Nowadays, the popularity of tiny but complete independent living facilities is growing at an incredible speed. A considerable number of homeowners prefer them to larger houses because of their lower maintenance, costs, and fees. So, a one-bedroom 520 sq. ft. accessory dwelling unit is an amazing choice. This type of building can be suitable for your aging relatives, grown-up children, guests, distance work, renting out, and so on. ADU plans can have wheelchair access for people with certain disabilities. And if you need extra storage space, you can construct a house with a loft.

Some people might have concerns that such tiny homes are uncomfortable. But that’s not true at all! A small ADU is a complete house with a foundation, all the utilities, a bathroom, one or two bedrooms, and a kitchen with cabinets. If you plan its space the right way, it can become very comfy and convenient.

Note that a home’s size doesn’t necessarily impact its quality of life. Just define your own priorities and design goals, get rid of clutter, and maximize the use of every square foot – and you’ll manage to create a charming, cozy retreat that will inspire and energize you for a happy and productive life!

520 square feet ADU project

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a second house situated on the same property parcel as the primary residence.

The sizes and shapes of ADUs vary greatly. According to the California ADU program, there are several types of ADU plans. Here’s a short review of the most popular ones among property owners:

1. Detached ADU. Such ADUs are complete independent living facilities standing separately from the main house;
2. Attached ADU. These structures have a connection with the primary residence of the property owner via a common wall;
3. Converted ADU. Such ADU plans are basically pre-existing structures (such as garages) converted into a living space with a bedroom (or several bedrooms). It’s much easier to create on a property parcel, even without a contractor. But, contrary to a common opinion, you’ll still need to submit to all the requirements and get a pre-approved city/county permit. Without permits, such a construction will be against the law;
4. Junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU). These are very small ADUs, no more than 500 sq.ft. Building permits of California allow property owners to build such a construction in addition to a classic ADU.

520 sq. ft. ADUs: Main Benefits

The advantages of a tiny house project are numerous.

Here, you can see a brief review of them:

• Completing and maintaining such ADUs is easier and quicker. They require less time and effort to clean and tidy up, so you get more free time for your favorite activities;
• Such ADUs cost significantly less. Also, its mortgage payments, electricity, cooling, and heating fees are lower. Living in a tiny home can help you save plenty of money;
• A small living space requires less furniture and decorations. In addition to that, they’ll be much more compact. And the smaller the furniture is, the lower its price;
• You’ll have to spend more time outdoors. A 520 sq. ft. accessory dwelling unit is too small to spend all the time in it. That means that you’ll need to go outside more often. And as we all know, it’s much healthier than constantly being indoors.

So, as you may’ve seen from our review, a 520 sq. ft. might be a perfect ADU for you. Its tiny size gives it a lot of important advantages. If you’re interested in the construction of such a unit, contact our general contractor company and fill out the form to book a consultation. Our specialists will make expertise and a pre-approved plan set for your ADU with parking, a bathroom, a kitchen, and one or more bedrooms – and then discuss it with you. Also, we help every applicant prepare to submit to regulations and obtain all the city/county ADU building permits. You can find all the additional information and details about this subject on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

What is the smallest ADU project allowed?

By the California law, the minimum size limit of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) project is 150 sq. ft. However, such an ADU would be too tiny and thus not very convenient. So, there’s a rather small number of people who actually build it.

What is the maximum ADU plan’s size in CA

The biggest ADU you can build in California is 1,200 sq. ft. However, size restrictions of accessory dwelling units often vary depending on local city/county rules and regulations. So, before making plans for your unit, research those rules thoroughly.

How much is a two bedroom ADU in California?

The price of an ADU with two bedrooms depends on its size, floor plan, location, materials, and other factors. Usually, a 2-bedroom ADU of 400-600 sq. ft. costs from 200,000 to 300,000 dollars.