ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are a great way to add extra space to your home. In Los Angeles, there are many ADU builders who specialize in adding lofts to existing garages or attics. If you’re looking add a loft to your attached ADU Los Angeles, check out these tips on how to do that one!
Types of ADU Lofts in Los Angeles
There are several types of ADU lofts in Los Angeles:
- A loft conversion can be accomplished by adding a second floor on top of your garage or small house. This is a do-it-yourself project if you’re handy with tools, but you may want to consider hiring an architect or engineer for advice on structural issues and safety.
- A loft space can be created in the attic by removing the existing roof and building a new one that includes dormers.
Basement
Basement ADUs are the most common type of loft you’ll find in Los Angeles. If you have a basement that’s not being used for storage, you can often build an ADU on top of it. The cost of building a basement ADU is usually between $100K and $150K, depending on how fancy your construction project turns out to be.
A typical basement is built with a foundation and slab (the concrete floor), which will be used as the base for your new apartment unit above ground level.
Garage
A garage loft is a type of attic or second story unit that is typically used as additional living space. Garage lofts are also known as “carriage houses” and they are usually found in older homes with large garages.
Garage lofts require very little renovation compared to other types of ADUs because they already have windows, a staircase and even electricity. When converting a garage into an ADU, there are just two things you need to do:
- Add windows (typically one window per side) for natural light
- Install stairs leading up to the second floor
Small House
A small house is a building that is attached to a primary residence. Small houses are also known as carriage houses, and they are typically between 500 and 800 square feet in size. Small houses are usually built on properties that already have a primary residence on them—but sometimes they can be built on vacant lots or even in urban areas where there’s no room for an ADU.
There are two main things to look at when choosing whether or not your property will work well with this type of addition: location (how close it is to amenities) and zoning laws.
Attic
Attic lofts are the most common type of ADU loft, and they’re also the easiest to build. They can be added on any existing structure as long as it’s in good condition.
If you have a garage or carport that isn’t attached to your home, then you have the perfect spot for an attic loft! It’s easier than adding one on top of a house because there isn’t much room for error. You’ll need fewer framing materials and no load-bearing walls. The hardest part will be getting up there yourself when it’s time to insulate and drywall.
Conclusion
We hope we’ve given you a good idea of what to expect from the process of adding an ADU loft in Los Angeles. It’s not just about size and location, but also about finding a builder who can handle your project with care and expertise. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request more information from potential builders before making a decision!