modern

Trusted ADU Builders: San Jose

As a smart homeowner in San Jose, making the most out of your land is something that you should definitely consider.

ADUs are one of the best ways to do so. Also known as backyard houses or casitas, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have some laws and enforcements to abide by.

The state of California has recently changed and enforced the legal framework behind these units. As a professional ADU Home Builders, Top Home Builders Inc. complies with all the laws to give you an ADU that solves your needs and gives you a good investment for the future.

Contact Us Today

What is an ADU?

If you are a new homeowner/landowner in San Jose, there may be a question of “What is ADU?”. Well, there is a lot to know. An ADU is a smaller home built on the same land as a large family home or a community home. While it is built on the same land, it is still a stand-alone unit with an independent bathroom, kitchen, living area, and bedroom.

While the most prominent benefit of an ADU is the amount of real-estate value it adds to your property, there are also other benefits of ADUs that make it a worthwhile investment:

  • It can be used as a long-term rental unit which can give you returns and a new source of income.
  • It can be used as a guest house for your guests who stay for longer.
  • You can also turn your ADU into an art studio or a home office which allows you to work peacefully while being within your home.
  • ADUs are also used as senior houses for aging parents and grandparents. They give them the privacy they need along with the care they deserve.
  • It can also be used as a vacation unit or a short-term rental unit. You can turn your ADU into a stunning bed and breakfast and enjoy good returns on investment.
  • Communities and townships use ADUs to offer affordable housing to the members of the community.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design

At Top Home Builders Inc., in San Jose, we use the soundest process for designing your ADU home. We first do the groundwork like taking measurements, understanding your needs, and agreeing on the design. Once this is done, we send the Accessory Dwelling Unit design to the factory where it is built.

Since the unit is not built on your property, there are no major disruptions caused by installing an ADU. The offsite construction also speeds up the process and ensures that the structure does not get affected by the weather during its construction stage. We also offer you custom floor plans and wall systems so you get the best from your ADU.

adu

Areas We Serve

Fremont, Bay Area, Los Gatos, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and Belmont. If you’re in the San Jose & Bay area and looking to build an ADU, please call us. Our team of experienced ADU builders and project managers is here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and work with you every step of the way. We’re committed to delivering high-quality, personalized service to meet your unique requirements.

Contact Us Today

ADU Builders FAQs

ADU stands for accessory dwelling unit (ADU. It is a secondary living structure built on the same lot as your primary living structure. Other common names for ADUs are granny flats, cottages, in-law units, and carriage houses. Notably, in the state of California, ADUs are growing in popularity because they are affordable and efficient housing options in a space that desperately needs those consumer-friendly options.

The governing building inspection department impacts where you can build an ADU. Traditionally, your backyard, above your garage, or your front yard is the most common place to build an ADU. You can also convert your garage into a liveable space.  One of our dedicated project managers is always available to assist if you need help determining where to build an ADU on your property. They will come to identify the best location to build, along with giving you a price for the project.

The first step in building an ADU begins with a licensed architect drawing up blueprints. Next, those plans are inspected by the governing county/city building inspection department and once approval is met, we can give you a cost and time estimate for construction work.

In the state of California, the accessory dwelling unit cost ranges from $400 per square foot.

Yes, Accessory Dwelling Units in California are legal. There are laws and permits required. At Top Home Builders Inc. we help you understand all the legalities of these units and ensure that the process flows smoothly.

Yes, adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) such as an in-law suite will add value to your home. That’s because ADUs are designed for long-term stays with a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom for fully autonomous living. ADUs can be used to house family members and guests or they can be used as income properties.

ADUs in San Jose must not exceed two bedrooms measuring no more than 400 square feet. All ADUs must have a full kitchen or permanent cooking facility that includes an oven and cooktop, counter space for food prep, cabinets for food storage and a sink. Additionally, ADUs can have as many as two bathrooms including a toilet, shower, and sink. Storage areas can not be greater than 60 square feet.

Yes, in San Jose you can build a detached ADU in your backyard. You can also build an ADU that is a converted garage or home addition.

Detached ADUs in California must be at least three feet from the sides and rear of the primary residence or have proper fire-resistant measures in place. If an ADU covers more than 40 percent of the yard or is two storeys in height, the unit must be at least four feet from property lines at the side and rear.