Huntington Beach
ADU Building Services
Maximize your space and add long-term value to your property with a professionally designed accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Home Remodeling Huntington Beach provides end-to-end ADU solutions for your home and lifestyle.
We specialize in building ADUs that are stylish, efficient, and eco-friendly.
Schedule Your Free Remodeling Consultation Now!
Schedule Your Remodeling Consultation Today!
What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit is basically an additional dwelling that can be added on the same lot on as the main single family home or multi-family building. California law has allowed ADUs since 2020. Now, the City of Huntington Beach supports this with its ADU pre-approval program.
Often referred to as granny flats, in-law units, second units, or casitas, ADUs provide versatile solutions for homeowners. ADUs offer flexible living arrangements and situations, used for various purposes such as rental income, guest accommodations, or home offices. Whether you need extra living space for family members, a guest house, or a rental unit to generate additional income, an ADU will do the trick. ADUs allow you to help address California's housing shortage and maximize your property's value and use.
Why Build an ADU in Huntington Beach? Boost Your Property Value
ADUs have become an increasingly popular option in throughout Orange County, offering:
- Extra income in the form of long-term or short-term rentals
- Private guest or family living quarters
- Enhanced property value
- More functional use of your property
- Take advantage of underutilized space
- Zoning and permitting advantages from local and state regulations
- The ability to build ADUs on single family and multi-family properties, creating additional income and living space opportunities
Home Remodeling Huntington Beach makes the process easy by handling everything from planning, design and permitting to construction and final inspection.
Our ADU Services
Home Remodeling Huntington Beach offers a full range of ADU services, such as:
Custom ADU Design
- Personalized floor plans according to your needs and architecture
Garage Conversions
- Convert unused garage space to a legal residence
Detached & Attached ADUs
- Separate or connected units based on your property layout
Junior ADUs (JADUs)
- Smaller units ideal for more compact properties
Permitting & Planning
- Local experts to get you approved on schedule. The site having an existing or a planned single-family home is one of the eligibility requirements for constructing an ADU.
Full-Service Construction
- We take care of every aspect of the job from planning to foundation to finish
Our ADU Process: From Concept to Completion
We make the ADU process easy and hassle-free:
1. Free Consultation & Site Assessment
- Initial meeting to discuss your vision and needs
- Property evaluation for ADU feasibility
- Preliminary budget discussion
- Assessment of local zoning requirements
2. Custom Planning & Design
- Architectural drafting of your ADU
- Selection of materials and finishes
- Budget refinement and timeline creation
- 3D renderings for visualization
3. Permit Handling
- Preparation of all required documentation
- Submission to Huntington Beach Building Department
- Coordination with city officials
- Permit tracking and follow-up
4. Skilled Construction & Project Management
- Site preparation and foundation work
- Framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC installation
- Regular progress updates and quality inspections
- Addressing any challenges that arise during construction
5. Final Inspection & Turnover
- Thorough cleaning of construction site
- Final city inspections and approval
- Walkthrough and demonstration of features
- Handover of warranties and maintenance information
From consultation to completion, we handle every step of your ADU project with professionalism and expertise. Our professionals keep you informed at each step to ensure your project's success.
Approved Types of ADUs in Huntington Beach
Residents of Huntington Beach can build any of four types of Accessory Dwelling Units to suit their personal needs and the layout of their property. Below are the principal types of ADUs you can build:
Detached ADUs
- Detached ADUs are individual structures built independently from the primary residence. The highest privacy level is afforded by a detached ADU or accessory structure, which can be used as a rental unit, guest house, or residence for family members. Detached ADUs are ideal for homes with large yard areas and offer the easiest means of adding living space.
Attached ADUs
- Attached ADUs involve adding an extension to the primary structure on the site. Attached ADUs share a common wall with the primary residence. An attached ADU would be suitable for individuals who would not mind being near the primary living area but also wish to have their own privacy. Attached ADUs can be designed within your existing architectural style, without disrupting continuity.
Conversion ADUs
- If you have an underused garage, attic, or basement, a conversion ADU might be in your future. A conversion ADU is an ADU constructed in an existing space that is converted into living space. Conversion ADUs are a budget-friendly way of adding extra living space without the necessity of building new. They are perfect for houses that have limited yard area.
Junior ADUs (JADUs)
- Small units, 500 square feet or less, built inside the walls of a single-family home. JADUs are an ideal option for homeowners who wish to build out a small addition for family members or as a rental unit. JADUs achieve this by utilizing existing space while sharing a bathroom with the occupants of the main house. They provide a handy and efficient option for adding another living quarters.
