Transform Your Property With an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a permanent secondary living space attached to or detached from your home. An attached ADU can be used as a home office, extra bedroom or studio. It is also ideal as a backyard cottage or flatlet on your premises, promoting privacy and peace.

ADUs offer a convenient alternative to moving when you need more space. Extended families often use them to house older parents or young couples, and they are perfect for students or professionals seeking solitude.

A functional secondary living space is beneficial for several reasons. You will enjoy a flexible living area, foster a supportive multigenerational living environment and maximize your property value and potential.

The Importance of ADU Plans

Like your home’s plans, an accessory dwelling unit has plans to ensure building code and local regulatory compliance. You must adhere to zoning laws and requirements to prevent fines and potential legal implications.

Preapproved plans help speed up the permitting process and allow building to commence more quickly. These plans involve a set ADU design and construction while still allowing for customization.

Good ADU plans account for design efficiency, ensuring the space is well-used by maximizing square footage. As builders are able to work from a clear project blueprint, these plans also help streamline construction. A thorough, detailed plan includes the necessary rooms and amenities and allows for future planning to accommodate growing families and other changes. It may also incorporate sustainable design features.

What to Prepare for Before Meeting With an ADU Builder

Before building an accessory dwelling unit, you need to have a purpose for it in mind, starting with whether it will be used as an extension of your home or as a separate structure. The size and layout are additional key considerations that will determine the ADU’s compliance with regulations. To start planning, decide how many rooms you want and which features you would like to incorporate, such as a kitchenette or a bathroom with or without a shower.

Once you know the type of ADU you want, you should follow a planning checklist to help prepare before meeting with your builder. When discussing your checklist, the builder will advise you on the steps to take and what they will do.

Your ADU Planning Checklist

As part of your research process, you will want to gather information about these factors:

• Design considerations: Decide how a bigger, more functional living space would best suit your family’s needs and enhance your life.
• Building type and costs: Choose whether a conversion, attached or detached ADU best aligns with the size of your property and your budget.
• Zoning regulations and building codes: Look up your local rules to see what design dreams and inspirations you can accommodate.

How to Pick Your ADU Contractor

A checklist helps you research and gather the necessary information to discuss with the accessory dwelling unit builder. Explore these below.

• Design considerations: Decide how a bigger, more functional living space would best suit your family’s needs and enhance your life. For example, a family member working irregular hours or working from home will appreciate being away from the main house so they can enter and leave discreetly. Similarly, your aging parents will enjoy freedom and privacy in a flatlet on your premises. Providing your family with this autonomy will give you peace of mind knowing they are close without sacrificing your privacy.
• Building type and costs: Decide whether a conversion, attached or detached ADU best suits your property’s size and budget. Each differs based on the unit type, size, quality of finishes and other features. Use our ADU estimator to help determine the potential costs involved.
• Zoning regulations and building codes: Look up your local rules to see what design dreams and inspirations you can accommodate. Consider utilities, landscaping and infrastructure approvals for future upgrades.

How to Pick Your ADU Contractor

To move forward with the design process, you will want to find custom ADU builders near you based on the following:

• Reputation: Visit the company’s website to see the areas it services and whether it has any notable membership affiliations or awards.
• Portfolio: Check the site for photo galleries to see if you like the style of their ADU builds. Read reviews to see what clients say about them.
• Benefits: Look for special offers like free consultations and ensure the company offers excellent customer service.

Why Choose Valley Home Builders?

Valley Home Builders is the Bay Area’s trusted ADU expert. Since 2005, we have helped homeowners realize their home remodeling and expansion project goals. Home Builder Digest recognizes us as one of the top 10 ADU Builders in San Jose, a testament to our award-winning service.

We are also members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We are proud of our industry affiliations and continually strive to deliver unparalleled service to uphold our stellar reputation.

Our in-house experts include top designers, architects and project managers, all committed to providing five-star customer service. Every project is completed precisely to plan, using high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. We stand by our workmanship and offer a one-year labor guarantee to ensure your satisfaction.

At Valley Home Builders, we focus on serving our clients’ goals. We add value with every interaction and offer practical solutions that suit your lifestyle and budget. Clients value our honesty, transparency and superb service, making us a preferred accessory dwelling unit contractor in Santa Clara and neighboring communities.

Start Planning Your Accessory Dwelling Unit Today

Choosing an accessory dwelling unit for your family is a big decision that requires careful planning and other key considerations. The right ADU will enhance your life and increase your property’s value, so it represents a long-term investment.

Trust Valley Home Builders for exemplary services. We offer sound advice and exemplary support from your first contact with us through your project’s completion.

To start planning your ADU designs, request a free consultation with us today.