All Forum Posts by: Bruce P.

Thanks @Hai G., I didn't think a 2 BR could comfortably fit in a 600 square foot space.

Thanks @Account Closed for sharing that link from Fresno, I realize I was typing that question out so fast, I didn't think to proof read what I wrote.  Though I'm glad you answered the way you did, because I had really only given thought to fees related to max square footage, and didn't even think about minimums.

Thanks for the answer @John A Murray, and yes it's a bummer.

Hi all, with the passage of the new California SB-13 and associated laws, what is the minimum square footage needed to accommodate a 2 bedroom / 1 bath ADU and a 2 bedroom / 2 bath ADU? My friend is thinking about not going with their original 1BR / 1 Bath ADU plan since 2 BR in Southern California could potentially fetch $2K per month and up is their thought (they are in the Westlake / Moorpark area of Ventura county). But I thought to ask the larger BP community for their collective wisdom.

Hi,

So last year around October 2019 my friend started the process of getting approval for an ADU in Southern California (Ventura county more specifically in the Moorpark area). They wrote a check for the school (impact) fee at the time dated towards the middle of November 2019. Now that SB-13 is effective - is it possible to get a refund on that check, esp. considering Gov. Newsom signed the bill in Oct 2019? The city just recently cashed the check this year, but my friend isn't sure on the legality of it.

Hi,

So currently a cable company operative stopped by my friend's house to route the network cable for the Internet modem into the master bedroom. As it turns out, they are claiming they can't run it through the attic (the attic doesn't extend far enough apparently) and they say they can do it 2 ways - drill a hole in the master bedroom wall that adjoins the guest bedroom where network cable is already laid.  Or they can drill a hole through the closet in the master bedroom so the network cable can be routed from outside and the modem hooked up in the master bedroom.

The whole point of doing this is to secure a modem and router in the master bedroom since my friend will Airbnb the unoccupied rooms but doesn't want to leave the modem/router in an unsecured location for security.

1) If she chooses to route the network cable from the closet, is there a good way to lay down the cable so people don't trip over it? 

2) Are there any other alternatives to securing the router in the master bedroom (my friend's room - she is the primary owner/occupant of the house and the door has a lock on it)?  Currently it's in an open space next to the kitchen. My friend researched various lock boxes but wasn't sure if the signal would get dampened or the heat / lack of ventilation might be a problem.  Should she get a second opinion from a handyman or something?

@Karen Margrave - I've noticed contractors tend to give these rough estimates. Is it fine to ask them to specifically itemize the type of materials they will be using for each line item? (e.g., please specify what type of door, what type of roof, what type of pipes, etc.) I've had one contractor want to charge me $300 for more specifics. I realize it's somewhat of a risk for them to spend time specifically enumerating material types as I may not end up picking them. On the other hand I would think an experienced contractor would have a fairly good idea of the range of materials available off the top of their head and that would make sense to use based on the project SOW for a small dwelling like an ADU. But this is also my first time through this process so I'd appreciate anyone correcting any mistaken assumptions I have.

Thanks all, this is great feedback!

Thank you, those are great thoughts @Jean H..

Good point @Lynnette E., the bedrooms have locks for privacy ... but the bathroom has to be shared between 3 bedrooms assuming my friend is going for 100% airbnb occupancy (it's a single family home)

@Marian Smith - another good point, I don't think they've checked Homeaway but they have looked around at Airbnb.

Thank you @Inga Fonder, that picture and explanation was very helpful!

Thank you @Will Barnard - it does include separate meters and lines but not permits - my friend already had architectural plans and will have to spend $10K to $15K separately for city permits (Moorpark / Westlake area was very restrictive before the California state law regarding ADUs and nuissance fees was passed).

Thank you @Karen Margrave - it is a 600 sq foot detached unit. Most of the bids were not very specific in the type of finish materials they would use (I assume finish materials mean the "cosmetic" stuff the ADU renter would see visually such as tiles and flooring). So I have a bunch of questions I need to get answered regarding the bids.