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Prefab ADU in San Jose

Abodu makes and installs prefab homes for play, passive income and possibility in as little as 6 months.

About San Jose

Tucked in the heart of Silicon Valley, the city of San Jose is a flourishing center of innovation, boasting a vibrant cultural tapestry and exceptional weather year-round. As the largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area by both land area and population, it’s also home to a highly competitive real estate market.

As a result, affordable housing remains a top priority for San Jose residents. Fortunately, there’s a viable solution that can help property owners tackle this challenge: prefabricated accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

A prefab ADU in San Jose offers an accessible and cost-effective way to add extra space to a wide range of living spaces—from single-family homes to apartment complexes—in order to meet the increasing demand for affordable housing while providing flexibility to property owners.

What are the benefits of having an ADU?

With more room comes great possibilities. Whether it's for accommodating family members, creating a dedicated home office, or welcoming guests for short-term stays, a San Jose ADU allows you to maximize the potential of your property.

Along the same lines, the unit could produce rental income. By renting out the ADU, you can generate supplemental income to offset mortgage costs or other expenses. Not to mention, detached ADUs may make your property more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell in the future.

From an environmental standpoint, ADUs promote sustainability. Designed according to modern eco-friendly building codes, these units are often energy-efficient, contributing to a greener environment.

Lastly, ADUs foster multigenerational living or promote independence for aging family members. Also called granny flats, ADUs allow for cohabitation while maintaining privacy and independence, offering a practical solution for families looking to support their loved ones without compromising personal space.

An Abodu being installed in San Jose

An Abodu being installed in San Jose

San Jose ADU requirements

Between acquiring proper building permits and securing funding, there are multiple considerations involved in the process of constructing a prefab ADU in San Jose.

Cost

How much does an ADU unit cost in San Jose?

Generally, the price range for a custom prefab ADU in San Jose starts at around $250,000 and can go up to $350,000 or more. However, a number of factors, such as size, design, materials, and the extent of customization, affect the cost of a detached ADU.

Building Permits

How do I get an ADU permit in San Jose?

The permitting process begins with reviewing the San Jose ADU universal checklist to determine whether or not the project is compliant with zoning codes and if the prospective lot size and address qualifies for an ADU.

Following this, the ADU builder has to fill out a series of forms, including the building permit application itself and accompanying documents like the ADU property owner declaration. Once completed, the next step is to schedule an appointment with the city’s Development Services Permit Center to evaluate the ADU plan.

Requirements

What are the top ADU requirements in San Jose?

According to Santa Clara County’s building code, prefab ADUs must have a living space, bathroom, bedroom, and full kitchen. These essential components ensure that the ADUs are self-contained, independent living spaces that can accommodate individuals or small families.

Financing

How do I finance an ADU unit in San Jose?

To fund an ADU plan, homeowners can choose from several financing options. They can apply for a home equity line of credit, cash-out refinancing, or a traditional loan for construction or home improvement. In addition, certain ADU builders, such as Abodu, have pre-established partnerships with dedicated lenders.

FAQs: Prefab ADUs in San Jose

The permit fees for detached ADUs vary depending on the unit’s size. Here is the fee schedule for a prefab ADU in San Jose under 750 square feet:

  • Permit issuance fee: $422

  • Plan review: $1,078

  • Inspection: $1,732

On the other hand, San Jose ADUs ranging from 750 sq.ft. to 1,200 sq.ft. have a different fee schedule:

  • Permit issuance: $633

  • Plan review: $1,848

  • Inspection: $2,520

The city of San Jose’s Development Services Permit Center has a curated list of pre-approved ADU builders, which includes Abodu. Another option is to consult with local real estate brokers or agents who specialize in ADUs and have expertise in the San Jose housing market.

Due to county building codes, a prefab ADU in San Jose must have specific kitchen appliances, including a refrigerator and cooktop. In addition, some granny flats may feature a water heater, washing machine, and dryer, as well as air-conditioning and heating units for enhanced comfort.

Learn more about Abodu Prefab ADUs

Featuring an impressive selection of pre-approved plans, Abodu streamlines the process of building and installing premium built-to-order ADUs. Each floor plan showcases timeless designs using sustainable, high-quality materials—all with upfront pricing. 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 six months after signing on the dotted line. Take advantage of an exceptional return on investment with an Abodu ADU.

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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.

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Unparalleled Design

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

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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.

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A Great Investment

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

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Book a call or tour today.