Wow! You have blown me away with all of the things I didn’t know about ADU’s. My husband and I just started talking about this subject and had a contractor come look at our property. We are very interested in continuing on with our plan, but now Im a bit more nervous. I appreciate that you offer assistance to people like me!! Thank you very much for sharing, very clearly, what you have learned!
Thanks for watching. The planning department is often your friend. Builders and architects with experience in your city are also good allies. You can do it!
I went through Maxable ADU and they took care of sooo many things that were beyond my scope of understanding! Finding a company to hold your hand, and that understands zoning and permitting in your city, and can refer you to ADU-experienced architects and contractors was a game changer for us! 5 months living in our ADU now!! SUper happy with how it went but I wish I had found How To ADU before, because this is GREAT INFORMATION!!
Incredible examples thank you! The last example and seeing the Google image with the lot mock-up and squares on the map where the home would be is so helpful! That’s an error I nearly made and only found out by watching this lmao
Hi Ryan. Thank you so much for all your hard work and helping so many people get started in making their ADU project a reality. I have sent you an email regarding my project in California. I hope that it could serve as a case study that could help others.
@@HowToADU Ryan your awesome 😎 brother, thank you for all your work. I was wondering do you have any experience in manufacture homes being used as ADUS. ?
@@ernestocarrillo7 Generally speaking, you can use manufactured housing (Title 25) or factory-build housing. Talk to your local planning department, and if you meet resistance, show them some of the HCD guidance that specifically allows for manufactured housing. That said, manufactured housing doesn't always give you the same financing options and it may affect the value of your property differently so do your research!
@@HowToADU Ryan thank you for your response. What are the HCD guidance? The financing options I get. In which type of way do you believe the property value might be affected up down sideways? ha ha Ha thank you Ryan for all that you do.
You are just awesome! Thank you so much for everything you do! I just signed up with Realm, I hope that helps you in some way. I’m still trying to figure out how you get paid for all you do.
If you use my link it does help me :) and hopefully it helps YOU. Thanks for watching. I also have a private community with a membership subscription. Let me know if you want more info.
Just know that whole Walnut Creek East Bay Area is land fill with little streams running everywhere willy nilly. Beautiful area, I loved living there, but I know a little bit about the history of the land.. and it's got all sorts of waterways.
@@HowToADU Thanks for the reply! I don't feel comfortable saying where I am in public comments, but is there a website similar to this for other regions? The description of this video doesn't state that this is only in California.
@@RhymeMastaMasse I understand! There are different tools for different regions, each with different purposes! If you're in a state with statewide rules, it's much more likely that you'll have a state-wide tool. If you're in a major metro with its rules settled, there's more likelihood there will be a city-wide tool. If you're not, then you probably want to talk to a consultant who knows your region well. This month's sponsor Realm Home has a lot of national coverage but only for cost estimates, not feasibility. l.realmhome.com/w9J3di
I live in SAN pedro. Beside to avoid $10,000 coastal zone other options Please I like it take the challenge and see video of other options so I don’t pay the full $10 grand for site challenges
I did a video with a mortgage specialist th-cam.com/video/LyCIJf7JdbU/w-d-xo.html Advice varies a lot depending on the details of your project. Talk to a licensed pro about your specific situation.
I have been designing and building out ADU's in the Tampa Bay area and would like more information from you and your subscribers regardin g ADU's and Florida, if possible. I am also available for sharing the information regarding architectural design in Florida to thoe viewers .
That's a good idea. We talk about this a lot in the private community. Do you have anything specific you want to share or think I should include? One of the biggest things for me is that nobody really gets why I'm SO up or SO down when I get news. So finding somebody who has been through it before is great if only to go WOOHOO or to shake your fist at the sky alongside of ;D
@@HowToADU when I recommend to my friends that they convert their garage or build an adu, I tell them that it will likely be an emotional nightmare and cost more money than they are expecting it to but it’s a good long-term investment. I remind them that they are undertaking a project that is more complicated than it seems. Just because you live in a home and / or have done repairs or upgrades in your home, it’s very different than pulling permits and designing a whole new living space. And that everyone is busy and things will take longer than you think. And that extensive communication is key but that it’s hard to know exactly what you should be communicating because this will likely be the first (and last) time you undertake this process.
