With new California laws in place to expand the rights to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), the state has made it far easier to obtain permits and eliminate many of the hurdles of the past to build new backyard dwellings. Because of the news laws, Los Angeles went from issuing 15 ADU permits in 2013 to 6,747 in 2019. And it's not just in California. Other west coast states like Oregon and Washington have followed the trend, updating their ADU codes allowing for a surge in building sheds, garages, studios and other structures on properties.
​​​​​​​The Coronavirus has changed the way most of us live day to day. With those changes, there has been a steep uptick in building backyard dwellings in 2020. "People needing private spaces to work from home, or those seeking to move older family members close by are taking a second look at their yards as places to find refuge or create a dwelling." via AARP One of the best things about having an accessory dwelling unit (also known as a casita, granny flat, shed) as part of your property is its flexibility. Even though ADUs are typically built in the form of a small house or apartment, they can be used as a home office, children's home school, or just a place to escape from your family for a bit.
A popular choice among many homeowners looking to add an ADU to their property, are purchasing prefabricated (prefab) ADUs. With so many companies popping up in the last several years, homeowners have more options than ever to choose from. Companies like CRATE in Los Angeles are building modular prefab units from recycled shipping containers which allow for a much quicker production turnaround time. With so many top of the line features, you may just find yourself spending more time in your new dwelling than in your home!
To learn more about how to obtain permits and build an ADU in your yard, visit laadu
