Cost of adding a basement to a new addition
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Cost of adding a basement to a new addition

A designer in our network is working with a client who is considering adding a 400-square-foot basement below a new 400-square-foot addition. They are debating whether it is worth the added cost in order to gain added usable area…

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Cost to convert a garage into a studio ADU in Berkeley, CA
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Cost to convert a garage into a studio ADU in Berkeley, CA

When a family decides to add an accessory dwelling unit, they often consider converting an existing garage into a rentable ADU. In this post we will break down the cost of converting a detached 11′ x 22′ garage into a studio apartment for our client’s mother…

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Adding a detached accessory dwelling (ADU) in Atherton, CA
Sarah Foster Sarah Foster

Adding a detached accessory dwelling (ADU) in Atherton, CA

New Avenue created a plan that would fit their property, meet the city permitting requirements, and be a comfortable guest suite for anyone who stayed there. The detached guest suite features a living area, a closet, a bathroom with a shower, a refrigerator, and a sink. The design makes use of natural light to keep the space bright and reduce electricity costs. Here are the rendering and floor plan.

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Converting a detached garage to a studio workspace in Oakland
projects, accessory building Sarah Foster projects, accessory building Sarah Foster

Converting a detached garage to a studio workspace in Oakland

A New Avenue design professional created the perfect space for Jose’s classic car (a VW Thing) and his bicycles. The designer was careful to create a plan that would protect the big Ponderosa pine in the yard. The garage door entry means Jose can store his VW, motorcycle, and bicycles in the accessory structure when he’s not using it as a workspace. The half bath makes it a great personal retreat and a well-appointed workspace. Here are the drawings and floor plan.

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Expanding an owner’s retreat and adding a detached studio in San Mateo
projects, accessory building, remodel Sarah Foster projects, accessory building, remodel Sarah Foster

Expanding an owner’s retreat and adding a detached studio in San Mateo

Brian and Dawn’s designer created plans to replace the existing accessory structure with a new 352-square-foot detached studio with a half bath. A deck and firepit give the owners and guests a comfortable place to relax or entertain.

The designer created plans to extend the owner’s suite in the main home, giving the homeowners more space in their bedroom and bathroom.

Here are the plans.

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costs, projects, ADU, Accessory Dwelling Unit Sarah Foster costs, projects, ADU, Accessory Dwelling Unit Sarah Foster

How much does property tax increase when you convert a shed into a two-bedroom accessory dwelling in Berkeley?

Property tax in this area tends to increase by one-half of one percent of the total cost of the project. When you add an accessory dwelling, your existing home is not reassessed. An ADU like this one will cost around $500,000, resulting in a tax increase of $2,500 per year. That’s $208.33 per month.

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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.