Inspired ADUs designs and crafts exceptional multipurpose, multigenerational Accessory Dwelling Units that move people into greater opportunity, community, comfort, and connection - for the benefit of all.
Watch our videos to learn more about backyard cottages and get inspiration for your building projects, home renovations, garage conversions and other house projects.
You may notice that we build universal, accessible design into all of our small houses (and we avoid a lot of the accessibility constraints that you commonly find in tiny homes). This is a passion of ours because we believe that your home should support and accommodate you at every stage of life, and that nobody should ever feel like they're fighting against their environment.
We design better, smarter, and more complete backyard living spaces. We’re solving big housing problems with small housing cottages.
We are the most experienced ADU architects in the Bay Area, specializing in backyard cottages since 2008.
You could keep it the same height but we feel like the building is more interesting this way! Plus when you are in the bedroom you are usually in bed and the tall ceiling can feel too tall, like being in a canyon. This helps bring the scale of the room down to something more comfortable!
ADUs can be rented out, but in California there is a restriction on short term rentals (less than 30 days). California cities can also opt in to letting homeowners convert their ADU into a Condo! The City of Berkeley just opted into that last week. Some cities give a new address number others give you an A or B and sometimes a half. Metering can often be pulled from the main house. Utility companies can require separate meters.
This loft area isn't a true second floor. We had a height limit that prevented us from having the second level. The loft is accessed with a steeper stair. We are still waiting to photograph this one finished!
Make sure the shrubbery is not too close, the roots could end up compromising the pipes over time. Or just do another solution (not a plant) to ensure no interference long term
Scott this was a new design - a two story so it took a little longer - but last week the team assembled all the exterior and interior walls on an 800sf cottage that was assembled in 2 hours and 15 minutes!
