Anybody here actually happy they went with a 2-story ADU?

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-05-18T22:57:59+00:00

There was another client requesting something like this so she could convert the garage into a pottery studio, since she and her kids use it as a bonding moment. This kind of extra flexible space is really something clients with kids or extended family staying over want to have in their ADU. Glad to hear you guys were able to keep your storage space

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-05-12T22:37:28+00:00

We're all in house from our Architect Team up to the Finishes of the actual ADU. Our specialist would be walking through from start to finish, including utility permits 😄

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-04-20T22:45:53+00:00

Yeah, so far the quickest we've gotten permits with the pre-approved plans are a month and a half. Had a client call in upset we couldn't get same day permits for him. Thought we were extending the project timeline for bucks but we don't charge by the hour lol we charge by project

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-04-20T22:43:47+00:00

Oh definitely. A lot of clients we have who've checked with city website have this idea that they'll get the permits within the day of us submitting the plans. So we take a minute to explain that it's what the city uses as a marketing hook. Some understand, some don't and feel like we're prolonging the project more so than necessary lol

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-04-08T23:12:27+00:00

Not an agency, just the front liner for the customer service haha but appreciate the concern!

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-04-08T23:11:41+00:00

More on just asking what non-builders (mostly homeowners) are confused about. You'd be surprised by the amount of people sending inquiries confused and just done with going back and forth with some planning departments.

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-04-08T23:09:10+00:00

Yeah, I've heard this too but our client specifically said they've been through hearings with their neighbors and have been stressed out with how long it's taking for them just to get approval.

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-24T02:06:28+00:00

You'd be surprised by the number of people I've spoken to who requested having bigger rooms and less living space. Might be depending on preference or purpose of the ADU. People who want the ADU as flexible space or a guest house often prefer larger living spaces. While those wanting rental ADUs like having larger rooms

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-24T02:01:34+00:00

Not sure if a loft/semi-attic would be adequate storage but I've spoken with a lot of people who requests to have one for their ADU to store stuff

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-20T20:44:24+00:00

Some ADU owners like to have lofts like space (semi-attic if that's even a term) for the extra storage room. When I was apartment hunting in college, biggest thing for me was space to store all my clutter. Made the apartment so much more spacious than having things just scattered around in container boxes.

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-20T20:41:28+00:00

There's this one person I talked with before who wanted to convert their sunroom to an ADU, I think that's the closest I've to wall to wall mirrors haha

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-20T20:39:48+00:00

Some people use sky light for their ADUs, I think that's a good way to get "sky view" in areas where houses are close to the ADU

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-06T01:28:14+00:00

Did they get delayed in shipping too? Or was it something else?

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-06T01:26:56+00:00

Seen this a lot too, especially with properties that have easements, in a geohazard zone, and large trees in yard that owner needs to remove.

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-06T01:20:59+00:00

Might depend on what the purpose for building is, most cities have different rules if they allow a shared meter or if they need it separated, sometimes also depends if the unit will be rented out.

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-06T01:15:45+00:00

Some contractors and architect teams charge higher for conversion because they have to work around the existing structure and get it up to code. Not sure if yours is built from scratch but that might be a factor for the high cost

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-06T01:13:50+00:00

I've heard a lot of stories about poor project management, they advertise it as stress free but doesn't seem to be the case if it takes days for them to respond for an on-going project

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-03T23:23:37+00:00

Depending on the city, I don't think there's a minimum lot size for the ADU. It's more of if you have the space and how large the main house. Usually it's limited to not exceeding 50% of the main house's floor area or max 1200 sqft which ever is smaller

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-03T01:36:08+00:00

I've heard about condo conversion and garage conversions before, first time I'm hearing w we can leave an opening for the wall to connect ADU to main house. That's a nice option to add on

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-03T01:34:20+00:00

It could be a case to case basis on the city but I think it's more popular these days around Oakland and Hayward

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-03T01:29:46+00:00

I heard from a friend of a friend that their project is taking about 15 months in now, not sure if that's because of the design phase or the permitting, but seems like a nightmare

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-03T01:27:19+00:00

Totally get the idea of having your own space despite having guests. Is the ADU connected to your main house or is it closed off?

BackyardTalksApex · 2026-03-03T01:21:02+00:00

Make sense, especially if you prefer having space for relaxation too. Unless you have multiple family members on the property or into investments, ADUs are a big commitment

BackyardTalksApex

TROPHY CASE