General

Can I Build a backyard home (Adu)?

Most likely, yes. California just passed new legislation that came into effect 1/1/2020 making it easier than ever for California residents to install a backyard home. Fill out Check My Backyard and within 24 hours we will let you know if your property can fit an ADU.

What is an adu?

In California a backyard home is legally referred to as an Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU. Other nicknames including: granny flat, granny unit, in-law apartment, guest house, casita, and secondary suite. An ADU is a permanent structure that creates a second, fully appointed living space in someone’s back (or side) yard.

Why would i want a backyard home?

For more space or rental income. Building a backyard home is a cost effective way to quickly create a rental property or make space for your evolving family. Since you already own the land, the cost is far less than buying a new property. Since the home is separate from the primary home, it offers both the primary home residents and the ADU residents more privacy and independence.

Zoning & Permitting

How do ADUs work with zoning?

With the passing of AB-881 (Assembly Bill), previously strict zoning laws have evolved to easily allow the building of an ADU on almost all properties in California. Contact us and we’ll let you know within 24 hours if your property is a fit.

What setbacks are required on my property?

This is dependent on where you live. There are areas where the setbacks can be zero from the sides of your property. Usually the setbacks are 4 feet or less.

How much does permitting cost?

With Realm, permitting is included in the monthly cost. Without Realm, you can expect to pay 10-15k in permitting fees. If you need to hire an expeditor, the permitting and service costs can easily pass 20k.

how long does permitting take?

With Realm, 0 time, we handle it. If you handled permitting on your own, it can take over 50 hours: paperwork, sitting on the phone, countless trips to your local permitting office, waiting for engineers/city planners.

Unit

Can I customize my ADU?

Yes. Realm has pre-selected the best ADU floor plans and designs available on the market. We have studio, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom units available. While you can’t customize the floor plan, we offer multiple interior and exterior color and design options.

What amenities are included in the unit?

Realm offers every comfort:

• washer/dryer

• dishwasher

• refrigerator

• and more

Install

How will you get the ADU into my backyard?

We build the unit off site, then use a truck or crane to place the unit on the property. Things like yard depth, house height, and side yard width impact if we need to use a crane.

How do I get electricity into my ADU?

In most cases, we just “plug” the ADU into your main house’s electrical panel. There are some cases where your electrical panel cannot handle the additional needs and Realm will swap out your panel for a larger model.

How do I get plumbing in my ADU?

The unit comes ready with all necessary plumbing built in, and we connect that to the primary house's plumbing system.

Rental

Can I rent my ADU to anyone?

Yes, you can rent your ADU out to anyone that wants to live in a brand new apartment!

Can i install an ADU, and then move into it myself and rent out the main house?

Yes, absolutely! Many ADU owners move into their ADU when they are looking to save $$$, increase their rental income, or free up more space for family members.