This was pretty useful curious if my property is applicable for an ADU not sure if I can contact you just using the free tools if it will work or not thanks I looking either a 24x16 or or a 22x15 with 2 bedroom 1 bath and kitchen
I'm always happy to do a quick free call (Fridays are best). Please use the form on how-to-adu.com/get-started to share your address and send me an email at ryan@how-to-adu.com to schedule a time. Most people are able to get through the whole process for free. If you'd benefit from having some help, then I'm here for ya.
There's a part of the state law that says if your primary has no fire sprinklers, ADUs won't need sprinklers. That said, there is also a part of the state law that gives local agencies the ability to deny ADU permits for fire safety - as a result, many jurisdictions have uncommon special sprinkler requirements for a variety of reasons (eg in fire zones or for ADUs over a certain distance from the fire hydrant and the road.) Talk to your local planning department about your specific project and ask if there would be any reason the fire sprinklers may be required on your project.
You mentioned you have more info on avoiding $10K coastal commission costs. Please advise. Also, saw your HOA-ADU video, and saw in the HCD handout from 2020 specifically says an HOA can not prohibit construction of an ADU for single family residence, what about a multi-unit development (2 condos connected via staircase on a single lot)? Also, this has an inactive HOA, but I have CC&Rs from when purchased place and want the ADU w/in my unit, but other owner does not?
For the coastal commission, check this article out which has a section about coastal zones. www.how-to-adu.com/adu-articles-blog/california-adu-law-september-2020-updated-guidance There's a memo from the coastal zone that explains some of your options (sort of three ways to ask the LCP for various exceptions to the permit). For the HOA MFR thing, I'm sorry but you have officially hit the wall of stuff I know. ;-D I'd love to learn more about that subject and will be able to offer a better rate to you since it's a learning experience. But we would kick into my hourly consulting agreement to proceed. You can email me at ryan@how-to-adu.com for more information about that agreement.
Does your home insurance change? I have a 4-u adding an ADU from an existing garage. Does it also change the loan terms if I ever need to refinance in the future? Would it be now a commercial loan since it’s a 5-u?
Those are all good questions that you should direct to your insurance provider and lender and broker. Different insurance policies are set up differently. I've commonly seen insurance that covers a certain amount and type of risk on the primary structure and then another amount for all accessory structures (so a detached garage conversion might be read as an accessory structure) and other policies where it's whole property under one limit - very important to talk to your insurance company and get the details. They can tell you your options for the property once you have the new unit (as well as course of construction insurance if you need it). For the loan, that's a question for the lender and how they consider the ADU. I've seen a bit of everything happen! Sorry I can't be helpful on this one!
I’ll check when I’m home but you may want to type out the address one letter at a time. If you paste it in, it often won’t auto populate correctly. There’s also a feedback button and they are very responsive to bugs and missing data if that’s what you’re experiencing.
Our free facebook group has people from a LOT of states. I hope that we can find trustworthy practitioners in every state to help people out: facebook.com/groups/howtoadu
Generally speaking, ADUs are accessory to a primary structure. So the local agencies will generally require some structure to be considered the primary structure.
New York State? You want to chat with your local planning department (city or county) to learn about your options. This is generally a free call. You can ask if they know about any grants, or special programs you may be eligible for. Good luck!
Kinda like Ludacris, I got homes in different area codes. Thanks for the sub :) You can book a call with me here: calendly.com/how-to-adu or email ryan@how-to-adu.com
Yes, unfortunately cities can require replacement parking for JADUs so I have seen cases like that. You want to ask the planning department for the code/regulations regarding the requirements for off street parking. Some cities have surprising ways to accommodate off street parking requirements. I've heard of cities that allow bike racks, for example, or for car shares registered nearby, for another example. Good luck!
Hi awesome video. Is there anyway I could get a hold of you personally to check on my property on an ADU?? I live in 91040 on a corner lot?? Please let me know thank you
Sure thing - email ryan@how-to-adu.com and I'll take a peek. If you need help, you can either come to one of my live Q&As on youtube or facebook (sort of unpredictable), or you can pay my consulting fee.
Not always. Some cities require it as part of their process (which is a bit much, but it's enforceable). Other times, it becomes a requirement when you're building very close to the property line. And it's generally also just a good idea to do it if you're trying to make the most of your property line setback. Note you can also have a full boundary survey vs a partial boundary survey (and it can be a significant cost difference sometimes) so make sure you know exactly what the city/county needs to see and convey that accurately to the surveyor quoting your job.
@@HowToADU I was unaware regarding the partial survey. The inspector requested a "4 point survey". So, I paid the FULL amount. Thanks for helping us out Ryan.
