Building an accessory dwelling for a family compound in Orinda
projects, ADU, Accessory Dwelling Unit Sarah Foster projects, ADU, Accessory Dwelling Unit Sarah Foster

Building an accessory dwelling for a family compound in Orinda

New Avenue assessed the property to help the homeowners determine the best course of action. We found that the old ADU was built in 1932, at the same time as the main home. Structural damage, a weak foundation, and asbestos made the original cottage unsuitable as a home.

The family opted to build a new ADU. New Avenue’s experienced design professional created an accessory dwelling that fit beautifully on the property.

Read More
Cost to design, permit, and build an attached accessory dwelling in Berkeley
Sarah Foster Sarah Foster

Cost to design, permit, and build an attached accessory dwelling in Berkeley

When Lori decided to add an attached apartment to her Berkeley home, she contacted New Avenue. Lori needed a nice home for her mother that could be rented out later. A New Avenue design professional created an attached ADU with a kitchen, a dining/living area, a bedroom, and a bathroom. The designer also designed a deck with a trellis and a new driveway for the property.

Read More
Cost to add a 430-square-foot backyard cottage in Berkeley
costs, projects, ADU, Accessory Dwelling Unit Sarah Foster costs, projects, ADU, Accessory Dwelling Unit Sarah Foster

Cost to add a 430-square-foot backyard cottage in Berkeley

The backyard’s slope provided a lovely view from the rear of the yard, and Betsy hoped to take advantage of that in adding an ADU for her family. A New Avenue design professional created an ADU that could serve as a comfortable home and gave it a large deck and stairs to accommodate the unique backyard. The plans include a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living area.

Read More
Converting a garage to a one-bedroom backyard ADU in Berkeley: Floorplans and ideas
projects, ADU, Accessory Dwelling Unit Sarah Foster projects, ADU, Accessory Dwelling Unit Sarah Foster

Converting a garage to a one-bedroom backyard ADU in Berkeley: Floorplans and ideas

Converting a garage into a livable space like this is one of the best ways to update a home. An ADU is so versatile, and with quality design and construction, it will last for generations, adapting to the needs of the homeowner and bringing sustainability, freedom, and connection, throughout its long lifetime. Here are floor plans for a garage conversion in Berkeley

Read More
Cost to add an accessory unit or backyard cottage in Livermore, CA
costs, projects, Accessory Dwelling Unit, ADU Sarah Foster costs, projects, Accessory Dwelling Unit, ADU Sarah Foster

Cost to add an accessory unit or backyard cottage in Livermore, CA

Sherwin and his wife came to New Avenue for design, permitting, and construction of a backyard home. They wanted to move to their son’s property in Livermore, and they knew an accessory dwelling was an ideal way to share a home with their family while giving everyone the privacy they need. Here are the costs.

Read More
Cost to convert a basement into an in-law apartment in Berkeley, CA
costs, projects, Accessory Dwelling Unit, ADU Sarah Foster costs, projects, Accessory Dwelling Unit, ADU Sarah Foster

Cost to convert a basement into an in-law apartment in Berkeley, CA

Johanna, a homeowner in Berkeley, contacted New Avenue to create a basement apartment for her mother-in-law. The family needed a space that would make it easy for Johanna’s mother-in-law to get around using her walker.

The family also wanted to reserve part of the basement for storage and laundry. When their New Avenue design professional created the design, he found a way to relocate the washer and dryer to maintain a shared storage and laundry space.

Here are the plans and the costs at the time of the project.

Read More
Building a 609-square-foot, one-bedroom ADU in Berkeley: Floorplan and photos
Accessory Dwelling Unit, ADU, projects Sarah Foster Accessory Dwelling Unit, ADU, projects Sarah Foster

Building a 609-square-foot, one-bedroom ADU in Berkeley: Floorplan and photos

We love this project so much because of the way the family has used it to make their lives better. In living near each other, Mona and her family can help each other with anything. They also get to spend plenty of time together while saving money on housing and enjoying a beautiful, walkable neighborhood. Here’s what Mona’s design/build team created.

Read More
Adding an accessory dwelling and garage with solar power in San Jose
projects, Accessory Dwelling Unit Sarah Foster projects, Accessory Dwelling Unit Sarah Foster

Adding an accessory dwelling and garage with solar power in San Jose

The owners of a beautiful property in San Jose, California, wanted to add a new accessory dwelling and garage that they could use for family or as a rental home. They decided to add a 698-square-foot, one-bedroom ADU along with a 375-square-foot garage and power it all with solar panels. The accessory dwelling features a bedroom large enough for a California king bed, an open kitchen/living/dining area, a full bathroom, and a covered patio. Here are the plans.

Read More
Remodeling and adding an in-law apartment in El Cerrito
projects, ADU, Accessory Dwelling Unit Sarah Foster projects, ADU, Accessory Dwelling Unit Sarah Foster

Remodeling and adding an in-law apartment in El Cerrito

A family in El Cerrito wanted to be able to take care of each other and spend more time together. Instead of spending $3,500 or more per month on a nearby apartment, they remodeled their home to include an attached accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Sometimes called an “in-law suite” or a “granny flat,” an accessory dwelling is a place that can truly bring families together to help one another and enjoy each other’s company. Here are the floor plans.

Read More

Start your journey

Reach out to New Avenue today to begin the transformational process of adding an ADU, renovating your home, and designing and building a custom house for your family.