Accessory dwelling units — also known as ADUs, granny flats, guest houses and mother-in-law units — are often associated with single-family homes, but they are now an increasingly popular option for multifamily owners too. The need for new housing types available quickly is increasingly dire in the state. Of California’s roughly 17 million renters, 51.8% were rent-burdened, or paid more than 30% of their household income toward housing costs in 2019. About 27% were paying more than 50% of their income toward housing, which is considered severely rent-burdened, the California Budget and Policy Center found. Owners of ADU companies and apartment owners say they have seen an uptick in interest in the product type since California legislation went into effect in January 2020 that made it easier for multifamily owners to add some of these dwellings to their properties, with the amount and type varying according to available space and lot size. Up to two detached ADUs are allowed, and conversions of existing space — recreation rooms or tuck-under parking, for example — are also allowed for as many ADUs as up to 25% of the existing number of units in the building. 
The cost of an ADU can vary widely depending on a number of variables, including whether it is a conversion of existing space or a newly build unit and on the interior amenities added.EcoSmart Builders CEO Freddie Zamani said he gave a base estimate of $100K for a bare-bones ADU…  Read the full story here. | 
