Summary
Building a two-story ADU is a complex process, and that is why many homeowners in LA make silly mistakes in the first place. But if you know what you should avoid and what to do instead during the process, things will fall in place automatically.
Do you want to build a two-story ADU in Los Angeles? That’s not unusual! But do you really know where to start this process and what can go wrong?
ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units, have become one of the most popular property upgrades that every homeowner in Los Angeles and California dreams of. Whether you want to generate rental income, extend the house, or add more square footage, a two-story ADU construction is your ideal option!
Though the craze for 2-story ADUs in Los Angeles is going up, the entire process may seem a bit complex. And that is why many people slip in this step. But nothing to worry about! As professional home remodeling contractors, we always do our best to keep you on track and make the project successful.
According to a study, 66% of homeowners in California want to add an ADU on their property, and 87% support their neighbors building one. So, you can see that an ADU is a wise decision as an LA resident. Here in this blog, we will show you some of the most common errors you may make while building a 2-story ADU.
Common Mistakes of a 2-story ADU Construction in Los Angeles
We all know that ADUs bring high ROI, but adding a two-story ADU comes with its own risks and challenges. According to Los Angeles ADU requirements, we have listed some so you know what you should keep at bay for a seamless project.
1. Going Wrong in Height, Zoning, & Setback Rules
It is one of the common flaws that you may make. Many of you have a misconception that state-level ADU guidelines are the same all across California. Then what are the rules for building an ADU?
For example, local overlays like HPOZs (Historic Preservation Overlay Zones) or particular plans can restrict design, placement, and height for 2-story units in LA. As a professional ADU builder, we always suggest you take care of these minute details to keep your project compliant and avoid delays.
2. Not Prioritizing LA Fire & Safety Code Requirements
Many do not know that 2 two-story ADUs near the actual residence or in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones should have sprinkler systems and advanced fire-rated construction. It is to ensure safety during any mishap. Also, your designs may not be approved if you do not have a 20- to 24-foot-wide paved road to tackle emergency situations.
3. Wrong Estimation of Total Project
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Los Angeles? You are wrong if you think the budget of an ADU project is limited to only framing and materials. But it involves many other soft costs, like:
- Structural engineering
- Architectural designs
- Soil inspection reports
- City fees,
- Electricity connections (especially for LA)
- Sewer line extensions, and many more
These seemingly insignificant aspects will keep adding to your cost without you even realizing it. To get this problem away, you must raise this concern while asking the vital questions to your ADU contractor.
4. Improper Floor Plan and Stair Placement Layout
As one of the best ADU companies in this area, we know how complicated this step is in a two-story ADU construction project. Staircases occupy a significant amount of square footage in this case.
Also, the poor layout of its placement and floor plan makes things very crowded. As a result, the entire situation will look pathetic and create bottlenecks. Not only that, it does not let the natural light come in easily and may violate fire egress requirements.
5. Overlooking the Privacy, Light, and Soundproofing
The windows placed in the wrong direction will make you look straight into a neighbor’s yard or living room. And that becomes a problem fast. The city cares about privacy and design rules. So it can reject your plans just because of where a window faces.
And if the walls and floors are not insulated well enough, every footstep and every noise from upstairs will travel through the house. It gets annoying. So, keep this factor in mind before making any decision.
6. Investing in a Team That Does not Deserve
Building a two-story ADU in Los Angeles is a whole different level. You have to deal with LADBS rules, energy codes, permits in a certain order, and even solar requirements now.
A regular contractor who has never done an ADU will surely miss those things or consider it just another remodel. It is not. ADUs have their own rules, and you need someone who already knows how to navigate them without learning on your project.
7. Changing the Design Mid-Construction
When you go off the approved plan, things can fall apart. As a result, you may have to deal with failed inspections, permit updates, and spending more money than you planned. Once the build starts, do not make random changes. You must think about every new decision and handle it as an official change. Otherwise, it turns into a delay after a delay.
Avoiding that mess is not about just “knowing better.” It takes planning ahead and staying organized. For the design prospect, you may also take a look at our ADU gallery to try some ideas or talk to our builders about it.
Wrapping Up!
Once you understand what you should not do, the next step is to start doing the right things. And in this journey, we would love to join you. As professional ADU builders, we know what goes into this project and how to tackle the unexpected issues.
So, if you are interested in starting it or you want to schedule a free consultation first, no worries. Just contact us directly and have a chat!
