New Avenue Blog
The Blueprint
Remodeling a multi-family home in Berkeley
The owner of a multi-family home in Berkeley came to New Avenue for a major remodel of a two-bedroom, two-bath rental unit. While parts of the unit were salvageable (e.g., the beautiful redwood and a few of the walls), this unit was almost entirely rebuilt. It needed a new foundation and major work in all areas.
Cost to build an art studio/accessory dwelling in Berkeley
The main art studio area is equipped with floor-mounted electrical outlets and receives tons of natural light through the unit’s clerestory windows and NanaWall, which easily folds back to open the entire front wall. The homeowners can enjoy the light and fresh air when the wall is open and will be protected from the elements when it’s closed.
Friday ADU Chat Recap: Top Questions and Advice
Last Friday, we had an inspiring ADU chat with several homeowners and New Avenue designers.
Famous ADUs in Movie and TV History
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are making news all over the country these days. We thought it’d be fun to look at some famous ADUs from top TV shows through the years…
Replacing a shed with a backyard apartment in Berkeley
When a couple in Berkeley, CA, looked at the shed in their backyard, they saw its potential to help them with their mortgage. They knew they could replace the shed with something better: an accessory dwelling that they could rent out, bringing in $3,000 or more in rental income—enough to pay for the new ADU and the mortgage on their main home. They also wanted a backyard home they could use for themselves or family as needed.
Want the best ADU builder in Berkeley? Here’s what to look for.
If you own a home in or near Berkeley, CA, your best bet at getting the most out of your property is to build an accessory dwelling unit. Here are some things to look for when considering who to hire to help design and build your ADU…
Costs to Design and Build ADUs in California
Every property, home, and homeowner is different and your needs, tastes, and site will be different from those of your neighbor. So naturally, design, permitting, and construction costs for ADUs will vary from project to project…
Modern home design: What does it mean in the 21st century?
When you’re building a custom home, remodel, or accessory dwelling, your designer will have a lot of questions for you. One of those questions will be “What architectural styles do you like?”
Berkeley ADU Regulations
We have been working on ADUs and other residential projects in Berkeley for almost a decade now. One of the exciting things we have experienced recently is that the codes and regulations for ADUs are being revised to make approvals much easier...
Berkeley Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Summary
Due to state legislations, all cities and towns in California must update their ADU regulations to comply with the state laws. The downloadable PDF linked here outlines all of the Berkeley ADU Regulations…
The top 5 reasons people build ADUs
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are a wise investment for many reasons. They’re good for communities, and they’re a huge benefit to their owners.
Building a backyard gym
Most people choose to build a full ADU. Sometimes, though, a homeowner wants an accessory structure without a kitchen or an ADU with just a small kitchen facility. That was the case with one homeowner in Kentfield, CA, who asked us to create a detached gym with a bathroom and room for a bed.
Property tax increases for additions, renovations, and ADUs
This homeowner recognized that adding a rental unit would bring in additional income for his family and thus was a great investment. However, the new unit also impacted his property taxes…
20 luxuries to make your dream home
There’s something about a truly luxurious home. We’re not talking about frivolity. We’re talking about comfort—about making your home a place you want to be…
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