Common Misconceptions About Pre-Approved ADUs

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have recently become a prevalent home addition across various neighborhoods in California. Their increase in popularity has also been met with some objections, which are mainly fueled by certain misconceptions. Some homeowners are reluctant to build these units on their properties due to not understanding how they fit into a home and the neighborhood as a whole.

We aim to dispel some common misconceptions by bringing pre-approved ADU facts to the foreground. Below are common myths along with the facts:

ADUs Cause Overcrowding

Accessory dwelling units are built to be smaller than the main house on the lot. The average size of an ADU in California is around 600 square feet, which is relatively small compared to a traditional home. Due to their size, ADUs do not house large families or a significant amount of people. Adding an ADU to your property is less likely to lead to overcrowding in the neighborhood since it is usually only big enough to accommodate one person or a couple.

ADUs Negatively Impact the Environment

ADUs offer various environmental benefits, as they require fewer materials and natural resources to construct due to their size. Additionally, they can be built with energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Since they are smaller, accessory dwelling units usually require less energy to create a comfortable temperature, reducing energy costs.

Your HOA Can Prohibit You From Building an ADU

While homeowners associations (HOAs) have the authority to enforce certain rules to maintain a neighborhood, they cannot prohibit you from building an ADU on your property. California law prevents HOAs from banning homeowners from building an ADU. However, they can still impose reasonable restrictions to help maintain specific building standards.

ADUs Diminish a Neighborhood’s Appeal

Many ADUs must meet extensive state standards and safety measures, resulting in high-quality constructions. You have a wide selection of design options when building an accessory dwelling unit, enabling you to construct a unit that complements your main house and the surrounding landscape. Furthermore, stand-alone ADUs are often built in the backyard and are relatively unnoticeable from the street.

Add an Accessory Dwelling Unit to Your Property

Most misconceptions people have about accessory dwelling units can easily be disproved with access to more information about these structures. Valley Home Builders specializes in designing ADUs, and with our experience in this field, we can provide you with expert solutions to any concerns you may have regarding these small-scale secondary homes.

If you are considering adding an accessory dwelling unit to your property, contact our team to learn more about pre-approved ADUs and how we can help you achieve your design goals.