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Guides on costs, permits, financing, and floor plans — plus stories from real ADU builds.

ADU amnesty candidate with wood siding and shake-style roof
ADU

ADU Amnesty Program in California: Legalize with Safety

California AB 2533 lets you legalize a pre-2020 unpermitted ADU. See eligibility, the safety check, fees, and 60-day approval.

Three-car carriage house with apartment above the garage bays
Accessory Buildings

A Carriage House today: modern above-garage apartments

A guide to carriage houses: their history, design, zoning rules, and costs. Learn how converting one can boost property value and add flexible space.

Modern backyard cabin ideas
ADU

Backyard Cabin Ideas: Practical Design for Your Outdoor Retreat

Practical backyard cabin ideas covering style, materials, layout, and permits. Learn how to design a compact, comfortable outdoor retreat.

Prefabricated Accessory Dwelling Unit one story with sliding door
ADU

Prefabricated Accessory Dwelling Unit: Modern and Custom

Prefab ADUs arrive built off-site for a faster setup.

Casita plans for a backyard with a small detached guest house
ADU

Casita Plans for Backyard: Transform Your Space with Ease

Explore casita plans for your backyard, from permits and materials to layout ideas. See how we turn yard space into a guest suite or ADU.

Efficient compact ADU kitchen layout
ADU

Small Kitchen Set: 10 Essential Tools For Efficient Cooking

Build a kitchen that works without crowding the counter. Our 10 essential tools for small kitchens, plus storage tips that scale.

black and white ADU exterior
ADU

ADU Plans and Designs: Accessory Dwelling Units 101

A practical guide to ADU plans: the three types, sizes from 150 to 1200 sqft, the 750 sqft fee exemption, and permitting.

studio interior for a home addition
ADU

Home Addition or ADU: how to make the right decision

Home addition or ADU? Compare costs, property taxes, and resale value so you can pick the right way to add space.

how to build an ADU
ADU

How to Build an ADU in 5 Steps with Confidence

Build an ADU in 5 steps. Real costs per square foot, the 15 milestones, ADU types, and permit tips to plan your backyard home.

minimal junior accessory dwelling unit
ADU

A simple guide to junior accessory dwelling units in Ca

Junior ADUs add a 150 to 500 sq ft unit inside your California home. Learn the rules, costs, and how a JADU differs from a regular ADU.