some will so take that into consideration when looking around.  The savings is more in the time than cost though so if you want less disturbance on site since you live there, then it might be of value to you.

Based on cost, you can use rentometer to see what a 1/1 or 2/1 would rent for in your area (typical ADU floorplans although you could go larger). Then you can run some numbers and see if it makes sense.

Collin

[Shervin R.]

Thank you all for your input. This unprecedented pandemic has put a full stop on my project. I hope we all survive this.