"Dimensions for all property lines, easement and driveways". Looks like it's a requirement for me. Lol I'm watching a lot of your videos. You're great! 👍
Ah darn. If you take time to report the errors and give them feedback, they do make improvements over time. Can I ask where in the state your addresses are?
@@ssoffshore5111 I don't know of a site that streamlines it for those states as well as Symbium for CA, but there are definitely some progressive laws depending on where your properties are. Talk to your local planning department about your options to build a second unit or accessory unit or guest house. They all use different language but you might find some pleasant surprises!
Wow! You have blown me away with all of the things I didn’t know about ADU’s. My husband and I just started talking about this subject and had a contractor come look at our property. We are very interested in continuing on with our plan, but now Im a bit more nervous. I appreciate that you offer assistance to people like me!! Thank you very much for sharing, very clearly, what you have learned!
Thanks for watching.
The planning department is often your friend. Builders and architects with experience in your city are also good allies. You can do it!
I went through Maxable ADU and they took care of sooo many things that were beyond my scope of understanding! Finding a company to hold your hand, and that understands zoning and permitting in your city, and can refer you to ADU-experienced architects and contractors was a game changer for us! 5 months living in our ADU now!! SUper happy with how it went but I wish I had found How To ADU before, because this is GREAT INFORMATION!!
@@Cole_Cross what was your total cost going with max able ?
Thanks for sharing the webiste. You've been a great resource for people like myself and many others. Take care!
Thanks! Please let me know if there's anything specific you'd like to see more videos about.
I try the site but it didn’t load, it says it’s not a secure website
Incredible examples thank you! The last example and seeing the Google image with the lot mock-up and squares on the map where the home would be is so helpful! That’s an error I nearly made and only found out by watching this lmao
Thanks for the praise! Im glad I got it it in Front of you fore it was too late!!!
Budget buster......Don't hire a contractor. YOU be the contractor
Exactly 💯
Hi Ryan. Thank you so much for all your hard work and helping so many people get started in making their ADU project a reality. I have sent you an email regarding my project in California. I hope that it could serve as a case study that could help others.
I look forward to reading your message. Thank you for sharing.
@@HowToADU Ryan your awesome 😎 brother, thank you for all your work. I was wondering do you have any experience in manufacture homes being used as ADUS. ?
@@ernestocarrillo7 Generally speaking, you can use manufactured housing (Title 25) or factory-build housing. Talk to your local planning department, and if you meet resistance, show them some of the HCD guidance that specifically allows for manufactured housing. That said, manufactured housing doesn't always give you the same financing options and it may affect the value of your property differently so do your research!
@@HowToADU Ryan thank you for your response. What are the HCD guidance? The financing options I get. In which type of way do you believe the property value might be affected up down sideways? ha ha Ha thank you Ryan for all that you do.
You are just awesome! Thank you so much for everything you do! I just signed up with Realm, I hope that helps you in some way. I’m still trying to figure out how you get paid for all you do.
If you use my link it does help me :) and hopefully it helps YOU. Thanks for watching.
I also have a private community with a membership subscription. Let me know if you want more info.
Thank you so much for your share
Must follow!!!!
Just know that whole Walnut Creek East Bay Area is land fill with little streams running everywhere willy nilly. Beautiful area, I loved living there, but I know a little bit about the history of the land.. and it's got all sorts of waterways.
I wish we had symbium for AZ.
One day! :)
It took me so long to realize this website ONLY works for properties in California... Is there one that does other states? I'm not in California...
Sorry about that! Where are you located? And are you looking for zoning information or cost estimates and broader ADU questions?
@@HowToADU Thanks for the reply! I don't feel comfortable saying where I am in public comments, but is there a website similar to this for other regions? The description of this video doesn't state that this is only in California.
@@RhymeMastaMasse I understand! There are different tools for different regions, each with different purposes!
If you're in a state with statewide rules, it's much more likely that you'll have a state-wide tool. If you're in a major metro with its rules settled, there's more likelihood there will be a city-wide tool. If you're not, then you probably want to talk to a consultant who knows your region well. This month's sponsor Realm Home has a lot of national coverage but only for cost estimates, not feasibility. l.realmhome.com/w9J3di
I live in SAN pedro. Beside to avoid $10,000 coastal zone other options Please I like it take the challenge and see video of other options so I don’t pay the full $10 grand for site challenges
are there any videos on financing ADU? Any flexible options? Optimal Lenders ?
