ADU Hindsight
We’re sharing some of our clients’ post-project thoughts. Here are some examples of what we hear from new ADU owners.
An end to unfair housing policy in Berkeley?
Berkeley just proposed putting an end to single family-housing, and it's national news. The Elmwood neighborhood was among the first in the US to zone against multifamily housing. Single-family zoning became the backbone of exclusionary, unsustainable, segregated housing. Last week, Berkeley’s city council voted unanimously for a resolution to end exclusionary housing.
Plans for a 700-square-foot ADU in San Jose
The home includes two bedrooms, a kitchen, a full bathroom, a washer/dryer, a living room, an attic, and plenty of storage space. A sun tunnel and plenty of windows provide natural light, making the home feel spacious and energizing.
Sick Building Syndrome: How to Build a Healthy Place to Live
Every love is a work in progress
New Avenue Architect Randolph Ruiz designed this beautiful ADU for a client in Berkeley. Living in a 70-year-old house, the homeowners decided to add an accessory dwelling that they could use for their parents, for their children, or as a rental. Another option was for the homeowners to move in themselves, allowing their family members to use the main home.
Property tax increase when converting a shed into an accessory dwelling in Berkeley
More space means more flexibility, a lifelong home, and more rental income. Here’s what happens to your taxes when you add an ADU like this one.
Building a net-zero energy house: What homeowners need to know
Here’s the New Avenue team’s expert advice on creating homes that produce all of their own energy.
4 Beautifully Designed ADU Projects From Around The World That Inspire Us
At New Avenue, our design teams are constantly looking for design inspiration so we can provide our clients with beautiful spaces that include the best design features, latest trends, beautiful materials, and respond to contemporary lifestyles.
3 Inspiring Custom Homes in California
These three modern residences were designed by architect Randolph Ruiz, part of New Avenue’s creative design team.
Property tax increase when adding a one-bedroom, one-bathroom ADU with kitchen in Oakland
When you add an accessory dwelling, you’ll see a tax increase equal to one-half of one percent of the total project cost. For this type of project, that means a tax increase of $1,500 to $2,000 per year. Considering the amount the family is saving per month on housing for the owner’s parents, this amount of tax increase is no problem. Should the family rent the ADU out in the future, they’ll be able to get $2500 to $3000 per month in rent. That’s enough to pay for the ADU and the tax increase, leaving plenty of rental income left over for the homeowner’s needs.
Do prefab homes save money? Do shipping-container ADUs save time?
ADU design considerations for short-term (Airbnb) vs long-term rental
When designing an ADU, there are many factors we consider. One of the biggest is the “use.” In other words, what will the ADU be used for?
What is the increase in property taxes when building an accessory dwelling unit in Mountain View?
We generally see a property tax increase of one-half of one percent of the cost of the project. Design, permitting, engineering, and construction for this project totaled $657,356. Once the project is complete, the homeowners expect to see a property tax increase of around 3,286.78. The main home will not be reassessed when the ADU is assessed.
Hillside ADU Design Process: Next Steps, Refining a Design and Layout
Hillside ADU Design Process: The First Three Drawings, Creating Schemes
One of our projects, a hillside ADU, has a large and open backyard, but the setbacks and the desires for views started to limit where and what we could build. We used these limitations to help us create schemes that would create a great home that is unique to its site.
Universal design and accessibility: life-changing for some, good for all
Remodeling a multi-family home in Berkeley
The owner of a multi-family home in Berkeley came to New Avenue for a major remodel of a two-bedroom, two-bath rental unit. While parts of the unit were salvageable (e.g., the beautiful redwood and a few of the walls), this unit was almost entirely rebuilt. It needed a new foundation and major work in all areas.
Cost to build an art studio/accessory dwelling in Berkeley
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.
Friday ADU Chat Recap: Top Questions and Advice
Last Friday, we had an inspiring ADU chat with several homeowners and New Avenue designers.
Famous ADUs in Movie and TV History
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are making news all over the country these days. We thought it’d be fun to look at some famous ADUs from top TV shows through the years…
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.