Prefab ADU in Los Gatos
Abodu makes and installs prefab homes for play, passive income and possibility in as little as 6 months.
About Los Gatos
As California housing prices continue to soar, especially in Silicon Valley, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) offer a simple solution to creating affordable housing. Los Gatos offers Bay Area residents small-town charm with natural beauty, endless recreation options, and great dining.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to make rental income or you want to provide an independent living space for aging family members, adding an ADU to your backyard comes with several benefits.
What are the benefits of having an ADU?
An ADU can increase your property value by up to 30% while providing a versatile space. Use your ADU as a new home office, workout space, or art studio to separate work from home life.
Alternatively, you can use your ADU, sometimes called a granny flat, as a custom home for your in-laws or kids, so you can enjoy a multi-family living situation where everyone still has privacy and independence. If you want to offset some of the cost of living in Santa Clara County, prefab homes can be a way to make passive income from renters.

An Abodu being craned on install day
Los Gatos ADU requirements
Between acquiring proper building permits and securing funding, there are multiple considerations involved in the process of constructing a prefab ADU in Los Gatos.
Cost
How much does an ADU unit cost in Los Gatos?
The cost to build an ADU in Los Gatos varies greatly depending on factors like size, type of ADU, and prefab or stick-built designs. Smaller ADUs will cost less than larger units.
Additional square footage will increase costs. A detached ADU will likely be more expensive than an attached ADU (JADU) because the JADU will share a wall with the main house and does not have to have its own bathroom facility.
Stick-built ADUs are more expensive than prefabs because they are built on-site from the ground up, while prefabs are constructed off-site in a dedicated location. California stick-built ADUs can cost over $500,000. Abodu’s prefab ADUs start at just $228,000.
Building Permits
What are the ADU building permits for Los Gatos?
Los Gatos requires a building permit for an ADU or JADU. The city charges a permit issuance fee of $63.
Requirements
What facilities are required for an ADU?
Los Gatos ADUs must have separate living provisions, including permanent kitchen appliances like a built-in stovetop. ADUs must also have sanitation facilities, but JADUs can share with your primary dwelling. If the JADU is within the space of a proposed or existing detached ADU, it must also have its own sanitation facilities.
Financing
How do I fund an ADU unit in Los Gatos?
Home builders have a few options when considering financing for Los Gatos ADUs. Three financing options are a home equity line of credit (HELOC), a construction loan, or opting for cash-out refinancing.
A HELOC works similarly to a credit card. You’ll open a line of credit with a set limit backed by your primary home’s equity, then withdraw money up to that limit, as needed. Any money you withdraw typically needs to be paid back over ten years.
If you choose a construction loan, the future value of your home determines your loan amount, which finances your ADU build from the ground up.
Cash-out refinancing allows you to refinance your first mortgage to cover your ADU build with equity. This consolidates your mortgage and ADU financing into a single loan.
FAQs: Prefab ADUs in Los Gatos
What are the steps to build a prefab ADU in Los Gatos?
Building a prefab ADU in Los Gatos is simple with Abodu. First, you’ll have a discovery call or visit a showroom to discuss your budget and initial design plan ideas. Next, you’ll have an on-site consultation to determine where your new ADU will be placed in your backyard and how it will connect to your utilities during installation.
After you review and sign your contract, construction of your new prefab ADU will begin. Abodu’s experts will obtain all necessary permits for your unit. Next, site prep will get your backyard ready for delivery day. Site prep involves excavating or clearing obstructions to lay the foundation and set up utilities. Finally, Abodu delivers your custom ADU right to your backyard!
How much does the Los Gatos ADU permit cost?
The city of Los Gatos charges a $63 building permit fee for ADUs. Our Abodu experts will handle the permit application process on your behalf.
What is the maximum size of an ADU in Los Gatos?
The maximum size for an ADU in Los Gatos is 1,200 square feet. Los Gatos JADUs can be 500 square feet maximum.
What appliances are typically included in an ADU?
Accessory dwelling units typically include a refrigerator, oven and stove top, dishwasher, and microwave. They might also have a water heater, an in-unit washer and dryer, and a heating and cooling system.
How long does it take to build an ADU?
Building an ADU can take anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your build, zoning regulations, and permitting requirements. Abodu streamlines the ADU build process, so you can relax while we complete everything from consultation to installation in as little as nine months.
Build Your Dream Abodu Prefab ADU in Los Gatos
Are you ready to enjoy the added value and versatility of a prefab ADU on your Los Gatos property? Make it a simple process by working with Abodu’s experts. We understand local zoning requirements and ADU building codes, so you can relax while we manage your project, from floor plans to permits to installation. Book a call or showroom visit and get one step closer to having your dream Abodu.
Learn more about Abodu Prefab ADUs

All-in-One Service
Featuring an impressive selection of pre-approved plans, Abodu streamlines the process of building and installing premium built-to-order ADUs.

Unparalleled Design
Each floor plan showcases timeless designs using sustainable, high-quality materials—all with upfront pricing.

Hassle-Free
Committed to delivering a straightforward, hassle-free experience for California homeowners, our efficient approach to prefab ADUs lets you enjoy your newly added living space as soon as seven months after signing on the dotted line.

A Great Investment
Take advantage of an exceptional return on investment with an Abodu ADU.