With the knowledge of the different kinds of ADUs that are allowed in Huntington Beach, you can choose the most appropriate one according to your needs and enhance your property's functionality.
ADU and Junior ADU Features and Amenities
ADUs and Junior ADUs in Huntington Beach can be outfitted with a various features and amenities to enhance their livability and functionality. Some of the common features include:
- Low Energy Appliances and Lighting: Using energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting can contribute significantly towards reducing utility bills and carbon footprint.
- High-Quality Finishes: Features such as hardwood floors and granite countertops add a touch of luxury and durability to your ADU.
- Ample Storage Space: Built-in cabinets and closets provide essential storage solutions, keeping the living space organized and free from clutter.
- Private Entrances: Separate entrances are required.
- Outdoor Spaces: Separate outdoor areas like patios or decks may offer seclusion and additional living space.
- Access to Shared Amenities: Shared amenities, such as a backyard or pool, can contribute to the overall living experience.
- Smart Home Technology: Choosing smart thermostats, security systems, and other smart home technologies can make your ADU more convenient and secure.
- Sustainable Building Materials and Practices: Using materials like reclaimed wood and low-VOC paints, along with practices such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting, can make your ADU more eco-friendly.
Junior ADUs, in particular, are designed to be compact and efficient, with features that often include:
- Murphy Beds and Fold-Down Tables: These space-saving solutions maximize the usability of the living space.
- Compact Kitchens: Equipped with essentials like a microwave and refrigerator, compact kitchens are perfect for smaller spaces.
- Bathrooms: JADUs can have a separate bathroom or share one with the main residence.
- Large Windows and Skylights: Letting in natural light, large windows and skylights give the illusion of a larger area and make the space more inviting.
- Utilities: A JADU's gas, water, and sewer connections can be hooked directly up to the main house.
- Parking: No parking is required for a JADU.
By contrast, ADUs in Huntington Beach can generally be distinguished from JADUs in that:
- A complete kitchen and 3/4 bathroom are required.
- One or more bedrooms are usually included.
- Utilities: An ADU requires separate gas, water, and sewer connections.
- Parking is generally required for detached ADUs unless the ADU is located within a half-mile walking distance of public transit (including bus stops or car share vehicles) or within an architecturally or historically significant district, or has no separate bedroom,
ADU Ideas for Small Yards
Even if your backyard is small, there are creative solutions to build an ADU in Huntington Beach. Some of the possibilities are:
- Junior ADUs designed for smaller yards
- Detached units placed in unused corners of your backyard
- Garage conversions to utilize available buildings
- Two-story ADUs or loft-style floor plans
- Multi-function rooms that combine living, dining, and sleeping areas
Home Remodeling Huntington Beach works with you to design effective floor plans that can take advantage of every square foot.
ADU Legislation in Huntington Beach
Organizing the specifics of building an accessory dwelling unit in Huntington Beach can be overwhelming, but getting familiar with the basics puts you in the right place to start. Major requirements:
- Accessory dwelling units are permitted in both single-family and multi-family zoning
- There is no minimum lot size restriction
- Detached accessory dwelling units must be set back at least 4 feet from property lines
- Conversion ADUs and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) must meet fire safety setback requirements
- Units must comply with all local building codes and zoning laws
- Accessory dwelling units can be built on properties with an existing multi family building, including duplexes, triplexes, or condo complexes
- How many dwelling units that may be built on the same property depends on how many units are already on the property, but usually the answer is one
- The number of accessory dwelling units allowed on multi family properties depends on the type of ADU being built and the number of existing dwelling units on the property
- Having an existing or proposed single-family home on the property is generally required for the eligibility to install an accessory dwelling unit
- Due to a state law passed in 2022, there are no owner occupancy regulations for ADUs
- For the property owner, building an accessory dwelling unit not only increases property value but also comes with responsibilities such being aware of property tax implications
Our professionals at Home Remodeling Huntington Beach will guide you through the permitting process to ensure your project qualifies and is compliant every step of the way. See Huntington Beach ADU Rules for more information.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly ADU Designs
Sustainability and eco-friendliness are increasingly becoming important considerations for homeowners in Huntington Beach. ADUs can be designed with green design elements, sustainable materials and environmentally friendly design elements that have minimal impact on the environment. Some of the most popular environmental-friendly design elements are:
- Solar Panels and Renewable Energy Systems: Solar power can significantly reduce utility bills and environmental impact.
- Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting: Energy-efficient appliances and lighting save energy and money on utility bills.
- Green Building Products: Such products as reclaimed lumber and low-VOC paints are environmentally friendly and assist in the creation of a healthier dwelling.
- Passive Solar Design and Natural Venting: These design elements have the ability to reduce reliance on artificial heating and cooling, thus making the ADU use less energy.
By incorporating these elements, homeowners are able to reduce their carbon footprints and create a healthy dwelling environment.
ADU Financing Options
Financing an ADU in Huntington Beach can be a complex process, but homeowners have several options. Some of the most commonly used are:
- Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit: These options enable borrowing against the equity in your home, which is a flexible and lower-interest source of funds.
- Construction Loans or Mortgages: Construction loans are used solely for construction projects and can be used to fund the costs of building an ADU, to be repaid in the form of a mortgage. Or a mortgage may be offered that can finance the construction as well.
- Personal Loans or Credit Cards: Although these may be costly, they are an easy and convenient way to fund building your ADU project.
- Government-Backed Loans: Programs such as FHA or VA loans offer favorable terms and conditions for eligible homeowners.
- Private Financing Options: Private investors or hard money loans may provide alternative sources of financing, especially for those who may not qualify for standard loans.
It is wise to consult with a financial advisor or lender to determine the most appropriate funding source for your ADU project. They can walk you through the process and assist you in obtaining the most advantageous terms.
ADU Design Trends
Huntington Beach ADU design trends are always evolving, but some popular trends include:
- Modern and Minimalist Designs: Clean lines, bare shapes, and a focus on functionality characterize modern and minimalist designs.
- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials: Reclaimed wood, low-VOC paints, and other sustainable materials are used increasingly in ADU construction.
- Open Floor Plans and Multifunctional Living Spaces: Open floor plans create the feeling of more space, and multifunctional living spaces can be converted to various purposes.
- Large Windows and Skylights: Bringing in natural light, large windows and skylights make the space more inviting and provide the impression of greater space.
- Personal Outdoor Areas: Patios, decks, and other personal outdoor areas provide additional living space and render the ADU more attractive.
- Smart Home Technology: Smart thermostats, security systems, and other smart home technologies can make your ADU more convenient and secure.
Homeowners can work with our Home Remodeling Huntington Beach designers to create a custom ADU design that meets their needs and reflects their personal style.
Other Remodeling Services To Consider Doing With Your ADU Project
When considering adding an ADU, it’s also an excellent opportunity to update your kitchen or bathroom, or do that other project that you may have in the back of your mind. Much like an ADU, a home remodel can provide a high return on investment, increasing the value of your home and enhancing its overall appeal.
At Home Remodeling Huntington Beach, we offer customers a complete range of kitchen remodeling services, from cabinet refinishing and countertop work to a complete remodel of the space. We also offer a comprehensive range of bathroom remodeling services, from updating fixtures and tile to a complete bathroom remodel.
By remodeling other rooms in conjunction with your ADU project, you can take advantage of getting all of the work done in one effort, from minimizing the disruptions to your family's lifestyle during construction to saving costs by getting multiple areas done in one visit by each tradesperson.
Our team of professionals will work with you to create a custom design that complements your ADU project and meets your unique needs. We start with a complimentary design consultation to help you envision your home remodel and ADU, and our team will guide you through every step of the process.
Whether you wish to update your living room floor, add a new room, or completely transform your yard, our remodeling services are designed to enhance your Huntington Beach home.
Check out our
blog for additional remodeling ideas and tips.
Why Choose Home Remodeling Huntington Beach?
- Our Huntington Beach zoning and ADU regulation expertise
- Experienced, insured, and licensed contractors
- Transparent timelines and transparent pricing
- Exceptional craftsmanship with positive homeowner endorsements
We take pride in being among Huntington Beach’s most relied-on ADU contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Huntington Beach?
Cost varies with size, amenities, and site conditions. We will give you a detailed estimate after meeting with you.
Do I need to get a permit to build an ADU?
Yes. We handle all permits and will make sure your ADU meets local building codes.
How long does an ADU project take?
Most ADUs are finished withn 4–6 months depending on size and complexity.
Start Your Huntington Beach ADU Project Today
Ready to expand your living space or generate rental income from additional space? Let Home Remodeling Huntington Beach help you build a custom ADU that serves your purposes.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
