ADU – What’s new for 2022*

Senate Bill 9. This relates to duplexes and lot splits. SB 9 provides for the ministerial approval of converting existing homes occupied by a homeowner into a duplex if certain eligibility restrictions are satisfied. It also allows a single-family home lot to be split into two lots, and a duplex to be built on each lot, provided that the initial home is occupied by the owner as their primary residence for at least three years.

Some key points of SB 9: Continue Reading →

ADU – What’s new for 2020*

PER ORDINANCE NO. 186481 – An ordinance amending Sections 12.03, 12.22 and 12.33, and repealing portions of Section 12.24, of Chapter 1 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code 

  • Allow one JADU (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit) in addition to one ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) per residential lot. A JADU is a unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within a single-family residence. It may include separate sanitation facilities, Continue Reading →

ADU – Basic Information

What is it?

  • A separate residence unit located on the same lot as a single family home.
  • Includes the usual elements of a residence, such as a kitchen and a bath, but smaller.
  • Can replace an existing garage in lieu of building a new structure.
  • A cost effective way to generate passive income and/or to enlarge an existing home.

Advantages: Continue Reading →

We Know ADU!

Our Simplified Menu*

$5000 – ADU Conversion of an existing garage – Under 500 S.F.

$6500 – ADU Conversion of an existing garage – Over 500 S.F.

$8000 – ADU Conversion of an existing garage – Over 800 S.F.

$8500 – New ADU – Under 500 S.F. (Over 500 S.F. request a quote)

$9500 – ADU Conversion of a garage plus addition – Under 800 S.F.

Our Services Include:

ADUs and Aesthetics

To learn more about our services, contact us at ortnerdesign@gmail.com

When it comes to aesthetics, ADUs don’t get the same love as main houses.

Most times, the lack of pleasing aesthetics is solely budgetary. An ADU conversion costs anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 or more and many homeowners need the rental income produced by the ADU and can’t afford to spend any money on “extras.”

Continue Reading →

The Cost of ADUs

Clients often wonder about the dramatic range of costs for an ADU. There are several reasons to consider:

1. ADUs can be created in multiple ways, such as converting an attached or detached garage into an ADU, creating an ADU by adding on to an existing home or garage, building a detached ADU on the lot of an existing home, or building a detached ADU over a new or existing garage. Construction prices will vary depending on the type of ADU construction.

Continue Reading →

ADU and Taxes

We specialize in the design and permitting of ADU’s and home additions/remodeling. To learn more about our services, contact us at ortnerdesign@gmail.com

Many of our clients who want to convert an existing garage or build a new ADU are fearful that their property taxes will go up significantly. Although we are not experts on the subject (and you should always consult your own tax advisor), below is some information to consider.

Continue Reading →

Building an ADU

Successfully Negotiating the Contract with your General Contractor

Virtually all construction contracts between a homeowner and a general contractor (GC) provide for payments based on time and performance of the work described in the contract. Most contracts list specific tasks that must be completed for payment to be released (i.e. foundation, framing, rough utilities, stucco, etc.) but they seldom spell out each individual component and who is responsible for providing them. Continue Reading →

Why get a permit?

Why bother getting a permit?

So many people get into building their ideas without thinking of what legal ramifications may ensue, particularly if you get cited for illegal construction.

Call 310.592.5566 to learn more about our services and to request a FREE Counsultation

How Long does it take to get A Building Permit?

Everything depends on the local jurisdiction and the submittal package prepared by the applicant. If a submittal package is carefully prepared and predesign and pre-submittal conferences are held between the applicant, their consultants and the local affected agencies, things can go quite smoothly.

Inspections

Before you can request an inspection, you must first obtain the required permit(s) for the work you intend to do. When the work is ready to be inspected, you can request an inspection by one of two automated systems or through our Customer Call Center.

What is The Los Angeles Housing Department?

The Los Angeles Housing Department, or LAHD, works to insure that existing rental housing units meet all of the requirements as outlined in the safety and standards code for the City of Los Angeles.