Why Build an ADU?

It’s no secret that real estate is at a premium in California. By adding a modern, custom ADU that perfectly suits your goals, you can make the most of your property. The two most popular reasons to build an accessory dwelling unit are to allow extended family to live in it and get another revenue stream.

Inter-generational Living

Your parents or in-laws may want to downsize to a smaller place but may be unable to afford it. It’s much more comfortable and convenient to have them live with you if they have their own dedicated space, including a bathroom and a kitchen. This helps you avoid tension and makes sure that your parents have the conveniences and comforts that they are used to. Of course, you could have other family members stay in the space, too, from grown children to siblings and cousins.

One of the joys of adding a custom ADU is that you can get features and design elements that make sense for your specific family members. Design choices that make sense for your granny suite might include:

• Bathrooms with safety rails and non-slip design

• Wide hallways that permit the use of walkers and canes

• Accessibility ramps with ample lighting

Renting Out Your ADU

Whether you have one or two income streams in your family, adding another is always a wise idea. Make the most of your property by creating an ADU that can be rented out. This is much cheaper than buying an additional property to rent, as you won’t pay for land. You may prefer to create a detached ADU, to give yourself and your tenants more privacy and space.

When you’re building from scratch, you have the opportunity to add ADU amenities and features that are most desired by the renters in your market, boosting the appeal of your space. Design choices that make sense for a rental ADU include:

• Separate laundry space

• Separate parking space

• Hot tub or small pools

You might also consider creating an ADU for a more niche use, such as a home office, a man cave, a craft space, a she-shed, or another purpose.

ADU Rules You Should Know

ADUs are regulated by California and by the specific county or city you reside in. An ADU may be detached or attached. You may use an existing structure to create your ADU, and if you do, there are no size limits. However, if you’re adding a new structure, there is a size limit, which may depend on the number of bedrooms in the space. In most areas, ADUs may be up to 1200 square feet. In some areas, the maximum is 800 square feet. Accessory dwelling units that are smaller than this may be called junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs.)

JADUs have their own rules, which typically means that they are more affordable to build. For example, your JADU may not need to have its own bathroom if the tenants can have access to a bathroom inside of the main structure.

The specific area that you’re in matters a lot, as each county and even city has its own requirements for ADUs. We are experts who can walk you through the rules you are subject to and make sure that your ADU of JADU meets the legal requirements.

What Makes Great ADU Design?

ADU design should be as personalized and high-quality as design for a full-sized home. In order to make the most of your investment and keep your property value high, a great ADU design should meet or exceed the quality of the main structure on the property.

Your ADU design should also take into account your personal needs. Every choice and feature should reflect you and your use for the space. We can create sophisticated designs in a huge range of styles and if you’re not sure which style appeals to you, we can help you explore and discover.

Of course, one of the great benefits of an ADU is that it gives you flexibility. We can help you plan your design so that it will meet your needs now and in the future.

Why Work with Fernandez Designs & Builders?

We are dedicated to the long-term quality of every ADU that we build.

• Three-year limited warranty: We stand behind every ADU that we build with a three-year limited warranty. Most builders only offer a one-year warranty, but we know that isn’t enough time for you to make sure that every aspect of your home is working properly.

• Locally owned and operated: When you support us, you support San Jose and surrounding communities. We’re a local company that uses local suppliers and reinvests in our area.

• Our clients come first: We are not satisfied with a design, or a build project, until you are. We always put your need first. We stand by our work, keep our promises, and do what it takes for you to have a low-stress build experience.

• Phenomenal designs: Unlike many other designers, we’re well versed with a wide variety of styles. We’ve been building for 35 years and can work with just about every design constraint you might have and work in the style you like--not the style we like.

• Truly Custom: We focus on offer truly custom designs. You won’t have just a choice between two or three options, but complete control and the ability to think outside of the box at every turn.

Accessory Dwelling Units in San Jose & More

Are you ready to get an ADU to maximize your property’s use and value? Reach out to us at Fernandez Designs & Builders to get started on your new ADU. With service throughout the South Bay, our team has the experience, ability, and professionalism to see every project to completion in record time. Call now to get started.