I did a video with a mortgage specialist th-cam.com/video/LyCIJf7JdbU/w-d-xo.html
Advice varies a lot depending on the details of your project. Talk to a licensed pro about your specific situation.
I have been designing and building out ADU's in the Tampa Bay area and would like more information from you and your subscribers regardin g ADU's and Florida, if possible. I am also available for sharing the information regarding architectural design in Florida to thoe viewers .
That's so cool. I grew up in Tampa :)
Do you have a video where you talk about the emotions that people go through during the permitting process and how those feelings are normal?
That's a good idea. We talk about this a lot in the private community.
Do you have anything specific you want to share or think I should include?
One of the biggest things for me is that nobody really gets why I'm SO up or SO down when I get news. So finding somebody who has been through it before is great if only to go WOOHOO or to shake your fist at the sky alongside of ;D
@@HowToADU when I recommend to my friends that they convert their garage or build an adu, I tell them that it will likely be an emotional nightmare and cost more money than they are expecting it to but it’s a good long-term investment. I remind them that they are undertaking a project that is more complicated than it seems. Just because you live in a home and / or have done repairs or upgrades in your home, it’s very different than pulling permits and designing a whole new living space. And that everyone is busy and things will take longer than you think. And that extensive communication is key but that it’s hard to know exactly what you should be communicating because this will likely be the first (and last) time you undertake this process.
@@gingerhitzke9185 Love that!
This was pretty useful curious if my property is applicable for an ADU not sure if I can contact you just using the free tools if it will work or not thanks I looking either a 24x16 or or a 22x15 with 2 bedroom 1 bath and kitchen
I'm always happy to do a quick free call (Fridays are best). Please use the form on how-to-adu.com/get-started to share your address and send me an email at ryan@how-to-adu.com to schedule a time. Most people are able to get through the whole process for free. If you'd benefit from having some help, then I'm here for ya.
Hi Ryan, do you need fire sprinklers for a ADU?
Thanks
There's a part of the state law that says if your primary has no fire sprinklers, ADUs won't need sprinklers. That said, there is also a part of the state law that gives local agencies the ability to deny ADU permits for fire safety - as a result, many jurisdictions have uncommon special sprinkler requirements for a variety of reasons (eg in fire zones or for ADUs over a certain distance from the fire hydrant and the road.)
Talk to your local planning department about your specific project and ask if there would be any reason the fire sprinklers may be required on your project.
Thanks Ryan,my ADUwill be in a corner lot and I have a fire hydrogen in the corner of the property.
Thanks I will check with the city.
@@711repair Check your "front" setback from both streets if you've got a corner lot. :)
You mentioned you have more info on avoiding $10K coastal commission costs. Please advise. Also, saw your HOA-ADU video, and saw in the HCD handout from 2020 specifically says an HOA can not prohibit construction of an ADU for single family residence, what about a multi-unit development (2 condos connected via staircase on a single lot)? Also, this has an inactive HOA, but I have CC&Rs from when purchased place and want the ADU w/in my unit, but other owner does not?
For the coastal commission, check this article out which has a section about coastal zones. www.how-to-adu.com/adu-articles-blog/california-adu-law-september-2020-updated-guidance There's a memo from the coastal zone that explains some of your options (sort of three ways to ask the LCP for various exceptions to the permit).
For the HOA MFR thing, I'm sorry but you have officially hit the wall of stuff I know. ;-D I'd love to learn more about that subject and will be able to offer a better rate to you since it's a learning experience. But we would kick into my hourly consulting agreement to proceed. You can email me at ryan@how-to-adu.com for more information about that agreement.
Does your home insurance change? I have a 4-u adding an ADU from an existing garage. Does it also change the loan terms if I ever need to refinance in the future? Would it be now a commercial loan since it’s a 5-u?
Those are all good questions that you should direct to your insurance provider and lender and broker.
Different insurance policies are set up differently. I've commonly seen insurance that covers a certain amount and type of risk on the primary structure and then another amount for all accessory structures (so a detached garage conversion might be read as an accessory structure) and other policies where it's whole property under one limit - very important to talk to your insurance company and get the details. They can tell you your options for the property once you have the new unit (as well as course of construction insurance if you need it).
For the loan, that's a question for the lender and how they consider the ADU. I've seen a bit of everything happen! Sorry I can't be helpful on this one!
