FAQ
- General ADU Information
- ADU Regulations in California
- Building an ADU
- ADU Permits
- ADU Financing
- Design and Customization
LiveLarge ADUs are available in California. We serve customers
from:
Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Sunnyvale
Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Colma, Daly City, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Pacifica, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, South San Francisco, Woodside
Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Leandro, Union City
Malibu, Santa Clarita, Newbury Park, Newhall, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Baldwin Park, Thousand Oaks, Stevenson Ranch, Santa Clarita, Northridge, Porter Ranch, Hansen Hills, Tarzana, San Fernando, Lake View Terrace, North Hills, Agua Dulce, Sun Valley, Woodland Hills, Agoura Hills
Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Century City, Beverly Hills, Huntington Park, Pacific Palisades, Topanga, Playa Del Rey, Marina Del Rey, Inglewood, Santa Monica, Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Monrovia, Sierra Madre, Tujunga, Pasadena, Glendale, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, Chatsworth, Encino
Valley Glen, Panorama City, Van Nuys, Burbank, Toluca Terrace, North Hollywood, Baldwin Park, El Monte, San Gabriel, Temple City, Pearblossom, Castaic, Pacoima, Arleta, Reseda, Granada Hills, Mission Hills
General ADU Information Have
Questions
About Your ADU?
General ADU Information
What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a supplementary living space that exists
alongside the main residence. ADUs can be integrated into the primary home, repurposed from
existing areas, or built as separate structures. In California, ADUs are required to include
essential living features such as sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities, making them
fully functional and habitable homes.
Why Are ADUs Gaining Popularity?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are gaining popularity for their ability to
enhance property value, provide additional living space, and generate rental income through
long-term leases or platforms like Airbnb. In California, recent laws have streamlined the
approval process and reduced restrictions, making ADUs a cost-effective alternative to
buying a new home. These incentives aim to increase housing density while maintaining
neighborhood charm, making ADUs an appealing solution amid housing shortages.
What Are the Regulations for ADUs in California?
In California, ADUs under 800 square feet are subject to a streamlined set
of standard regulations that all local jurisdictions must adhere to. Local authorities
cannot impose more restrictive rules regarding the structure's height, design, lot ratios,
or setbacks. These smaller ADUs can be built as close as 4 feet from property lines and can
reach a height of up to 16 feet. While ADUs can be as large as 1,200 square feet, local
jurisdictions regain some regulatory control for units exceeding 800 square feet, allowing
them to enforce additional local regulations.
Is Investing in an ADU a Good Choice?
Investing in an ADU in the Bay Area is a smart choice, especially given
California's soaring housing prices. Here are four key reasons to consider:
- Increased Demand for Space: The rise in remote work has led to greater demand for additional living spaces.
- Enhanced Property Value: Adding an ADU can significantly boost your property’s value in high-demand areas.
- Rising Rental Prices: Rents in the Bay Area have increased by nearly 100% over the past several years, making an ADU a lucrative rental option.
- Supportive Legislation: California has enacted laws that simplify the ADU development process, making it easier for homeowners to invest.
How Can Adding an ADU Increase Property Value?
Adding an ADU can boost your property's value in several ways:
- Rental Income: An ADU can provide extra income, making your property more appealing.
- More Space: It adds square footage, which attracts buyers looking for larger homes.
- Versatility: An ADU can be used for guests, a home office, or multi-generational living, making your property more flexible.
- Market Appeal: Properties with ADUs are often more sought after, leading to increased resale value.
Am I able to post my ADU on short term rental websites like AirBNB?
It varies city by city, we can work with you to determine local laws and
regulations around short term rentals.
Can I lease both the main house and the ADU at the same time?
Typically yes, but again, it depends on the city in which the main house is
located.
ADU Regulations in California Have
Questions About Your ADU?
ADU Regulations in California
What Are the Regulations for ADUs in California?
In California, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) under 800 square feet must comply with a
standardized set of regulations across all local jurisdictions. These statewide rules
prevent additional restrictions on the design, height, lot coverage, and setbacks of
ADUs. For example, ADUs can be built as close as 4 feet from property lines and can have
a maximum height of 16 feet. Although ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet, local
jurisdictions have more flexibility to impose specific regulations once the size exceeds
800 square feet.
What are the new laws regarding ADUs in California effective in 2024?
- AB 68: Landlords can add two units to their existing lot, including an attached or detached ADU up to 1,200 square feet and a Junior ADU (JADU) up to 500 square feet.
- AB 434: All cities must have a pre-approved ADU plan scheme in place by January 1, 2025. These plans will be designed by architects and available online, with potential fees for access and modifications.
- SB 477: Consolidates state law governing ADUs and JADUs into a new Government Code Chapter and mandates public access to related reports online.
What are the new regulations for ADUs on single-family lots?
Single-family lots can now build an attached or detached ADU up to 1,200
square feet, along with a Junior ADU (JADU) up to 500 square feet.
What changes apply to attached Junior ADUs (JADUs)?
Attached JADUs no longer need to have their own bathroom, as long as one
is accessible in the primary dwelling.
