Building Blog

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can I build both an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) on the same property?

Yes, in most jurisdictions, including California, you can build both an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) on the same property, meaning you can have one of each on a single lot with a single-family residence; however, always check local regulations to confirm specifics for your area.

Key points to remember:

  • One per lot: Typically, you can only build one ADU and one JADU on a single property. 
  • Attached JADU: A JADU is usually required to be attached to the main house or an existing ADU. 
  • Size limitations: JADUs are smaller than ADUs, with specific square footage restrictions depending on local codes. 
  • Owner occupancy: Some jurisdictions may require owner occupancy of either the ADU or JADU.
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Can attached garage can be converted into a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)

Yes, an attached garage can be converted into a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU). A JADU is a type of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) that's no larger than 500 square feet.

Requirements for JADUs

  • Must be within a single-family home or attached accessory structure
  • Must have a separate exterior entrance
  • Must not have an interior entry to the main house
  • Must have its own separate kitchen
  • Must meet "efficiency kitchen" requirements
  • May share a bathroom with the single-family home

Other considerations

  • The exterior design must be architecturally compatible with the residential structure
  • The property owner must record a deed restriction
  • The owner must occupy the primary dwelling or the JADU
  • Long-term renting of either the JADU or the primary dwelling unit is allowed
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Can a draftsman / Designer draw ADU plans?

Yes.  A draftsman / designer can draw your ADU plans for permitting.  No, you don't need to spend the money for an Architect. Architects are needed for high end homes and commercial buildings.  You do need a designer that know what they're doing. Many designers, and Architects, for that mater, have never built a house. They've not had the experience of bidding jobs, controlling a budget and actually making the house that the plans call for. They may have done it on paper and 3d cad, but they've never cut wood and poured concrete.

At Binder Building, we design your ADU at a very reasonable cost with over 30 years designing homes and actually building them.  https://binderbuilding.com/adu-design-and-construction-advice-copy/

We also offer Construction consulting service to help Owner / Builders.

The building code tells us:

  • Any person can prepare plans for a single-family dwelling that's no more than two stories and has a basement
  • Any person can prepare plans for up to four dwelling units that's no more than two stories and has a basement
  • Any person can prepare plans for garages or other structures that are part of a single-family dwelling or multiple dwellings

Common sense tells us, you need to find someone that's built too.

Gary 818-914-5704

BinderBuilding.com    

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Cost to to build an adu in Los Angeles?

Building an ADU in Los Angeles typically runs between $300 and $400 per square foot. That means a 500-square-foot ADU could set you back anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000.

Key Takeaways:

  • Type Matters – A garage conversion ADU is usually much cheaper per square foot than a fully detached new build.
  • What Drives Costs? – Size, design complexity, material choices, and site conditions all play a big role in the final price.
  • Get Local Input – Always check with local contractors and architects to nail down an accurate estimate for your specific project.

 

Design              https://binderbuilding.com/adu-design-and-construction-advice-copy/

Construction    https://binderbuilding.com/a-d-u/

https://ladbs.org/adu

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How long does it take to build an adu?

Building an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) typically takes anywhere from 10 to 18 months from start to finish, including design, permitting, and construction, depending on the complexity of the design, local regulations, and site conditions; with the design phase taking around 3-4 months, permitting 3-8 months, and construction lasting 5-7 months. 

Key factors affecting build time:
  • Design complexity: A more intricate ADU design will take longer to plan and finalize. 
  • Local permitting process: Different cities have varying permit requirements and processing times. 
  • Site conditions: Challenging terrain or existing structures on the site can add time to construction. 
  • Construction type: Building a detached ADU from scratch may take longer than converting an existing garage. 
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my contractor is running late, is that normal?

Yes, some degree of delay from a contractor is considered normal, as construction projects often face unexpected issues like weather, material delays, or unforeseen complications that can push back timelines; however, significant or prolonged delays without clear communication from your contractor could be a cause for concern and warrant further discussion about the situation.

Key points to remember:

  • Minor delays are common:
    Most construction projects experience some level of delay due to factors beyond a contractor's control like weather, supply chain issues, or unexpected discoveries during demolition. 
  • Communication is key:
    A good contractor will proactively inform you about any delays, explain the reason, and provide an updated timeline. 
  • Consider the severity:
    If your contractor is significantly behind schedule with no clear explanation or plan to catch up, it could indicate poor project management or other issues. 

What to do if your contractor is running late:

  • Talk to them:
    Initiate a conversation to understand the reason for the delay and ask for a revised timeline. 
  • Review your contract:
    Check if there are clauses regarding delays and what steps should be taken in such situations. 
  • Monitor progress:
    Keep track of the work being done and actively communicate with your contractor to manage expectations. 

When to be concerned:

  • Large delays with no explanation: If your project is significantly behind schedule with no clear reason provided. 
  • Repeated missed deadlines: Consistent failure to meet agreed-upon deadlines. 
  • Lack of communication: If your contractor is not keeping you informed about the progress and delays. 
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How do you schedule a construction projects?

To schedule a construction project, you need to: identify all project activities, determine their dependencies, break down work into manageable tasks, estimate durations for each task, sequence the activities in the proper order, assign resources, and create a timeline using methods like the Critical Path Method (CPM) or Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), while regularly monitoring and adjusting the schedule as needed; essentially, this involves defining the scope, listing tasks, sequencing activities, assigning resources, estimating durations, and developing a timeline with key milestones to ensure timely completion.

Key steps in construction project scheduling:

  • Define project scope: Clearly outline the project goals, deliverables, and boundaries to guide the scheduling process. 
  • Work breakdown structure (WBS): Break down the project into smaller, manageable tasks and subtasks. 
  • Identify dependencies: Determine which tasks must be completed before others can begin. 
  • Estimate task durations: Assign realistic timeframes for each task based on experience and resource availability. 
  • Activity sequencing: Arrange tasks in the logical order they need to be completed. 
  • Resource allocation: Assign personnel, equipment, and materials to each task. 
  • Critical Path Method (CPM): Analyze the project to identify the "critical path" - the sequence of tasks with no slack time that must be completed on schedule to meet project deadlines. 
  • Milestone identification: Establish key points in the project timeline to track progress and measure achievements. 
  • Create a visual schedule: Utilize tools like Gantt charts to visually represent the project timeline, task dependencies, and milestones. 
  • Regular monitoring and adjustments: Continuously review progress against the schedule, identify potential issues, and make necessary adjustments as needed. 

Important scheduling techniques:

  • PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique):
    A method that considers uncertainty in task durations, useful for projects with high variability. 
  • Resource-constrained scheduling:
    Prioritizing tasks based on available resources to optimize project completion within limitations. 
  • Lookahead scheduling:
    Focusing on a short-term planning window to proactively address upcoming challenges. 
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM):
    Using 3D models to visually represent the construction sequence and identify potential conflicts.