How tall can my guest house or accessory dwelling unit be?
The City of Berkeley is currently updating their accessory dwelling codes and height is an issue that is being reviewed. Many cities struggle with this. This is a summary of what you get for 16′ vs. 18′…
How to hire a designer & what to expect in your first design session/meeting
A Fixed-Price Construction Agreement Is the Only Way to Stay on Budget
Harvard Study Shows Healthy Homes + Indoor Air Quality Have Massive Impact on Intelligence
A Harvard study reported a 101% increase in cognitive function in greed buildings with fresh air that is piped in. This is the most significant green building insight we have ever seen – it simply blows everything else out of the water…
When and how to pick appliances when remodeling a home or building a new home
There is often a question about who buys the appliances for your new kitchen and when to buy them…
Cost of Adding a Primary Bedroom Suite and Accessory Dwelling
How to Stay On Budget With A Designer & What is an “Additional Service”?
At New Avenue we have determined that the best practice for providing design services for remodels, additions, and new custom homes is to provide detailed Design Proposals…
Cost to design and permit a backyard studio in Berkeley, CA
One client in Berkeley wanted to convert her garage into something she could use as a studio and as a guest house with the possibility of living in it herself sometime in the future. A New Avenue design professional created a studio with laundry facilities, a bedroom, a living area, a full bathroom, a half bathroom, a workshop, and a utility sink. Here are the costs of design and permitting.
Small Detached Guest Room in Oakland - Guest House Plans
How Long Does It Take To Build a Custom Home or Remodel a Home
We reviewed all of our completed projects and found the following timeframe for construction…
Recent Permit Rules for Creating an Accessory Dwelling in Oakland, CA
The Cost Of Permits For An Accessory Dwelling in Oakland, CA
5 Biggest Surprises When Designing and Building a Custom Home in the Berkshires
Should I Cut Out My Designer During Construction?
No! Absolutely not.
Planning and Building Permit Rules for an Accessory Dwelling in Berkeley, CA
At New Avenue we have paid over 30 different types of permits to get residential projects approved. These are “normal” projects too such as additions, remodels, restorations, accessory dwellings accessory structures and custom homes.
How to Deal With Subcontractors: Don’t!
"Roofers are a different breed, dude. You can't imagine what I deal with." This is what a cousin of mine who works with building materials recently said…
Sample Accessory Dwelling Guest House Plans - Including Loft Heights
How our software makes ADUs, additions, or custom homes easier
Designing and building an ADU, addition, or custom home is a complicated process that involves one to two years of planning, design, and construction…
Adding an accessory dwelling and garage with solar power in San Jose
The owners of a beautiful property in San Jose, California, wanted to add a new accessory dwelling and garage that they could use for family or as a rental home. They decided to add a 698-square-foot, one-bedroom ADU along with a 375-square-foot garage and power it all with solar panels. The accessory dwelling features a bedroom large enough for a California king bed, an open kitchen/living/dining area, a full bathroom, and a covered patio. Here are the plans.
The Smartest Way to Start & Run a Project: How New Avenue seamlessly brings together owners and designers to start a remodel, addition or new home
Start your journey
Reach out to New Avenue today to begin the transformational process of adding an ADU, renovating your home, and designing and building a custom house for your family.