Creating the Best ADU Designs in Los Angeles

Building an ADU is a huge undertaking for any homeowner. Besides making the decision to build an ADU on your property, you also have to secure the funding and research to find the right team to make your project a reality. One of the key steps in the process of finding the right designer for your project. Finding a designer who specializes in ADUs in Los Angeles not only saves you time and money, but having the right designs in place before ground breaking will save you many headaches throughout the construction process.

Should I hire an ADU designer in Los Angeles?

Unless you are a professional architect, it’s really for the best that you hire a designer, draftsperson or architect to design your ADU. When building an ADU, you especially want to find someone who specializes in ADU design. That’s because the approval of your plans is the first step in the construction process. The city must approve your plans before you can break ground on your ADU. A designer with experience in ADUs will have the experience and knowledge necessary to ensure that your plans are approved the first time they are submitted. And if those plans aren’t approved the first time around? That’s okay. Your designer should work with you to create plans that will be accepted. 

When choosing an ADU designer, make sure to ask many questions, such as:

• How long have you been designing ADUs?

• Can I speak with any of your previous clients?

• Do you have a signature style?

• What ways do you maximize space in a small living area?

• Can you show me the design in 3-D?

Asking such questions not only gives you an idea of what kind of experience the designer has, but also can give you a feel for the designer’s communication style. You want to have a good rapport with your designer throughout the process to ensure that you end up building the ADU you want. Communication is key. Make sure you are not the only person asking questions. The designer should ask you questions as well, to clarify your design ideas. If you don’t feel like you can communicate with a designer, don’t hire that person. 

What are ADU designs in Los Angeles?

Basically, an ADU design (or blueprint, floor plans, architectural design) is the plan a contractor uses in order to turn your design ideas into reality. They include not only the plans for the windows, doors, and other things you see when you walk into an ADU, but also the things you don’t see -- the electrical and plumbing.

What should you include in your ADU design?

To loft or not to loft? Traditional versus modern? Your ADU can be as unique as you, with some parameters. In Los Angeles, there are some stylistic restrictions to your ADU. Basically, your ADU should mimic the look of your main house. That means, if your main house has a more traditional look, your ADU has to have a more traditional look. If your main house is a Craftsman or cottage style, your ADU would reflect that. The great thing about living in Los Angeles is that there are so many different types of home designs that your ADU will look unique no matter what. In addition, if you really want to have more freedom with your design, you could pay a fee. Work with an architect who has experience in designing ADUs in Los Angeles to find out more about how to design the exterior of your ADU.

That said, there are some design features you can incorporate to make your ADU not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional.

• Maximize your small space: Any ADU is a tiny home. It’s important not to make it FEEL like a tiny home. Try to keep the floorplan as open as possible and avoid creating tight spaces that block views. An open floor plan with no walls between the kitchen and living room areas give a sense of spaciousness even in the smallest living space. Consider using farm doors that slide across the wall, instead of traditional doors that open up and out into a room, impacting that sense of spaciousness.

• Lofty views: Another way to create the sense of space in your small ADU is ceiling height. Most ADU building code allows you to build up to 15 feet vertically. Take advantage of this. The extra ceiling height will make your ADU feel more bright and airy. 

• Lighting, lighting, lighting: Natural light has a huge impact on any living space. It not only makes your space seem larger (a plus in a small home), but the extra sunlight has a positive impact on your mood. When designing your ADU in Los Angeles, take advantage of our perpetually sunny climate and incorporate plenty of windows.

• Built Ins: Have you ever been inside an old house and wondered at the built in drawers and cabinets for storage? That is a design that can do wonders in your ADU. Any time you are living in a small space, you have to think about storage. You don’t want to clutter up your living space with extra furniture or organizers to put your things. Consider incorporating Murphy beds (especially in studio apartments), built in breakfast nooks, cabinets and drawers built into the home. Your potential renters will appreciate it. 

• Colors, Colors, Colors: Sure, bold, dark colors are dramatic, but are they right for a small space? Darker colors tend to make small spaces feel more small. While you may not want to opt for bright white walls, you may want to consider softer hues, such as cream or eggshell. The lighter the walls, the more spacious your space will appear, especially when teamed up with high ceilings and natural lighting.

Ready to build an ADU on your property? Call the professionals at Granny Flats Designs at 818-532-0482. We can help you through the entire process, from design to funding to construction.