For some reason, none of the addresses I put in come up. I'm inputting addresses for Manteca and Lathrop
I’ll check when I’m home but you may want to type out the address one letter at a time. If you paste it in, it often won’t auto populate correctly. There’s also a feedback button and they are very responsive to bugs and missing data if that’s what you’re experiencing.
Do you help people in other states? My property is in NC.
Our free facebook group has people from a LOT of states. I hope that we can find trustworthy practitioners in every state to help people out: facebook.com/groups/howtoadu
Can you put an ADU or several ADUs on a lot as the primary residence?
Generally speaking, ADUs are accessory to a primary structure. So the local agencies will generally require some structure to be considered the primary structure.
Hi!! I'm trying to do this ADU for my 2 disabled parents, in my house. I live in NYS. How do I start to apply for grant for this?
New York State? You want to chat with your local planning department (city or county) to learn about your options. This is generally a free call. You can ask if they know about any grants, or special programs you may be eligible for. Good luck!
Got a new subscriber ! but do you handle the 626 in so cal?? Would love to connect if you do =)
Kinda like Ludacris, I got homes in different area codes. Thanks for the sub :)
You can book a call with me here: calendly.com/how-to-adu or email ryan@how-to-adu.com
on symbium, how can you learn this info about properties that do not have an actual street address (such as unimproved land)
I don’t think thats really what the software is designed for
Stockton?
Contractors. The best salesperson is usually the most corrupt. $500 sq and always go over budget. Beware
My city is requiring I have covered parking space for JADU. Have you experienced this Ryan? Is there a way around this?
Yes, unfortunately cities can require replacement parking for JADUs so I have seen cases like that. You want to ask the planning department for the code/regulations regarding the requirements for off street parking. Some cities have surprising ways to accommodate off street parking requirements. I've heard of cities that allow bike racks, for example, or for car shares registered nearby, for another example. Good luck!
Hi awesome video. Is there anyway I could get a hold of you personally to check on my property on an ADU?? I live in 91040 on a corner lot?? Please let me know thank you
Sure thing - email ryan@how-to-adu.com and I'll take a peek. If you need help, you can either come to one of my live Q&As on youtube or facebook (sort of unpredictable), or you can pay my consulting fee.
Hi Ryan, is there a way I could get a consult with you?
Hi Neil you can book calls at this link: www.how-to-adu.com/get-started-booking
Do you really need a Boundary Line Survey for an ADU?
Not always.
Some cities require it as part of their process (which is a bit much, but it's enforceable). Other times, it becomes a requirement when you're building very close to the property line. And it's generally also just a good idea to do it if you're trying to make the most of your property line setback.
Note you can also have a full boundary survey vs a partial boundary survey (and it can be a significant cost difference sometimes) so make sure you know exactly what the city/county needs to see and convey that accurately to the surveyor quoting your job.
@@HowToADU I was unaware regarding the partial survey. The inspector requested a "4 point survey". So, I paid the FULL amount. Thanks for helping us out Ryan.
"Dimensions for all property lines, easement and driveways". Looks like it's a requirement for me. Lol I'm watching a lot of your videos. You're great! 👍
Lol big back lot…. It’s like 10000 sq ft lot
It's all relative right :D I'm used to these little urban lots where people are trying to squeeze in 300 sq ft with no setbacks ;D
@$295-$400 sf will stop most of us
What is the website he is using?
Build.Symbium.com
Ryan how can we chat with you about a project
Hi George, you can book a call with me on my website: how-to-adu.com/get-started-booking.
Thanks for watching :)
That website is highly inaccurate for three homes I looked up.
Ah darn. If you take time to report the errors and give them feedback, they do make improvements over time. Can I ask where in the state your addresses are?
Make sure you obtain proper permitting for constructing your ADU. We don’t want illegally constructed ADUs now do we!
Amen!
Is this site for CA only?
Symbium is really California based for now yeah. Where are you based?
@@HowToADU CT and FL.
@@ssoffshore5111 I don't know of a site that streamlines it for those states as well as Symbium for CA, but there are definitely some progressive laws depending on where your properties are. Talk to your local planning department about your options to build a second unit or accessory unit or guest house. They all use different language but you might find some pleasant surprises!
Hello Ryan
Your information is very helpful. I want to check on my property for an ADU. Can I email you directly for more information.
Thank You
Jenny
Thanks Jenny. Glad the videos are helpful. You can email ryan@how-to-adu.com or book a call at www.how-to-adu.com/get-started-booking
What is the website he is using?
I’m using build.symbium.com
@@HowToADU thank you