FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
GET THE ANSWERS YOU'RE LOOKING FOR ON ADUs
Get the Answers you’re looking for on ADUs
Below are the common questions we hear on ADU regulations, cost, financing, timelines, working with K&K, pre-approved plans, rentals, investments, and more. Contact us to talk about the specifics of your ADU project.
General Inquiries
An ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, is a secondary living space built on the same lot as the primary home, such as a single-family property. There are several advantages to building an ADU, including generating rental income, creating a space for multi-generational living, increasing property value, and addressing the housing crisis.
f you’re wondering how much space you need on your property to build an ADU, the general rule is to have at least 6 feet of setbacks from the property lines and other structures. As for the actual size of the ADU, it varies based on the model you choose. Our M392 model is around 1000 sq. ft, M504 is 1250 sq. ft, and M748 is 1350 sq. ft. Keep in mind that the property needs to be approximately 2.5 to 3 times the size of Detached ADUs. However, the best way to determine if your property is eligible for an ADU is to schedule a free consultation with us. We can discuss your specific property and provide you with more detailed information. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation!
s a full-service ADU builder in DMV Metro Area, we possess the expertise to guide you through the entire process, from navigating permits to planning construction. Our goal is to eliminate hidden costs and unexpected roadblocks, ensuring you a smooth and hassle-free experience. You can trust us to provide you with the best service, as we take pride in our experience and reputation. The benefits of accessory dwelling units include housing family members, particularly elderly ones, increasing property value, creating affordable housing for the community, and generating additional income through renting. If you want to learn more about these advantages and others, visit our blog post, 7 Benefits of Building an ADU Home (+ ADU Home Guide). When you’re ready to take the next step, contact us to schedule a consultation.
Pricing & Financing
DU.Works offers a variety of financing options for building an ADU that are tailored to your specific needs. We’ve partnered with multiple banks and lenders that specialize in ADU loans to provide you with the best available financing options. Our preferred lenders will work with you to ensure that you can achieve your goals while remaining within your budget.
In addition to our preferred lenders, you’re welcome to use your own funding options. We’re dedicated to ensuring that the financing process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
We understand that every ADU project is unique, which is why we take a comprehensive approach to calculate the cost of building an ADU. Our team of experts takes into account several factors such as engineering, material costs, permitting fees, civil works on site, and other expenses that may be specific to your project.
To ensure accuracy, we begin by conducting a feasibility study on your property to assess its suitability for an ADU. During this assessment, we consider factors such as zoning restrictions, building codes, utility connections, and other site-specific issues that may impact the cost of your project.
Once we’ve completed the feasibility study, we provide a detailed report outlining the estimated cost of your ADU project. This report will give you an accurate picture of what to expect, from start to finish, including any unexpected costs or delays.
When you choose K&K for your ADU build, our pricing includes all the necessary structural materials such as SIPs, lumber, helical piles, beam brackets, finishes, fixtures and appliances. This means that everything you need for the ADU’s construction, including cabinetry, flooring, sinks, and hvac and water heater, are included in our pricing.
However, it’s important to note that appliances such as an electric cooktop, washer/dryer, and dishwasher are not included in our pricing. These items can be added for an additional cost if desired.
Orange County ADU Builder
According to the UC Berkeley Center for Community Innovation, the median construction cost of an ADU in Orange County is about $200 per square foot. (link to source)
However, this figure could vary based on different aspects of your ADU project. But one thing we do aim to do at K&K is give you the best ADU design at the lowest cost possible without compromising on quality. We also do our best to make the most of every square foot of your property.
The maximum size of your ADU will depend on the type of ADU you’re planning to create and the size of your property. The maximum size of a detached ADU could be different than the maximum size of an attached ADU.
here’s no minimum size to construct an ADU in Orange County. However, homeowners might want to provide as much space as they can so their ADU will be comfortable to live in.
ADU Construction
While we are not currently offering ADUs with basements, our team is always exploring new possibilities and innovations for future builds. We understand the appeal of having a basement in an ADU, but at this time, our focus is on providing our clients with high-quality, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly detached ADUs. We encourage you to stay updated on our latest developments and offerings and subscribe to our newsletter!
A helical pile foundation is a type of foundation system that has been used for centuries. It consists of steel shafts with screw-like plates or flights around them that are screwed into the ground until it can properly hold all loading affecting the structure and the ground . This type of foundation provides an elegant and efficient way to stabilize and support structures.
At K&K, we have opted to use helical pile foundations in our ADU construction because they offer several advantages over traditional concrete foundations. For one, they require less manpower to install, which helps to reduce overall construction costs. Additionally, they are better for the environment, reducing immediately the carbon footprint of concrete. Finally, they are less invasive and can be installed 80% faster than concrete foundations.
Overall, the use of helical pile foundations in ADU construction is a smart and sustainable choice that helps to ensure that your ADU is built to the highest standards of quality and durability. If you have any questions about helical piles or our ADU construction process, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Structural Insulated Panels, or SIPs, are a type of construction material that has gained popularity in recent years due to their many benefits. These panels consist of a foam core insulation material sandwiched between two layers of oriented strand board (OSB).
SIPs are used in ADU construction because they offer excellent thermal insulation, making them 50% more energy-efficient. They are also faster and easier to install than traditional building materials, reducing labor costs and construction time.
SIPs also have a higher strength-to-weight ratio than traditional stick-frame built and they produce less waste and are more environmentally friendly compared to traditional building materials.
Overall, using SIPs in ADU construction can result in a more sustainable and cost-effective project.
ADU Process & Timeline
The time it takes to obtain permits for an ADU varies by jurisdiction and can range anywhere from a couple months to several months. In some areas, like San Mateo, the process could exceed 6 months due to specific regulations and requirements.
At K&K, we understand that the permit process can be the longest part of the ADU building process. From our experience, it can take anywhere from 3-6 months to get approval from your county. This is something that you should take into consideration when deciding to build an ADU. However, our team always aims to expedite the process and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to obtain permits as quickly as possible.
Our on-site build time is typically around 60 days from the start of foundation laying, although this can vary depending on factors such as weather and any unexpected delays in the permitting process.
We understand that you may have a busy schedule and don’t want to add any additional stress to your life. That’s why we strive to make the ADU construction process as seamless and stress-free as possible for you. Our team will take care of all the heavy lifting, from obtaining permits to the final touches on the build. However, we will keep you informed throughout the process and provide regular updates to ensure you are comfortable with the progress being made. If you have any questions or concerns, our team is always available to address them. Overall, our goal is to make this process as smooth and hassle-free as possible for you.