Turnkey Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary living space on a residential lot. Typically, an ADU can be separately rented, but not sold as a separate property.

Yes, as long as there is adequate space to fit one. You’ll need about 25’ from your house to the back fence. Recently, updated state laws now allow an ADU in your front yard if it cannot fit in the back.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to take equity out of your existing home, or initiate a separate new construction loan. Click here to learn more about our financing partner.

The ADU must be at least 4 ft. from the side and rear yard property lines and a maximum of 16 ft. tall, regardless of differing local standards.

Probably not, but it depends on your jurisdiction. Most localities allow a 16 ft tall ADU, which is too low for two stories. A few towns, such as Redwood City, have increased their height limit. We have found that our one-story Top One ADUs fit well in local residential neighborhoods.

Six to ten weeks, although some municipalities are quicker and more friendly to ADUs than others. Some jurisdictions have complicated local regulations such as geo-technical investigations, drainage studies, arborist evaluations, or fire sprinkler requirements that can extend our entitlement times. We’ve been working locally for decades and are experienced at efficiently securing permits.

It depends on the size of your backyard and if there are any obstructions that prevent us from doing so. We’ll need 4 ft. setback from the property lines, and recommend clearance of at least 5 ft. from the main house. We will verify that your size will fit during our free site consultation.

We supply power to your Top One ADU from your existing electrical service with a new underground connection. If the main panel does not have sufficient capacity, we will help you upgrade it. We will verify your electric service capacity during our free site consultation.

All Top One ADUs utilize a pumped sewage system discharging into the existing underground sewer line just outside your home. The pumped system allows us to minimize the trench depths, greatly facilitating your ADU placement options and reducing costs.

Yes, two or three solar PV panels are often required. We can pre-wire your Top One ADU for separate installation by your subcontractor (often rebates and utility credits make this an easier option) or supply and install the system.

A permanent slab foundation.

Yes, all Top One ADUs have electric heat pumps that provide heating and cooling tailored specifically for each unit. Heat pumps offer an extremely energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool space to a warm space. Unlike your gas furnace, heat pumps have a zero carbon footprint!

All work is conducted by our Top One experienced professionals who are fully licensed and insured. Our combination of in-house craftsmen and specialized subcontractors allow for tight scheduling and high quality construction. We’ve been working locally for decades.

It takes 18 to 24 weeks from the start of construction. Our up-front architectural design process provides us with complete construction specifications so we can focus on quick and efficient construction. Each Top One ADU has a dedicated construction manager who is on-site daily and responsible for the entire construction process.