Building an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) lets you add a full, self-contained living space to your property: kitchen, bathroom, and living/bedroom—all without moving. Homeowners choose ADUs to generate rental income, give aging parents their own space, or create a home office or studio.
Here’s how we helped one Claremont homeowner add a 761 sq ft detached ADU
1. Why Build an ADU?
- Extra Income: Rent it out for steady monthly cash flow.
- Family Flexibility: Quiet, independent living for parents, grown kids, or guests.
- Versatility: Use it as a home office, art studio, or short-term rental.
In many California neighborhoods, you can build one ADU per lot up to around 800–1,200 sq ft, as long as you meet your city’s setback, parking, and permit rules.
2. The Project Overview
- Type: Detached 761 sq ft ADU
- Roof: Class A Timberline HDZ “Hickory” architectural shingles
- Structure: Engineered LVL beams, ceiling joists, and clean framing
3. Creating the Open-Concept Kitchen
- Cabinets: Custom gray Shaker-style
- Countertops: Bright white quartz island and perimeter surfaces
- Backsplash: White subway tile laid in a herringbone pattern
- Flooring: Wide-plank luxury vinyl plank for easy care and warmth
- Lighting: Recessed LED cans plus a stylish pendant over the island
“It fits all my needs—I’ve hosted 12 guests here!”
—Happy homeowner
4. Built-Ins, Bath & Natural Light
- Storage Wall: Floor-to-ceiling Shaker cabinetry with drawers and shelves
- Skylights: Two Velux curb-mount units bring daylight into the center of the ADU
- Bathroom: Gray vanity with quartz top, black-matte fixtures, and tile-wrapped shower walls
- Climate Control: Mini-split heat pump for efficient heating and cooling
5. From Ground to Finish
- Site Prep & Demo: Removed old concrete pad and trees protected
- Footings & Foundation: Poured engineered footings and slab, per plan
- Framing & Roof: Installed LVL beams, ceiling joists, then Class A shingle roofing
- Inspections: Passed every inspection on the first try—framing, roofing, and plumbing
- Finishes: Tile work, paint, trim, and a final deep clean
“We had a water-supply challenge, and the team fixed it within 24 hours—no delay!”
6. Final Result & Benefits
- Versatile Living: Perfect for family, guests, or renters
- Instant Value: Adds square footage and boosts property worth
- Smart Use of Land: No need to subdivide—make the most of your backyard
Ready to build your own ADU?
Gold Coast Solutions handles every step—from permits and engineering to the final quartz backsplash.
👉 Book your free consultation and let’s bring your ADU vision to life!