What are the statewide regulations for ADUs under 800 square feet?
ADUs under 800 square feet must follow standardized statewide
regulations that prevent local jurisdictions from imposing additional restrictions on
design, height, lot coverage, and setbacks.
Can an ADU Be the Main Home or the Only Building on a Property?
While ADUs are intended to be supplementary living spaces alongside a
primary residence, they can technically serve as the main home if needed. To use an ADU
as the primary residence, you must secure the appropriate permits and follow a different
approval process than what is required for a standard ADU permit.
Building an ADU Have
Questions
About Your ADU?
Building an ADU
Do I need permits to build an ADU?
Yes, constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) typically requires
permits from your local building department. Permit requirements can vary based on local
regulations and generally include zoning approval, building permits, and possibly
additional permits like historic preservation reviews or environmental clearances.
Consulting with ADU specialists or architects can help clarify the specific requirements
for your area.
What are the different types of ADUs?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) come in various forms to accommodate
different needs and properties. Here are some common types:
- Detached Cottages: Standalone structures that provide privacy and can be customized to match the primary home’s design. Ideal for larger yards.
- Garage Conversions: Existing garages transformed into living spaces, maximizing the use of available structures without the need for new construction.
- Basement Apartments: Utilizing existing basement space, these units often require minimal changes and can be a cost-effective solution.
- Attached Additions: Expanding the primary residence by adding a unit directly to it, which can provide seamless integration while maintaining accessibility.
- Junior ADUs (JADUs): Smaller units (typically up to 500 square feet) created within the existing footprint of a home, often by converting a portion of the primary living area.
- Tiny Houses: Compact living spaces that can be mobile or stationary, offering a minimalist lifestyle. These may be suitable for smaller lots or specific zoning areas.
What are the benefits of prefab ADUs?
Prefab ADUs are becoming increasingly popular for their ease and speed
of construction. LiveLarge Home specializes in prefab ADUs, which can save up to 80% of
onsite construction time, often with no hidden costs. Attractive pricing starts as low
as $365/sqft, making them a cost-effective solution for homeowners.
How does LiveLarge Home ensure quality in their ADU designs?
LiveLarge Home focuses on healthier living by maximizing daylight and
ensuring energy efficiency in their designs. Their goal is to provide comfortable and
sustainable living spaces that meet modern standards.
Can I build an ADU on an empty lot?
- Can not build an ADU before you have a city proven plan for the main house
- We can refer you to LADC to do the main house plan + ADU location. Get income/ live there before main house get build
I have an existing working ADU plan/ design in progress but want to work with
LL, what should I do?
- Share existing plan
- Discuss with ADU managers on incurred design fee & permit fee & see if LLH can cover some as Credit. Case by case discussion.
What do I need to do as a homeowner for crane work?
- If the craning plan involves craning the unit over a property that is not yours, we will require a neighbor sign-off document from the affected neighbors.
- Neighbor sign-off template
- Discuss with the customer after contract & before submit permit to the city
What to do if there is any damage to the landscape due to crane work?
This is the responsibility of the homeowner to repair and/or work with a landscape company
to remedy. As an ADU company we are experts in delivering your LiveLarge unit but we are not
responsible for damage to landscaping as a result of the craning part of your project.
Do you have a warranty?
We provide a 10 year structural warranty as required by the state.
- Appliances : follow appliance maintenance
- Cabinets/ kitchen : 1 year warranty
- Structure - 10 year bases , follow State requirement/ Same as standard structure warranty.
- Plumbing & Electrical - 2 years
- Doors and windows - 5 years
Is Roof inspection required by the city inspection?
Only the connection part needs to be inspected. Other part of the roof is already inspected
in the factory
What is the material of the roof?
Metal Tile
What is the slope of the roof?
L-795 model is 3 height :12 length slope (need info on the rest)
Lifespan for LiveLarge ADU?
same or longer than normal stick built. Built under CRC (California Residential Code), fully
approved and inspected by CA HCD (https://www.hcd.ca.gov/manufactured-and-mobilehomes)
ADU PermitsHave
Questions
About
Your ADU?
ADU Permits
What Is the First Step in Obtaining Permits for Building an ADU?
The initial step in obtaining permits for constructing an Accessory
Dwelling Unit (ADU) is to research the zoning and building codes specific to your
property and jurisdiction. Contact your local city or county planning department to
understand the regulations and requirements for ADU construction in your area.
How Do I Determine If My Property Is Eligible for ADU Construction?
To determine if your property qualifies for ADU construction, check key
factors such as lot size, zoning designation, setbacks, and other local requirements.
Some areas impose restrictions on ADU size, location, and occupancy. Verify your
property's eligibility by consulting with your local planning department.
What Documents Are Required for the ADU Permit Application?
The permit application for an ADU generally requires several documents,
including detailed ADU plans, site plans, property surveys, and other necessary
paperwork. Collaborate with an architect, designer, or contractor to create
comprehensive drawings and specifications that meet building codes and regulations.
How Long Does the Permit Review Process Take?
