One of our projects, a hillside ADU, has a large and open backyard, but the setbacks and the desires for views started to limit where and what we could build. We used these limitations to help us create schemes that would create a great home that is unique to its site.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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…

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…

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?”

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...

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…