Blog Post

Questions to Your Architect When Considering an ADU

Dustin Edwards • Nov 27, 2020

The Right Questions Can Help You Build the Best Possible ADU

Questions for ADU Architect
ADUs continue to be a popular way to add value to residential homes and residential income properties. When you are looking to invest in developing an ADU an architect will be required in order to get your ADU approved through the planning process.

There are many great ADU plan sites and we encourage looking through those sites as well to get inspiration, prior to speaking with an architect. While the sites are great, due to the local building codes and engineering requirements you will still need qualified trade professionals to help you through the process.

Questions to consider:
Have you designed an ADU for this city before?

Just like any trade professional an Architect can work in a variety of cities; however, keep in mind that with ADUs each city has been able to interpret the state’s guidance a bit differently. Finding out if they have experience with your given city can give you a better understanding on how they can approach your project as well as the options they could present because they have learned what the city has found to be more favorable.

How many ADUs have you designed?

The ADU concept has been around for some time. Recently in 2019 and going forward the state has encouraged local building departments to approve these structures. As a result of these being newer an architect might not have completed a large volume however asking can give an idea of how familiar they are with the given benefits and code requirements.

What range of square ft of ADUs have you designed?

Asking this question will help you to understand how they have approached the building code, their clients needs/budget, and usage of space. ADUs can be larger in certain municipalities (i.e. 1,000 ft) and smaller in others (i.e. 500 ft). Asking about the range of square footage can give you an idea on how they have approached the concept of an ADU and how they maximize space. For example when you design a studio unit there should be additional focus on storage needs to help your future tenant get the most out of the optimized square footage.

Do you have any general contractors you could recommend?

With this question you are hoping to get 1-3 general contractors that they would refer. Having them recommend one (vs. looking on Google or Yelp...which you can do too) helps you to get a GC who you know has earned the respect of a fellow trade professional which is hard earned with since they are all licensed and need to be incredibly detailed with each other. A referral from an architect should also help you to get a GC who has completed ADUs before giving you the confidence they have the experience to complete your project.

Have your projects come in at budget, below, or over?

ADUs are generally considered to be on the smaller side of development (i.e. bigger than a bathroom remodel, but smaller than a complete home build). While an architect is merely one member of the team to help a project come in at a potential budget they can help with guidance throughout a project that can help maximize each dollar.

When it comes to deciding about an architect for your ADU there are many items to consider. We have worked with a variety of trades and architects over the years and we are happy to share options that could help you with your goals. Call us today at (562) 888-0247 and let us know you’d just like to discuss building an ADU. 

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By Dustin Edwards 01 May, 2024
Everyone wants to feel safe in their homes. As an investment property owner, it's up to you to decide whether or not to include security measures in your property. Many of the costs associated with the security measures can be included in the rent, meaning not only can you keep your property safe, but you can earn more income in the long run. However, you would still want your tenants to have renters insurance to protect their assets. Today, we’ll discuss the top five security measures you can add to your property and why they're beneficial to you and your tenant. Security Cameras Cameras are probably one of the first security measures people think about when asked about security. Cameras provide more benefits than just surveillance. They provide an extra level of security for the safety of the tenants and their belongings. Additionally, security cameras can be useful when repairs are required. Cameras can aid in supervising repairs and maintenance to ensure you’re receiving the agreed-upon work. During vacancies when the property is empty, security cameras can help keep the property safe from potential intruders. Doorbell cameras are incredibly popular now. They provide the aforementioned safety of a camera that can be accessed remotely, as well as the ability to communicate with visitors. Although one must be careful never to say you're not home, just say you're unavailable to strangers. Security Lights Security lights with motion detectors are another effective tool when adding security measures to your property. These lights brightly if a potential intruder attempts to get near your home. They can provide enough illumination to see the intruder or, at the very least, scare them off. Nowadays, you can find a combination of security cameras and motion-activated security lights, such as the floodlight cam wired plus from Ring . Additionally, because these lights only turn on when motion is detected, they’re more cost-effective than traditional lights with a switch. Illuminate the Property Light generally deters intruders as it's more difficult to hide. Adding lighting to the landscaping can increase the security of the property while creating a relaxing atmosphere. Lights can also be used in other areas of the property to accent features such as trees, benches, or artwork. This can help your property stand out while giving your tenants an additional feeling of safety. Keyless Entry Keyless entry is seen as both a convenience feature and a security feature. They usually use an electronic passcode, biometric data, or grant access through a smartphone app. Physical keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. You reduce the risk of unauthorized entry by eliminating the need for a physical key to enter the property. Many keyless entry systems include several features, such as remote locking and monitoring. Although keyless entry is a great new technology for keeping your tenants and properties safe, they’re best used with other security systems. Security Company Nothing beats having an extra pair of eyes on your property for security. This is where security companies like ADT and SimpliSafe come in. While companies may deal with security in varying ways, they aim to protect your investment. While safety is the primary role of a security company, remember that many tenants may be willing to pay more for a premium amenity like a home security company. Keeping your property and tenants safe is incredibly important to the longevity of an investment property. If you’re looking to improve the security of your Long Beach rental property or need help managing your beach city rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online .
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