We’re Hayward’s top-rated ADU contractor, specializing in building attached & detached ADUs, JADUs, Granny Flats, backyard cottages, in-law suites, home-offices and rental accommodations, either by constructing new from scratch or by converting an old & unused lying garage. In the process of construction, we obtain permits from local authorities and fully comply with the building codes of the California state. This is how your dream dwelling unit takes shape in front of your eyes.
As per the latest 2020 ADU construction guidelines of the California State, an accessory dwelling unit can be built 5’ (feet) away from the nearest property line. Other restrictions regarding setback rules include a minimum of 4’ (feet) from the rear and side, if it is a detached unit and 10’ (feet) away from the main building. When you follow all these setback rules & clauses, your new ADU construction is deemed 100% legal, without having the fear of penalties. At Johnson Home Remodeling, our professionals and experts in new home construction make it a point to keep our clients fully aware of the setback clauses. In case, if you want to construct a new accessory dwelling unit and attach it to the main house, you can certainly do that. As a matter of fact, you’re also allowed to convert any existing space within the home into an ADU. it can be your basement, storeroom, attic or ground floor, though a majority of California homes do not have basements. You can also build above the existing garage and add a second storey to your house. Here, you can call us at (510) 995-0323 and speak with one of our experienced project consultants regarding the same.
Certainly! An ADU can be built over the existing garage and over the terrace. The restriction for the height of the ceiling remains the same, which is 16’ (feet). But, when you are building over a garage, you first need to ensure that the walls and other structures are strong enough to withstand the load of the new unit. If not, we first strengthen the garage walls with additional support mechanisms and so also the roof and its framework. Only then, we start with the new ADU construction. As a veteran ADU contractor in Hayward, CA, we’ve years of project expertise in building two storey ADUs that can act as a home-office, an additional bedroom, a kitchen or a kid’s recreational area. But, it cannot have a washroom. Building above the garage or the terrace is a good idea, as you do not have to interfere with your only parking space and leave the courtyard or backyard ‘construction free’. The vacant area can be utilized for a garden or a well mowed lawn. This is where a two-storied ADU becomes absolutely essential. Here, you can contact us anytime and get FREE quotes for your project.
| Attached ADU | Fully attached to the main building |
| Detached ADU | Stand-alone or separate from the main unit |
| Garage converted | Converting old garages into Regular ADUs |
| Above-the-garage ADU | Building above garage, by strengthening the walls |
| Interior conversion ADU | ADUs carved out from within house interiors |
As a certified & licensed ADU contractor, we convert old and unused lying garages into spacious living units, by following all the constructuction rules, guidelines & regulations. It can be an attached or detached garage. If the garage is attached to the main house, it must have a separate entrance and utility connections, including plumbing & electrical lines. And, for fully detached garages, it is quite obvious that all the utility connection has to be installed newly, even though the drainage system and drainage pipes would be connected to that of the main building or existing house. With a full garage conversion, you have to spend less, as the basic structure is already present. So, you do not have to pour new foundation, which can cost a lot. Just some structural modifications and strengthening of the existing framework to make it fit for an independent living unit or a family suite, with all the rooms and compartments. This is how we fully convert an old garage into a modern, spacious and luxurious unit that is custom built in a manner to solve the space scarcity needs of a growing family that wants increased square footage.
Although cities and counties are mandated to permit ADUs and JADUs, they are not required to adopt ADU and JADU ordinances. The bottomline is, you must have a permit from the local government authorities for starting any ADU construction work on your property.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit, also known as a granny flat or in-law suite, is a living unit that may be as small as 500 sq. ft. and up to 1200 sq. ft. in size. An ADU is an accessory living unit built on a single-family or multifamily residential building, wherever such developments are permitted.
A JADU which is permitted to approximately 500 sq. ft. in size can have a small food preparation area, including a sink or a wash basin, but it is NOT allowed to have a private washroom or a bathroom.
The city of Hayward ADU ordinance has allowed ADUs on most residentially zoned lots regardless of their size as long as the structure meets the basic restrictions and there is an existing home already on the property. Meaning, most homeowners have an opportunity to add an ADU on their existing property.
Yes, new state laws have allowed Hayward homeowners the ability to convert an old or unused garage into living space, and even rent it out if you’re the single owner of the property.
