Building a backyard cottage or secondary dwelling unit in Menlo Park, CA

A homeowner in Menlo Park, CA, approached New Avenue for help converting their property into a place that would support both their immediate family and an aging relative. They knew multigenerational living would be rewarding for everyone in the family and wanted to create the ideal home to make it happen.

The family’s New Avenue designer created a 640-square-foot secondary home that would fit well on the property and be versatile enough to meet the family’s needs at every stage.

The home includes a bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom, a living area, and an office. It will save the family more than $3,000 per month in rent and allow them to live together, helping each other and being near one another every day.

The new secondary home’s position is shown in the upper right of this diagram of the property.

How to build a backyard cottage or in-law unit in California

To get a design that works for you, navigate the permitting requirements, organize a team, and get your home built on schedule and on budget is no small feat. The best way to handle the complicated process of building a home is to work with an experienced design/build company.

New Avenue has been building accessory dwellings (ADUs), additions, remodels, and custom homes in California for over twelve years. With over 750 completed projects, we have the experience and real-world data necessary to deliver your project on time and on budget without unnecessary surprises. Our turnkey pricing includes everything you need: team creation, design, engineering, permitting, construction, and project management. Use our vetted pros or bring in your own; with New Avenue, everyone is part of a communicative team working for you.

We believe the right home can mean freedom, sustainability, and connection. And our goal is to bring those benefits to as many people as possible—with total transparency and without surprises.

Click below to schedule your free call or fill out our online form. We’ll answer all your questions and help you get started transforming your home into a place that will bring you sustainability, freedom, and connection at every stage of life.