Why You Need to Start Your ADU Now

Starting January 1, 2020, all new construction in California (including granny flats) will be required to meet net-zero electricity guidelines. This means the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site.

So What Does that Mean for my ADU Project?

If you start an ADU after 2020 you’ll be required to add solar panels to your home, which averages $16,000 for your home plus ADU or ~$7,500 for just the ADU. This also depends on your climate zone. Homeowners are rushing to get their plans submitted to the city before 2020.

What Are Title 24s? Why Should I Care?

All ADUs have to submit for permits through their local jurisdiction. In addition to your site plan, elevations, the design you also have to include what’s called a Title 24 calculation.

Tile 24s are the energy requirements set by the state of California. They mandate how energy efficient a building must be before it can be constructed.

Because ADUs tend to be small it’s harder for designers and architects to design to meet Title 24 regulations and that requirement will now even more challenging starting in 2020.

Fear not! We can connect you to the tools and experts you need to get started. You can book a free kickoff phone call with a Maxable ADU expert here.

When the New Title 24 Requirements Go Into Effect in 2020 all ADUs Will be Required to Add Solar Panels.

Lots of homeowners consider adding solar during the construction of an ADU. In fact, we installed solar panels on my mom’s San Diego ADU because the numbers made a lot of sense. It’s also a big perk/benefit if you’re planning to use your ADU as a rental.

However, it’s also nice to be able to choose if you want to incur this large expense.

How Can I Avoid Solar for My ADU?

Get your project permitted this year! Homeowners are rushing to try and design and submit their plans before 2019 closes so that they will not have to add solar panels to their homes.

Your ADU doesn’t have to be built in 2019, but your permits must be submitted by the end of the year.

What Are My Next Steps?

If you’re reading this now you still have time, but not much. The design phase of an ADU is typically 4-6 weeks and permitting takes an additional 3 months.

If you’re ready to get started book a free phone consultation and we’ll get you what you need to know ASAP!