A homeowner in Oakland wanted to add space to her home that could be used as storage, a guest room, a laundry room, or a home office. New Avenue created this accessory building to enhance her property, making her home into a place that better suits her busy life.

For many homeowners, adding an accessory structure like this makes it possible to stay in the neighborhood they love. It’s an efficient way to add square footage to your home without the expense and difficulty of buying a new home in the area.

The main art studio area is equipped with floor-mounted electrical outlets and receives tons of natural light through the unit’s clerestory windows and NanaWall, which easily folds back to open the entire front wall. The homeowners can enjoy the light and fresh air when the wall is open and will be protected from the elements when it’s closed.

Many homeowners find that their detached garages could be more useful as something else: a guest suite, a home office, or a rentable accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Here are plans and drawings for one garage conversion project in Berkeley.

A New Avenue design professional designed a 637-square-foot backyard accessory building that met the homeowner’s needs and fit in perfectly with the main home’s design and landscaping. The design includes a bathroom, a one-car garage, and a hobby room. This will be an ideal place for the homeowner to use as a home office, a creative studio, or a workroom for any activity that requires a dedicated space. Here are the plans.

When Valerie and Tim wanted to add a darkroom and home office to their property in Berkeley, they contacted New Avenue. The space in their backyard was perfect for a detached accessory structure, and New Avenue’s design professional created a place that would work as storage, a creative studio, and a workspace for the homeowners. The space includes ample storage, an important consideration for those who want more space for their work and hobbies.

A Berkeley homeowner, asked New Avenue to remodel his existing garage into a music studio and storage area. He also wanted an ADU to use as a guest house, additional space when needed, or rental home. New Avenue’s designer created a design for both buildings and worked with the city to permit the entire project. Here’s the design.