Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Building an ADU
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1. Understand Your Zoning Requirements
Before starting your project, review your local municipal code and check the property development standards. Key factors include:
- Density
- Maximum Building Height
- Floor Area Ratio
- Setbacks
You may need to consult an architect to help interpret the code. Ensure that they verify this information before engaging in any design activities.
2. Check Your Title Report for Easements
Review your title report to see if there are any easements on your property. An easement is a legal right that allows one party to use another party’s property for specific purposes without ownership. Common uses include:
- Access
- Utilities
- Drainage
If you have an easement, you cannot build on the portion of the lot that is affected by it.
3. Determine Your Sewage System
Verify if your property is connected to a public sewer system or has a private septic system. If you are on a sewer system, you will need to pay an additional fee for each plumbing fixture added to your property. If you are on a septic system, it can become complicated. Depending on the number of bedrooms and the size of your tank, you may need to:
- Provide an as-built layout of your tank
- Conduct a percolation test
- Add an additional tank, if required.
Ensure that you consider these expenses in your construction budget before commencing work and avoid any surprises.
We hope this information is helpful! At Effortless Architecture, we have extensive experience addressing these challenges. If you plan to start an ADU project, we are here to assist you.