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Prefab Adu In Santa Ana

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

About Santa Ana

If you’re looking for space to host a guest or family, then an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is the perfect fit. ADUs are living spaces on your property that include a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. You might know them as “guest houses” or “granny flats.” They are usually energy efficient and come prefab in a variety of aesthetic designs and layouts.

Abodu specializes in building prefab ADUs—also known as prefabricated ADUs—with a diverse range of customizable finishes and floor plans to suit available space on your Santa Ana property. Explore their prefab ADU options for any property configuration and enjoy all the benefits of your new unit without the drawn-out hassle of construction on site.

Read on for more information, tips, and FAQs about starting an ADU project on your property in Santa Ana.

What are the benefits of having an ADU?

Your Santa Ana ADU comes with a huge list of benefits, but the biggest three are:

  1. More space: California residents know how precious space can be, whether they’re hoping for a fresh work-from-home office or a better way to host house guests. By adding an ADU to your property, you create new opportunities while increasing your property value by up to 30% depending on the square footage of your current home.

  2. Rental opportunities: This benefit is twofold: you earn extra income and California gets another affordable housing unit. In the current housing crisis, California is reducing friction for building ADUs for exactly this reason.

  3. Host without hassle: Give your guests a luxury experience when they visit. They’ll get privacy, comfort, and their own bathroom while being able to pop across the yard for coffee or cocktails. For longer-term family needs, especially for older relatives, an ADU offers independence and comfort knowing that family is nearby.

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Santa Ana ADU requirements

Discover how to get a permit, comply with utility regulations, and secure financing for your prefab ADU in Santa Ana.

Cost

How much does an ADU unit cost in Santa Ana?

Just like any construction project, ADU costs depend on the size, type, model, and location of your ADU. Prefab ADUs tend to be a little more cost-efficient than custom-designed models, but again, it all comes down to what you’re looking for.

For example, a 340 sq. ft. studio with one bathroom prefab ADU from Abodu starts at $228,800. Then you’ll need to pay for the required permits from the City of Santa Ana and other fees they may charge upfront. Abodu can help with the permitting process to reduce headaches.

Building Permits

How do I get an ADU permit in Santa Ana?

You can apply online with the City of Santa Ana’s Planning and Building Agency for a residential building permit. You’ll need to have all current contractor information available as well as a credit card. If you’re unsure which permits you need, then contact the Planning and Building Agency directly and they can guide you through the process.

Requirements

What are the top ADU requirements in Santa Ana?

Unless your new home and your ADU are being built at the same time, there should be no start-up fees or activation costs for your ADU. You’ll connect the ADU utilities to the main utilities in your home and pay one bill. Contact the following utility companies with any questions or concerns:

  • Municipal Utility Services (MUS)

  • Southern California Edison

  • Republic Services (waste management)

Financing

How do I finance an ADU in Santa Ana?

In addition to private banking options for financing your home—a renovation loan or a home construction loan—Santa Ana ADUs could also be eligible for cost-effective assistance from the Affordable ADU Loan Program through Orange County Housing Finance Trust. The program offers property owners a deferred, low-interest, partially forgivable loan of $100,000 in exchange for leasing the new unit to a “very low-income tenant” for ten years.

You can also apply for a grant through the California Housing Finance Agency. They offer funding opportunities for homeowners 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 Santa Ana

The building process is dependent on the type of ADU being built—prefab or custom—and whether complications arise during the process. For example, detached ADUs may take more time as they require more materials than converted or attached ADUs which rely on the main home. Abodu estimates about 9 months for completion whereas competitors can take up to a year.

You’ll apply with the City of Santa Ana’s Planning and Building Agency. You can apply online or contact the Agency directly for more information.

You can build both ADUs and junior ADUs (JADUs) in Santa Ana. There is no minimum lot size for Santa Ana, but the minimum size ADU per California building code is 150 square feet. A studio ADU in Santa Ana is approved up to 850 sq. ft. and for a one-bedroom, it is approved for up to 1,000 sq. ft.

While there are no owner residency requirements for building ADUs in Santa Ana, there are differing allowances for multi-family versus single-family homes. Single-family homes may only have one ADU or junior ADU. Multi-family homes may add one ADU for every four units.

Learn more about Abodu Prefab ADUs

Abodu builds, helps with permits, and delivers prefab homes across the state of California for play, passive income, and extra space. We can have your new ADU ready in as little as 6 months. Contact our experts today to schedule a tour or ask questions.

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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.