Prefab ADU in Malibu
Abodu makes and installs prefab homes for play, passive income and possibility in as little as 6 months.
About Malibu
An Abodu prefab accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Malibu offers a diverse range of customizable finishes and floor plans—from studios to two-bedroom units—to suit any space. ADUs are designed to provide additional living space on a residential property, whether you want to boost your income with a rental or are seeking to expand your work-from-home opportunities. Family members and visiting guests will love having their own space within your home, providing the perfect secluded hosting experience.
Abodu has a prefab ADU option for any property configuration without the drawn-out hassle of construction on your property.
What are the benefits of having an ADU?
An ADU is also sometimes called an in-law unit, granny flat, or guest house. It’s a great way to create affordable housing in high-cost areas of California, and state laws have been passed to encourage ADU creation exactly for this reason.
Above all else, adding an ADU to your Malibu home will open the door for fresh opportunities in how you use your space. If you’ve been looking for a co-working space or new art studio, but haven’t found the right fit, a prefab ADU can give you much-needed dedicated creative space. If you love hosting family, but are tired of eight people sharing your single bathroom, then the dedicated plumbing and personal entrance to an ADU can reduce friction during major holidays and get-togethers.
Even better, adding a prefab ADU can increase your property value. It’s an investment that pays for itself over time, whether or not you choose to take on a rental tenant. Depending on the square footage of your current dwelling and the size of the ADU you choose to build, you could increase your property value upwards of 30%.
Malibu ADU Requirements
Here is an overview of the permitting guidelines, utility regulations, and available financing pathways for ADU construction in Malibu.
Building Permits
How do I get an ADU permit in Malibu?
Before beginning any construction, you’ll need to contact the City of Malibu for updated building permit requirements and ADU laws. The City Council has met multiple times in 2023 to determine Malibu ADU building requirements, and a consensus has not been reached yet.
Malibu and the State of California are working together to reduce friction in building new ADUs to address the increasing housing crisis, but some paperwork may be in flux. Consider hiring a building company that specializes in California prefab ADUs for assistance with the permitting process.
Because Malibu is a coastal community, a coastal development permit is required for an ADU. However, according to the City of Malibu, this permit would be processed along state ADU timelines and would not require a public hearing.
Requirements
What are the top ADU requirements in Malibu?
You’ll need to contact Southern California Edison to hook up electricity to your new ADU. Because it is part of your current residence, there shouldn’t be a fee for starting a new service unless the ADU is built at the same time as your new home.
For water and sewage, contact the County of Los Angeles, Waterworks District 29. Again, unless your ADU is being built at the same time as your main house, then there should not be any start service fees.
Garbage service for your ADU will depend on how you plan to use it. If you plan on renting to a tenant, you’ll want to contact Universal Waste Systems or G.I. Rubbish/Waste Management to get additional bins. If the ADU is strictly for personal use (WFH office, creative studio, hosting guests), then you’ll probably be okay sharing the waste bins from your main dwelling.
Financing
How do I finance an ADU in Malibu?
The California Housing Finance Agency provides grants to help Malibu homeowners build prefab ADUs. You could be eligible for up to $40,000 toward pre-development and non-recurring closing costs. Pre-development costs include:
Site prep
Architectural designs
Permits
Soil tests
Impact fees
Property survey
Energy reports
FAQs: Prefab ADUs in Malibu
Can you build an ADU in Malibu?
Yes, you can build a prefab ADU in Malibu. In fact, due to the California housing crisis, Malibu has reduced the time and simplified the process to build an ADU on your property. Malibu homeowners are also eligible for up to $40,000 in grant money toward pre-development costs on an ADU.
Where can I apply for a permit to build an ADU in Malibu?
You apply for an ADU build permit with the City of Malibu. It is processed the same as any other second-unit development application, with some exceptions. If you’re concerned about the permitting application process, consider working with ADU home builders that will handle the permitting.
How long does it take to build an ADU?
Construction times vary depending on the square footage and complexity of the ADU. Prefab ADUs come ready-made with various options for customization and will be ready faster than new-build units.
Learn more about Abodu Prefab ADUs
Abodu builds and delivers prefab homes across the state of California for extra space, passive rental income, and many other possibilities. We can have your new ADU available in as little as nine months. Contact our experts today to schedule a tour or ask questions.
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.
