Spring’s Family Compound with ADU in Orinda

Turnkey Project Cost Today = $675,000
Size = 674 sf

While there are many reasons to build an accessory dwelling, one of the best reasons is to bring families closer together. One family in Orinda needed a comfortable place where several generations could live together, so they pooled their resources to replace an old ADU on their property, a beautiful, wooded hillside lot.

New Avenue assessed the property to help the homeowners determine the best course of action. We found that the old ADU was built in 1932, at the same time as the main home. Structural damage, a weak foundation, and asbestos made the original cottage unsuitable as a home.

The family opted to build a new ADU. We were able to preserve the amazing oak trees while replacing the utility lines and building the new ADU.

This 674-squre-foot backyard cottage has one large bedroom, a kitchen that’s huge for an ADU, and a shared patio. The family living here has enjoyed years of shared memories along with many date nights and hockey practice pickups that, frankly, would be impossible without a grandmother home to help the two working parents.