ADUs in Oakland CA - talking about ADU process at homeowner fair with Casita Coalition

[@googleuser5564]

I love these videos and I love your passion for this! Keep up the great work ❤

[@ThatADUGuy]

Good outreach! Thanks Ryan!

[@HowToADU]

My pleasure! It was cool being in a room with so many novices and so many experienced ADU pros. I can’t wait to see you in Portland!!!

[@ThatADUGuy]

@@HowToADU it is going to be great. All the ADU nerds in one place!

[@erict6374]

Great video. Currently on month 6 of the ADU process and haven't even started building XD

[@HowToADU]

Thanks! It’s a marathon and the timeline in the video is the expensive path. Don’t get discouraged and take your time in planning!

[@kdockrey]

That sounds about right. I signed a contract in September 2021 with a one year deadline, which was extended to fourteen months in January 2022. It is a modular prefab. The biggest obstacle we are seeing is staffing at our state and local building departments. I'm ok with the delays since they do not affect the time the builder will spend on the job site (My yard).

[@kdockrey]

I really enjoyed this macro discussion of the ADU process. Each person will have a different experience especially if one plans to build a stick built ADU. I started out with the intention of going with a stick built ADU. I found architects and design/build firms that had built ADUs in my area. Before this, I researched the building code and ADU ordinances for my area. I also researched and interviewed several companies that claimed to build ADUs in my county. I also research prefab, modular, and manufactured ADU companies. It was a six-month education. TBH, it was longer since I didn't start interviews until I had the cash as well as backup financing. I didn't let my financial resources be the limiting factor. I set aside all the architects and Design/Build firms that recommended that I call them back to discuss the project in a year. I ran into some builders who offered plans, images, and videos. However, they had no finished products to show me. I encountered many builders who were trying to get into the ADU game, but it became obvious that they knew very little about ADUs. Due to my desire to lock in a fixed-priced contract, I selected a company that manufactures custom ADUs that offered a fix priced contract. It definitely was more expensive than the "guesstimates" that i received. More importantly, they have a track record that allows them to guarantee a thirty to forty day time span that they will spend onsite finishing the structure. We spent about three weeks (five meetings) designing the structure. I had a survey of the property that helped speed part of this process. They used a drone to map out the property (very cool). Then, they did a site visit with all their specialists (electrical, drainage, sewage, construction management) and another survey before we finalized the plans. We met again to finalize the plans for the state permits required for manufactured / modular homes and then again before submitting the state-approved plans to the local building department. Note: The local building department took four weeks to get their act together to issue the Notice of Demolition. We are on week two of waiting for the building department to inspect the placement of the Notice of Demolition.... this is where we stand today....

[@erict6374]

@@kdockrey we're doing a den conversion and its on month 6. I'm doing everything myself so I've made a bit of mistakes with paperwork, so corrections have delayed a bit but still the city takes weeks to respond and

[@kdockrey]

@@erict6374 my neighbors are converting a garage to an ADU and they have an architect experienced with ADUs and they had to resubmit their plans at least four times to local building and safety. Unlike in the past where one could meet and change plans on the fly, they have had to submit and wait for a reply and then submit the revisions and wait for the reply... so don't beat yourself up. Another issue with our local building safety department is staffing. They are short staffed as well as they are rotating staff. Thus, staffers may be very inexperienced when it comes to reviewing submissions. I had the inspector show up to inspect the placement of the Notice of Demolition. However, the building department had not even issued the notice.... hang in there... I'm located in Los Angeles, CA.

[@livelifefree1209]

In vallejo what’s the biggest ADU sqft allowed???

[@HowToADU]

It really depends on the details of your lot and your project. This handout from Vallejo covers most of the big rules: vallejoca.hosted.civiclive.com/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=17961714 I'd note that I might push a bit against some of these rules by asking the HCD for technical assistance. For example, the interior conversion limit of 850 sq ft seems like it wouldn't hold up. But the details for your specific situation really matter so this is for general information only :)

[@thomass1152]

Anyway to get the ADU grant without refinancing ?

[@HowToADU]

Hi Thomas, I think I replied to this on the last video - California's CalHFA grant doesn't require a refi. Unfortunately, at the moment, most of the approved lenders seem to be pushing homeowners toward loans that require a refi (converting from construction to primary at the end of construction). But that's not a state requirement, so I expect more loans that take a second position without refi (like the RCU loan) to qualify you for the grant.

[@thomass1152]

@@HowToADU ok, I must have not seen that. Thanks for the info, would love an updated video if more lenders provide that type of lending

[@HowToADU]

@@thomass1152 You're good. I'll definitely do an updated video when more lenders get announced (especially if they have some innovative loans that take a second position!)