New Avenue Blog
The Blueprint
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.
Woodside and Accessory Living Quarters
Nestled in San Mateo County and filled with ranches and horse properties, the town of Woodside has done better than some of its neighbors in providing additional housing…
City of Pacifica – Second Units by the Seashore
Well known for it’s beautiful ocean views and as a popular spot for surfers, the city of Pacifica is also shoring up a plan to encourage the number of second units to expand the city’s housing stock…
Building Costs Q&A – Are Online Calculators Any Good?
Short answer: No. And that’s because you’ll use them incorrectly. They actually work just fine. It’s us pesky humans that muck it up…
Metal Roofs vs. Traditional Shingles
We all know asphalt shingles as they are the most common roofing material. You probably see them everyday and almost everywhere. Yet standing seam metal roofs are a much better choice…
Pros and Cons of Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating turns your floor into a large-area radiator. The floor becomes a heated surface that directly warms the home…
Novato, CA approves innovative permitting requirements for accessory dwelling units
Great news for our friends in the north bay! The city council of Novato, California, has approved a new zoning ordinance that creates a new class of ADUs, “Junior Accessory Dwelling Units” or JADUs, with friendlier permitting requirements…
San Carlos Second Dwelling Unit
n the draft Housing Element, the City of San Carlos will promote the development of second dwelling units to increase housing opportunities…
Cost to design a 478-square-foot accessory dwelling in Albany, CA
The plans include a living area, a bathroom, a kitchen area, a patio with outdoor seating, and plenty of storage. The designer created a design that would accommodate the homeowner’s piano and preferred furniture. While the homeowner chose not to include an oven, stove, or shower at the time of design, the designer left space for those items should they be needed later. Here are the costs.
Carriage Houses and Second Dwelling Units of San Ramon
The City of San Ramon is seeking to amend their development standards to encourage more second dwelling units…
Tax Implications of Airbnb Apartments or a New Accessory Dwelling, Addition or Remodel
Derek Davis, the founder of Shared Economy CPA, just spent some time explaining tax implications of creating an Airbnb rental or building a new home, accessory dwelling or addition for yourself or family…
Have you considered bamboo flooring?
Warm in color, stylish, and strong, bamboo floors have been increasing in popularity. It is a durable and attractive option that has an inviting look. The material comes in at about $2 to $7 a square foot, uninstalled…
San Mateo, CA, Guest House Planning and Building Permits – Accessory Structure vs. Accessory Dwelling
San Mateo turns out to be a tricky city to build an accessory dwelling but quite typical for permitting the most common types of projects: additions, remodels, or accessory structures…
Accessory Dwelling in Kentfield, CA – Marin County Planning and Building Code
We recently started a project on a beautiful mid century modern home in Kentfield, CA. The owner is a professional designer and leader in the sustainability movement, so this will be a great one…
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