ADU Certified

About ADU Certified

ADU Certified is a general contracting company based near Long Beach, California, specializing in the planning, permitting, and construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). With experience dating back to 2000, they have built a track record in garage conversions, detached ADU construction, and related home renovation work throughout Southern California.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a single-family home. These units are known by several names, including:

1. Granny flats / In-law units
2. Backyard cottages
3. Accessory apartments
4. Secondary suites
5. ADU above garage

ADU Services Offered

ADU Certified works on a range of ADU project types in and around the Long Beach area. Their services as an ADU contractor include:

1. Garage conversion contracting – Converting existing garages or carports into livable, permitted dwelling units
2. Detached ADU construction – New construction of standalone backyard cottages or granny flats on single-family properties
3. ADU planning and permitting – Guiding property owners through the permitting process with the help of qualified ADU architects

In addition to ADU-specific work, ADU Certified also provides kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, and general contracting services. These additional services allow homeowners to address multiple renovation needs through a single contractor.

As an experienced accessory dwelling unit builder in the Long Beach area, ADU Certified handles projects of varying sizes and scopes. Their team works with property owners from the initial design phase through to completed construction.

Understanding ADUs in California

California has undergone significant regulatory changes regarding ADUs in recent years. Prior to state-mandated legislation, local jurisdictions like the City of Long Beach imposed strict limitations on secondary units — including size caps as low as 10% of the primary dwelling's floor area, single-bedroom restrictions, and requirements that the unit be attached to the main home.

In 2017, Governor Brown signed two separate bills that changed the landscape for homeowners. These laws required local jurisdictions to adopt ADU-friendly ordinances, giving property owners more flexibility to add secondary units to their properties. Key provisions included:

1. Authorization for ADUs in single-family zoning districts
2. Allowance for garage and carport conversions into ADUs, with limited replacement parking requirements
3. Exemptions from building setbacks for certain garage conversions
4. Distinction between limited ADUs (created from existing floor area) and conforming ADUs (involving new construction)

There are several practical reasons homeowners consider adding an ADU to their property:

1. Rental income – An ADU can generate ongoing rental income to help offset mortgage costs
2. Multi-generational living – Provides a private space for aging parents, adult children, or other family members
3. Additional living space – Expands usable square footage without the complexity of a full home addition
4. Cost-effective construction – ADUs are typically built with wood-frame construction, making them more affordable than multi-family building projects
5. Flexibility – Allows seniors to age in place while maintaining proximity to family

ADU Certified emphasizes the importance of understanding local permitting requirements before beginning any ADU project. Each jurisdiction may have its own specific rules, and property owners are encouraged to consult with local Planning and Building Departments to ensure full compliance.