Susan's Forward-Thinking Home Expansion in El Cerrito

This versatile detached ADU in El Cerrito can be a home for a family member now and a place for the homeowner to live in the future.

In the heart of the Bay Area, homeowners are seeking innovative ways to maximize their living areas, cater to evolving family needs, and invest in the future for themselves and their families.

Here’s a look at an El Cerrito home that New Avenue is taking from 899 square feet to a total of 1,217 square feet, including a new accessory dwelling. When the addition is complete, the main home will measure 676 square feet and the attached ADU will measure 541 square feet. The space will comfortably accommodate the homeowner and her adult daughter, providing a comfortable, private space for each of them while allowing them to live close to one another.

Susan, the owner of this beautiful property, saw the potential in her home and decided to create a space that would benefit her and her family for years to come.

An Exercise in Versatility

At its core, Susan's project is about creating a multi-purpose haven. By remodeling her existing home and adding an attached accessory dwelling, she opens up her home to more options for living and hosting. The updated, expanded basement will make life a little easier for Susan. The ADU will serve as a home for her daughter and can become a guest home or Susan’s primary living space in the future. If she chooses, she can sell the entire property and use the money to benefit herself or her children in their next chapters.

What's particularly striking about this project is the seamless blend of the old with the new. The existing roofline gracefully extends to envelope most of the addition. Yet, a touch of modernity appears with a new gable roof over the bedroom.

A Legacy for Today and Tomorrow

Beyond the bricks and beams, Susan's project holds sentimental value. It's not just an ADU; it's a space of love, legacy, and future memories. Today, it's for her daughter. Tomorrow, it could be a sanctuary for Susan or a valuable asset for her children.

Here’s a look at the original floor plan (top) and the new floor plan (bottom).

Above: The floorplan for the original two-bedroom, one-bathroom home. Below: The floorplan for the new space includes a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living/dining area for the main home. The attached ADU includes a bedroom, a bathroom, and a living/dining area.

Considering an ADU?

With the ever-changing dynamics of family living and the desire to make the most out of every square foot, ADUs offer a flexible solution. Whether it's for an aging parent, an adult child, rental income, or simply a serene retreat in your backyard, the possibilities are endless.

Adding an ADU not only increases your living space, it also adds to the value of your property. It's a smart investment in the present and for the future.

Ready to Explore Your Home’s Potential?

Discover the incredible potential in your own backyard. Whether you have a clear vision or just the spark of an idea, let's bring it to life together.

Schedule your free call with us today. We're here to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help you transform your home into a space your family will love.