Investor · Vallejo, CA · Member since 2016 · 72 posts · 25 votes
Does anyone have any experience with ADU's in the Bay Area? Specially with cost, planning, timing, contractors etc. I'm looking to build in Vallejo, Ca.
I recently got permit approval in SJ (Willow Glen) for a 630 sqft attached ADU + 170 sqft addition to the existing unit. I'm happy to share my experience working with architect, the city, and contractors here. It took me about 4 months to get my permit and now I'm 3 months away from completion of the construction. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
I do want to point out that starting from July 2018, owners now can rent out both units without living in the property. With more relaxed rules from July 2018, it makes a lot more economic sense to invest into building an ADU: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/78534
San Jose, CA · Member since 2020 · 1 post · 0 votes
6y
@Chen Zhou thank you for sharing your experience! Your ADU looks so open and inviting. I'm looking to build a detached ADU for my property in San Jose also and am looking for an architect and structural engineer. Would you mind also sharing their contact information with me? Thank you!
I moved out of the sf bay area (redwood city) two years ago, to Portland, but I've recently heard really good things about the ADU startup cottage. The site is cotta.ge. I looked into them for our adu but, like most of these companies, they only work in CA right now. maybe they're worth talking to also to get a bid?
I wish we had more startups/infrastructure here in Portland for adus. They're legal here too, and probably easier and cheaper to build than in california, but it's still a hugely expensive long process. If anybody has experience building an adu in PDX if love to hear from you! That's our next big project we're going to embark on.
San Jose, CA · Member since 2019 · 1 post · 0 votes
5y
@Chen Zhou - I really like how your ADU turned out and how you got it under budget. That's amazing! I am interested in doing this for my place in San Jose. Can you PM me the contacts as well? I really appreciate it. Thank you
Investor · Vallejo, CA · Member since 2016 · 72 posts · 25 votes
5y
Thanks for responding @Andrew Maxion I'm actually going the new construction route for my ADU. My plans are currently with the city waiting for approval. I'll be sure to keep you guys posted.
Investor · Vallejo, CA · Member since 2016 · 72 posts · 25 votes
4y
Hey guys, it's been a while but I wanted to give an update on my first ADU. I'm approx 30 days away from breaking ground to start construction. It's been a long journey but I'm still pushing through. The pandemic didn't help at all with timing and pricing but I'm extremely excited that it's really going to start soon.
I know it's been a year since you posted, but a lot has changed! The new bills that Gov. Newsom passed on January 1, 2020 definitely made building ADUs a lot easier and more affordable than ever before.
There are a few things to consider when starting and that is to decide on which method of building makes sense. If you are looking for a cost effective and quick turn around, I would recommend a prefab solution. This would allow to control a lot of the cost because the unit is being built off site in a factory rather than having a 12 month construction. This would help eliminate unnecessary labor cost and avoid a lot of weather delays that can prolong an ADU project.
Hope this helps and happy to discuss more!
Prefabs sounds great but I've heard folks have had a lot of trouble making them work in the bay area. Especially since a lot of the cost savings can be wiped out by renting a crane etc. Might you know of any specific successes in the bay area I could take a look at?