Los Altos ADU Guide: Requirements, Cost, Planning & More [2024]

An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is like a smaller house or apartment on the same land as a bigger house. Imagine you have a single big house on a lot, and then in the backyard or maybe attached to the side, there’s a smaller place where someone else can live. This ADU can have its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, but it’s on the same property as the main house. It’s like a cozy little home within a home. People build ADUs for extra space for family, to rent out for extra income, or even as a home office. They’re a smart way to use land and help with housing shortages in crowded cities.

ADUs typically have their own kitchen, living area, bathroom, and separate entrance, providing complete living facilities for one or more persons. They’ve become increasingly popular solutions for more flexible housing to accommodate family and friends or serve as another form of income. 

ADUs, or accessory dwelling units, come in several flavors, like your favorite ice cream shop, which might have many choices. 

The junior ADU, or the junior attached dwelling unit, is a smaller version of a regular ADU and is a small living space built within the walls of a house you already have. Think of it as turning part of your existing home, like a bedroom, into a little apartment with its kitchen and entrance so someone can live there separately from the main living space. It’s a cozy spot that lets homeowners offer a place to live to someone else, like a family member or a renter, without needing to build something new.

There are detached ADUs or separate little houses in your backyard, like having a tiny neighbor living just next door but still on your property. These are ideal for mother-in-law suites or hosting guests for a long time. 

Then there are attached ADUs, which are connected to your main house—like an extra wing with its door and everything you need to live independently. There’s the garage conversion type, where you transform your car’s home into a cozy nook for a person, adding windows, a bathroom, and a little kitchen. 

Some people have basement conversions, too, turning the space downstairs that might be used for storage into a little apartment.

Finally, there’s the above-garage ADU, like a treehouse for grown-ups. It is built on top of the garage and gives whoever lives there a bird’ s-eye view of the neighborhood. All these types give families more living space or a way to earn extra money by renting them out.

Multiple financial and residential benefits come with adding an attached, detached, or junior ADU, including: 

• Extra space for entertaining and hosting guests
• Increased property value when you are ready to sell your home
• Can be used for extra income 
• Allows for more privacy on your property 
• ADUs are also an affordable option for homeowners because it doesn’t require extra pay for land, driveways, etc

ADUs aren’t just for entertaining loved ones and family; you can also create your personal shed for your hobbies, like working on cars, doing arts and crafts, and going to the home gym. The possibilities are endless when you work with Valley Boutique Builders. 

Build Your Ideal ADU in Los Altos with Valley Boutique Builders!

The decision to build an ADU depends on your personal circumstances and goals. ADUs can provide various benefits, including extra living space for family members, rental income, and increased property value.

 Additionally, ADUs are becoming more popular due to the rising cost of housing and the need for more affordable options. However, costs and regulations must also be considered, so it’s important to research and weigh the pros and cons before deciding.

Multiple factors influence the cost of building an ADU, including labor costs, materials, the square footage of the ADU, obtaining permits and licensing, and much more. Consult with a professional before you start any demolition. 

Yes, in Los Altos, California, like in other cities and towns, you typically need a permit before building an ADU. You need to get a building permit, a permit for planning, or a public hearing to start building your ADU. However, it is recommended that those planning to build an ADU read the Los Altos rules and regulations to confirm that their upcoming building meets the zoning requirement before submitting for a building permit. 

Yes, building an ADU with a kitchen must meet these requirements. The kitchen must have a refrigerator, sink, cooktop, oven, or range of at least 10 cubic feet. There must also be enough counter space for food preparation and cabinet space proportional to the ADU. 

The new California law allows homeowners and builders to add two additions to their homes. These additions are an ADU and a JADU, and they can be built on any residential lot. Multi-family homes can build up to two detached ADUs on their lot, but not two attached ADUs.