How to Create the Best Granny Flat Designs in Los Angeles

One of the hottest trends in home improvement in Los Angeles is converting your garage or other outbuilding into a granny flat. Also known as accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, these are studio or one-bedroom apartments built on your property, whether it be in a converted garage or new construction. With easing restrictions, building a granny flat has never been easier in Los Angeles. The only question is...how do you want your granny flat to look?

How to design a granny flat in Los Angeles

One of the first steps in transforming your garage into a granny flat or starting new construction is the design process. You must have architectural designs completed and approved by the Department of Building and Safety before you even begin construction. 

It’s a good idea to work with an architect who has experience in designing granny flats. Experienced architects will work with you to design a granny flat that will fly through the approval process. That said, given recent covid work slow downs, expect it to take about 3 to 4 months for your plans to be approved. And if your plans are not approved the first time, do not despair! The Office of Building and Safety will work with you and your architect to create a design that will be approved and construction-ready.

What should you include in your granny flat design?

To loft or not to loft? Traditional versus modern? Your granny flat can be as unique as you, with some parameters. In Los Angeles, there are some stylistic restrictions to your ADU. Basically, your granny flat should mimic the look of your main house. That means, if your main house has a more traditional look, your granny flat has to have a more traditional look. If your main house is a Craftsman or cottage style, your granny flat would reflect that. The great thing about living in Los Angeles is that there are so many different types of home designs that your granny flat 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 granny flats in Los Angeles to find out more about how to design the exterior of your granny flat.

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

• Maximize your small space: Any granny flat 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 granny flat is ceiling height. Most granny flat building code allows you to build up to 15 feet vertically. Take advantage of this. The extra ceiling height will make your granny flat 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 granny flat 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 granny flat. 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.

How do I pay for my granny flat in Los Angeles?

The typical granny flat/garage conversion/ADU construction project will cost about $90,00 to $120,000. The price may be surprising at first. No need to worry. There are ways to pay for your new ADU without breaking the bank.

Home Equity Line of Credit

As a homeowner, you are probably already paying off your mortgage or you own your property. Either way, you can borrow against the value of your home.

One of the most common ways to borrow against the value of your home is through a home equity line of credit, also known as a HELOC. This is a line of credit secured by your home that gives you a revolving credit line to pay for large expenses. 

Cash-Out Refinancing

Another way to pay for your granny flat is through what’s called a cash-out refinancing of your mortgage. With a cash-out refinancing of your mortgage, you will get a lump sum payment. How? 

Basically, you replace your current home mortgage with a new one. This new home mortgage would be higher than your current home mortgage. Then, you can take out the extra money and use it towards your granny flat. 

This is a great option when interest rates are low, especially if interest rates are lower than they were when you purchased your home. 

Construction Loan

Yet another option is a construction loan. One of the many benefits of building a granny flat is that it increases the value of your property. That makes it appealing to banks, who may give you a construction loan. With a construction loan, you would refinance with a mortgage that reflects the house's estimated value after you construct your granny flat. Many lenders provide mortgages that cover up to 80% or 85% of the remodeled home's value.

Ready to convert your garage into a studio apartment? Call the professionals at Granny Flats Design at 818-532-0482. We can help you, not only with your architectural designs, but also with financing your new garage conversion.