California ADU: Tuffshed / steel home kits

[David Maldonado]

Hey everyone,

has anyone tried to buy a large tuff shed or steel home kit and turn it into an ADU? There are tough sheds as big as 2 stories and 1000 sq ft. I also saw that home depot has a bungalow style 1000 sq ft steel home kit and it specifically mentions ADUs. According to the description is that they will design the unit in accordance with your local code. This can be a game changer for me because I am an owner builder and I only sub out the work for the structure. Once the structure is up, I diy the rest. I'm calling the city on Monday to ask but I'm just curious if anyone in California has tried it.

[Janelle K. Eagle]

Hi All! So I have some follow up for everyone on this chain.

1. You can NOT convert a tiny home on wheels into real property. A tiny home is basically considered a glorified RV or Trailer and (at least here in SLO County), will never be permitted or assessed as real property, even if permanently attached to a foundation. 

2. You are likely going to run into permitting issues converting a non-residential structure into residential. Is it physically possible - yes. Is your county going to allow it, unlikely. 

3. There are pre-fab ADU kits and companies like Abodu (here in CA) that might be better options.