Get Started
Let's assume you have a BHW model in mind, and are considering an ADU. Where do you start? There are few things you can do before we get involved.
You can do the following:
1. Lot eligible for an ADU
Contact the planning department of your jurisdiction inquiring if your lot is in a approved area for an ADU (not in a Hillside or High-Fire risk area).
2. Space
Do you have a space in mind that will accommodate minimally a 10 ft x 14 ft unit with setbacks of 4 ft from adjacent structures and property lines, and 10 ft from the primary home?
3. Power lines
Is there 10 ft clear between the proposed ADU unit and a primary or drop power line to the primary home?
4. Owner
Are you the owner of a single family home lot without an existing ADU, or the owner of a multi-family zoned lot that has allowable additional units by code?
If the answer is "no" to any of the above, then a standard ADU would be very difficult to place on your lot. However, a Junior ADU is a consideration. If the answers to the above are all "yes", then . . .
Contact BHW
5. Call us at 310 2073700 or email support@backyardhomeswest.com.
Let's discuss #1 through #4 above. Which model are you considering? Tell us about the potential site and relationship to power lines. Send us photos and a sketch of the potential site.
6. Are you considering financing or purchasing the home?
If you're considering financing, how much equity do you have in your home? Is there a first mortgage? second mortgage? What is the approximate value of your home? Credit scores above 680 are much easier to finance in today's market.
7. Timeline
Is this a project for the next 3 months, 6 months, year?
8. Inspection
After our initial discussion and your interest to move forward, we would schedule a site inspection to evaluate the follow: site feasibility, power line locations, current power availability, sewer connection options, and accesss to property. The inspection fee is $100.
9. Design phase
Our architects will create a preliminary design and site plan for you to review and modify if necessary. Once approved, we submit the plans to the City for initial permit approval to proceed with construction.
10. Escrow
Once plans are approved by the City and you wish to proceed, an escrow account in the project's name will be funded with the full value of the project. This can be in coordination with your lender, or you may fully fund the escrow account yourself.
11. Materials and Site Prep
Immediately we begin to prepare the site. Foundation is laid and utility connections established. Materials are ordered and arrive onsite 4 to 6 weeks later
12. Installation
The shell of the unit is installed followed by the installation of interior cabinets, appliances, flooring. Utility connections are completed.
13. Owner approval and Certificate of Occupancy
After the owner approves the ADU, the City inspector will conduct a final inspection and issue a "sign off" for the project. Final fees are paid to the City. This will generate a Certificate of Occupancy. The ADU is now approved for habitation.
14. Time
Although each project is unique and City inspectors are not always timely, usually the time from obtaining the City's initial approval to proceed and funding escrow to the time for owner approval is between 4 and 9 months depending on construction type.