Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in El Monte, CA

California has passed new laws making it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their property. Often called granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard cottages, ADUs are small dwellings built on the same grounds as an existing single-family home. They have their own kitchen, bathroom, living area, and separate entrance.

ADUs provide homeowners in El Monte with many benefits and opportunities. Building an ADU can increase your property value while providing housing for relatives or generating rental income. Surfside Builders Group has years of experience constructing high-quality ADUs that match the look and size of the main house. We handle all permitting and work with you through every step of the ADU construction process.

Benefits of Adding an ADU in El Monte

ADUs offer many advantages for El Monte homeowners:

• Extra income– Constructing an ADU creates a new rental unit on your property that can provide regular extra income from tenants. Depending on size and features, ADUs in El Monte can rent for $1000-$1800 per month.
• Housing for family– An ADU provides the perfect separate living space for adult children, elderly parents, or relatives who need housing. It allows family to live on your property with privacy.
• Increased property value– Adding a thoughtfully designed and permitted ADU typically increases the resale value of your home by 15-25%, providing a return on your investment.
• Smart housing choice– ADUs make efficient use of land and existing infrastructure compared to building whole new properties. They contribute needed housing without excessive land usage.
• Permit-ready designs– Our ADU floorplans comply with all local zoning laws and building codes to streamline the permitting process so you can start construction quickly.

ADU Regulations in El Monte

In 2016, California passed landmark legislation to make ADU permitting easier and constrain overly burdensome local regulations. However, each city and county implements the California ADU laws differently.

Here are some key ADU guidelines that apply to properties in the city of El Monte:

• Only single-family home lots can add an ADU. Multi-family properties generally cannot build ADUs.
• Lots must meet El Monte’s minimum lot size requirements to qualify for building an ADU. The threshold sizes differ based on zoning.
• ADUs can be up to 50% of the existing house square footage, with a maximum ADU size of 1,200 square feet. That’s large enough for a 2 bed, 1 bath ADU.
• Total lot building coverage of both primary home plus ADU cannot exceed maximum percentages dictated per zoning. Requirements range from 40% – 50% based on lot sizes and zoning classifications.
• ADUs can be attached to or detached from the main house. Detached ADUs have a minimum 4 foot setback from property lines.
• ADU height is limited to 16 feet tall if detached. Attached ADUs follow primary dwelling limits up to 35 feet depending on roof pitch.

We can advise if your property meets requirements once we understand more details about your lot size, zoning type, and existing home. Our ADU consultants make sure your project conforms fully to El Monte guidelines.

ADU Design & Floor Plans

Surfside Builders Group offers custom ADU design or modular prefabricated units to suit your needs. All our ADUs are aesthetically attractive with exteriors crafted to beautifully match your main house using similar colors, materials, and architectural details.

We work with you to determine an optimal ADU layout that fits your available space while delivering the amenities and features you want. Here are some of our most popular ADU configurations that work well in El Monte:

Detached Backyard Cottage

This separate one or two story structure is located opposite the main house, either behind it or to the side. A backyard cottage is completely detached from the existing home with its own entrance and yard space.

Features:

• 1 or 2 bedrooms
• Full kitchen
• Beautiful backyard views

Benefits:

• Very private living space
• Can be larger footprint with less height limit compared to attached ADU above garage.
• Easier construction with no attachment to original house

Garage Conversion

We convert an existing attached or detached garage into a residential ADU unit by refinishing the space and adding all required living amenities.

Features:

• Uses existing structure so faster to build
• Private side entrance
• Compact size, typical 1 bedroom

Benefits:

• Lower cost than new detached building
• Retains parking spaces in front driveway

Above Garage ADU

This ADU takes advantage of empty space over an attached or detached garage. We build out a second level ADU with stairs or exterior entry leading up to it.

Features:

• 1 or 2 bedrooms
• Full bath and kitchen
• Balcony access

Benefits

• Includes garage parking below
• Appealing two story visual appeal

The above are just a few examples. We can fully customize an ADU design for your needs after visiting your property.

ADU Construction Process with Surfside

We make ADU creation simple turnkey process. Our all-in-one services include:

1. Initial design consultation and zoning analysis
2. Architectural drawings and site plan
3. Permitting paperwork and application submission
4. Demolition of existing structures if needed
5. Garage conversion or ground-up construction
6. Utility installation (electric, water, sewer)
7. Interior finishes and fixtures
8. Landscaping and hardscaping

We also coordinate any third party inspections required by the city permitting office during the build phase.

Get an ADU Estimate for Your Property

Adding an ADU in El Monte can tremendously expand and improve your living space. Surfside Builders Group delivers affordable, zoning-compliant ADUs tailored to your needs.