Month: April 2021

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or a granny flat is a popular concept nowadays. As an additional living space on your property, it can be constructed as a detached or attached unit or as a conversion of a garage or basement. 

Depending on what is feasible on your property and which type you choose, your costs will fluctuate accordingly. With your local accessory dwelling unit builders in San Diego guiding you every step of the way, rest assured you’ll have the best solution for you and your family.

How do you style a granny flat?

These secondary structures can be apartments and studios or even two-story tiny houses. Though ADU’s common use is for renting purposes, you may want the added property for your family’s own use. Make it into a couples retreat from the main house, a great lounge space for gatherings, a luxury guest house for your friends out of town, or as the name suggests, a place where the (grand)parents can live as they age.

No matter the ADU’s goal, you could benefit from following some expert styling suggestions. Here are five tips for your granny flat’s interior design. 

1. Fusing outdoor & indoor spaces

As a structure typically located in your backyard or at the back of your house, ADU’s should be seamlessly fused with your outdoor space. Make the most out of the natural light that your ADU gets by fitting it with sliding or bi-fold glass doors. They will add a modern and illuminating feeling to the ADU, making it look and feel more spacious. Add an extended porch outside for an outdoor patio feel. Add some chairs and a table, and you have yourself a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee.

2. ADU storage space

Since a granny flat is generally small in size, storage can present an issue. Make use of the space under the bed by adding drawers or built in shelving systems. Another way to capitalize on storage space is by incorporating medicine cabinets and vanities with under sink storage for toiletries, towels, and small personal appliances.

3. Choosing the right colors 

Maximize the openness of your granny flat with large windows and plenty of natural light. Choose a lighter, neutral color palette so your rooms feel open and airy. Strategic use of mirrors will help reflect light and make the space seem bigger in size.

4. Picking furniture

Whether your personal taste leans more towards the minimalist Scandinavian style, the cozy, shabby chic, cottage style, or retro styles of the 50s and 60s with their bright colors and fun designs, you can have a blast mixing and matching the interior of the granny flat. Don’t forget about the outdoor area: use the porch as an extension of the living room by adding some rattan patio furniture.

5. Making the most of your kitchen

As the central part of any home, the kitchen is a place for family gatherings and cooking sessions. Depending on your space, adding a small kitchen island, peninsula, or eat-in bar top with some stools will save you plenty of space as it can be used as an impromptu dining area. Put your focus on the appliances and pick an updated kitchen design that will complement the overall space. 

Where can I find trustworthy accessory dwelling unit builders in San Diego?

For 30 years, Lars Architecture has been helping residents in San Diego make their property addition ideas come to life. Our seasoned team of highly skilled specialists always brings their A-game to the table, giving you the absolute best for your room additions, kitchen expansions, ADU construction, and more. Whether you’re in Torrey Pines or down south by the San Diego Bay, our team is on hand to deliver you expert construction and custom design that will spruce up your property. Give us a call today to set up a consultation!

You have some money saved up and you’re looking to invest, but you’re not sure of the route you want to take. Should you buy new property or add an extra unit to your own? Accessory dwelling units (ADU), also known as granny flats, are becoming an attractive option for homeowners looking to expand their property and usable living space. 

A project that homeowners once looked at as unattainable, too costly, and complicated to carry out is now an investment that is considered safe, smart, and above all else, lucrative. Additionally, multigenerational housing is something that many families are looking to achieve and ADU’s can make that possible by providing a separate space for loved ones while allowing them to be under the care of family.  Still, many people that choose to pursue a San Diego house addition have some reservations regarding an ADU’s feasibility, value, and cost. First and foremost, the granny flat should meet the necessary state regulatory requirements before construction. 

Is it worth it to build an ADU? 

Based on the initial cost, some homeowners are put off by the idea of building an ADU. The price per square foot may be high, but if you look at the big picture, you’ll realize that you’ll get a number of perks at a significantly lower cost than if you purchased a new property.

Not only will it increase the resale value of your property, but it will also bring other benefits. California is setting the trend as far as renting ADUs goes. They promise a great return of investment, as the average rent for this kind of unit is above the national average. You can use that extra income for your monthly mortgage or as funds for future investments.

An ADU’s flexibility also allows you to have fun with the use of the space. Do you want to use it as your home office or perhaps a place for the grandparents to stay at? You can make it into a game room or even a couples getaway from the main house and the rest of the family. There are many design possibilities and very few downsides.

Does an ADU increase property value? 

One of the main reasons, and therefore, primary benefits to building an ADU on your property is the resale value that comes with it. Naturally, the ADU will have a significant impact on the overall look and practicality of the property and, ultimately, its value. When designing and embarking on the building project, keep in mind the rest of your property so the ADU doesn’t look out of place once completed.

There are three main kinds of ADUs, and each is ranked differently for its market value. 

1. Detached ADU – A unit that is separate from the main home is typically the most valuable ADU.
2. Attached ADU – A unit that is attached to the main property and is the second most valuable ADU.
3. Conversion – These ADUs are the least expensive to build, and conversions of your garage or basement space are the third most valuable ADU.

What is the best type of ADU for you greatly depends on the budget and property space. The good thing is that you always have viable options.

How much does building an ADU cost?

ADU construction costs vary greatly depending on the property, budget, zoning requirements, and the type of ADU you’re planning to build. Make sure to take into account additional fees such as permits, septic system, landscaping, and other expenses. The most important factor to planning your ADU construction is to work with a reputable San Diego residential home builder who will help you plan appropriately, create a timeline, and clearly outline costs associated with your project.

Where can I find experienced ADU builders for my upcoming San Diego house addition?

Here at Lars Architecture, we can advise you on all your options regarding building the best ADU for your property. We’ll walk you through every step of the way, from the initial idea, through to the ADU regulations and finally, its construction and completion.

Lars Architecture are your go-to team for ADUs in San Diego and the surrounding areas. Whether your home is situated in the luxurious neighborhood of Rancho Santa Fe or anywhere else in San Diego, we’ve got the best and most skilled specialists on it.

Give us a call today or schedule an appointment via our website!