ADU questions, answered plainly

An ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, is a second, complete home on a single-family lot, with its own kitchen, bathroom and entrance. It can be detached, attached to the house, converted from a garage, or a junior ADU inside the home.

Most single-family lots in Sacramento can add an ADU. California law requires cities to allow them, and one ADU plus one junior ADU is generally allowed. Setbacks, easements and utilities decide where and how big.

An ADU can be detached or attached and is commonly allowed up to 1,200 square feet. A junior ADU is up to 500 square feet, must be inside the existing home and can share a bathroom.

Yes, long-term rental is generally allowed. Owner-occupancy requirements are currently suspended through 2030. Short-term rental rules vary by city.

An ADU generally adds livable square footage and rental potential, which many appraisers and buyers value. The actual effect depends on the market and the quality of the unit.

Typical starting ranges are $50,000 to $100,000 for a junior ADU, $80,000 to $150,000 for a garage conversion, $100,000 to $300,000 for an attached ADU, and $150,000 to $300,000 or more for a detached ADU. Every lot is different.

Size, foundation type, distance to sewer and electrical service, site access, slope, finish level and the solar requirement on new detached units have the biggest effect on cost.

Common options are cash, a home equity loan or HELOC, a cash-out refinance, a construction loan or a renovation loan. Some lenders can count projected ADU rental income in qualifying. Confirm with a lender.

Yes, there are plan check, building permit and utility connection fees. ADUs under 750 square feet are exempt from certain impact fees, which can save a meaningful amount.

Yes. Call 916.505.2036 or request a quote online. We start with a conversation about your lot and goals, then a site visit.

Detached ADUs are commonly allowed up to 1,200 square feet. Attached ADUs are often limited relative to the main house, and junior ADUs are limited to 500 square feet.

Side and rear setbacks for a new ADU are typically 4 feet. Garage conversions within the existing footprint generally avoid setback issues.

Usually not. Parking is generally waived near transit and for conversions, and replacement parking is not required when a garage is converted.

Owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs are currently suspended through 2030. Junior ADUs may have different rules, which we confirm for your address.

Plan check commonly takes 2 to 4 months in the Sacramento region, depending on the jurisdiction and how complete the submittal is. We prepare complete packages to avoid extra rounds.

Yes. The City of Sacramento offers free pre-approved ADU plans in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts.

From first visit to move-in, most projects take 4 to 14 months depending on type. Construction alone ranges from about 6 weeks for a junior ADU to 4 to 7 months for a detached unit.

New detached ADUs generally need a solar PV system under the California Energy Code. Conversions and attached units usually do not, though requirements vary.

Yes, in nearly every case. We protect access, control dust and give notice before any planned water or power shut-offs.

Often. Many older Sacramento homes have panels too small for a second unit. We check this on the first site visit and include it in the plan if needed.

It means one team handles everything: design and 3D renderings, construction drawings and permits, then construction through final inspection. You sign one contract and have one point of contact.

Yes. ADU Design Center is a brand of Michael Moser Development Inc., California licensed general contractor, CSLB License #1037160.

Michael Moser personally oversees every ADU project, with our design and construction team handling day-to-day work. You always know who to call.

Yes. Call 916.505.2036 to schedule a visit to see floor plans, finishes and materials in person. We work by appointment.

Serving the greater Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area, including all East Bay communities. Our design center is based in Sacramento.