The duration of the permit review process can vary based on the workload
of the building department and the complexity of your project. On average, it may take
several weeks to a few months for your ADU plans to be reviewed and approved depending
on your city/counties. Check out our Permit section. (Link)
What Happens After the Permit Is Issued?
For traditional build, usually After your ADU plans receive approval,
you'll be issued the necessary permits to start foundation construction. Follow the
approved plans and schedule inspections at different stages of the build, such as
foundation, framing, plumbing, and electrical, to ensure compliance with building codes.
How Do I Schedule Inspections During Construction?
Traditional Stick Build : To schedule inspections during ADU construction, contact your local building department. Inspections are required at various stages, including foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, and final inspection, to confirm adherence to building codes and regulations.
Prefab with LiveLarge ADU service: we take care of everything.
What Is the Final Step in the ADU Permit Process?
The final step is to arrange a final inspection with the building
department to confirm that your ADU complies with all applicable building codes and
regulations. Once your ADU passes this inspection, you'll receive final approval,
completing the permit process.
Can I Occupy and Use the ADU After Final Inspection?
After securing all necessary permits and passing inspections, you can legally occupy and use your ADU as planned—whether for rental income, family housing, or other purposes. Ensure you continue to follow all local regulations and requirements.
LiveLarge Prefab ADU is built under supervision of HCD California Department of Housing and Community Development https://www.hcd.ca.gov. Each LiveLarge prefab ADU will receive an insignia from HCD supervisor and it is categorized as a real property, different from a mobile home which only belongs to personal property.
Design and Customization:Have
Questions About Your ADU?
Design and Customization:
What Types of Designs Are Available for Prefab ADUs?
LiveLarge Home prefab ADUs come with a range of design options to fit
different needs and preferences. You can select from studio units, one-bedroom,
two-bedroom, and even three-bedroom layouts. LiveLarge offers 2-3 elegant color choices
and provides 7 thoughtfully designed floor plans to help you find the perfect match for
your space.
What are the accessibility Features
- We offer an ADA compliance upgrade package for L-350, L-500, L-750, L-1190
- For L-795, we are not able to offer a full ADA compliance package due to hallway width and door size, but are able to accommodate ADA shower bar / ramp.
Can I add a window / door?
No
- Because it is a pre approved plan by the State. This is what allows us to move quickly through the permitting process. As such, we are not able to change the designs that have already been approved.
- Adding approved window - need to go through title 24 requirement. We have a max out window for daylight.
- We are using 3 layer insulation glass operable windows, max energy efficiency for ADU floor plan.
Can I choose an exterior Painting color?
Yes, we offer 6 free paint colors.(Picture)
Can the unit’s interior be painted at the factory?
Yes. Paint in the factory
What is the additional cost for painting and what choices are available?
No, we do not offer interior painting options yet.
What are the interior finishes and materials?
Yes. Paint in the factory
What is the appearance of the wall section?
Yes , request only.
Does it resemble a stick-built wall?
Yes. The same except replacing wood structure with light steel frame structure.
Can we add gas appliances?
Yes. The same except replacing wood structure with light steel frame structure.
Are your ADUs compatible with solar installation, and can we work with our
own
solar provider?
All of our ADUs are ‘solar ready’ meaning that installation is a breeze from your local
solar
provider. We also have the ability to work with your preferred installer to make
installation a
breeze.
Do we have solar partners?
Yes. We have several recommended solar partners (Partners Link/Referral Program)
Will LiveLarge provide Roof Maintenance?
Standard maintenance required (warranty info)
Is the solar panel required?
Yes, it is required for 795 & 750. Depends on whether the main house has a solar panel.
How frequent should the roof be maintained? Any difference from stick build?
(Need help on this)
What's the difference between crawl space and slab foundations
Crawl Space Foundations:
- Structure: A crawl space foundation elevates the home off the ground, typically by 1 to 3 feet, creating a small space between the ground and the floor of the home. LLH crawl space height?
- Access: The crawl space allows easy access to plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC systems, making repairs and maintenance more convenient.
- Ventilation: Crawl spaces are often vented to prevent moisture buildup. Need to be properly sealed, so they can be prone to moisture issues, mold, and pests.
- Insulation: They can be insulated, but care must be taken to prevent moisture from entering the space.
- Cost: Generally more expensive than slab foundations due to the additional materials and labor required for construction.
- Usage: Common in areas with a high water table or where the soil expands and contracts, as they help to keep the structure stable.
- Structure: A slab foundation is a solid concrete pad poured directly on the ground, with the house built on top of it.
- Access: Since there is no space beneath the home, access to plumbing and electrical systems embedded in the slab can be difficult and costly if repairs are needed.
- Moisture Resistance: Slabs are less prone to moisture issues compared to crawl spaces, as they are solid and do not have a space where moisture can accumulate.
- Insulation: Slab foundations can be insulated, but typically provide less natural insulation compared to a crawl space.
- Cost: Slab foundations are generally less expensive to build than crawl spaces due to the simplicity of construction.
- Usage: Common in warmer climates where frost heave is not a concern and where a level, stable foundation is needed.