Accessory Dwelling Unit

Why build an ADU?

The state of California implemented a new bill on January 1, 2020, allowing homeowners to construct an accessory, as well as a junior accessory dwelling to their existing lots. This is an exceptional opportunity for homeowners to build an addition, a free-standing dwelling or simply convert your garage to a livable unit. Just imagine, you could have more living space for your family, or even rent out for passive income. Indeed a once in a lifetime opportunity to increase the value of your property, while helping the community by providing additional housing.

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

As defined by the Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning. An Accessory Dwelling Unit, also known as a granny or in-law unit, is a living unit that may be up to 1200 sq. ft. An ADU is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit which provides independent living facilities for one or more persons. The ADU unit is located on the same property as the primary residence and is accessory to the primary residential building.

An ADU is required to provide permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking facilities, and sanitation, as well as, meet other requirements as stipulated by applicable life and safety code requirements from the Department of Public Works, Building and Safety Division and Fire Departments.

What is a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)?

As defined by the Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning. A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is an additional, independent living unit created through the conversion of an existing legally permitted bedroom or habitable area in a single-family dwelling.

Will Structural plans be required?

All new construction, additions as well as garage conversions will only be approved after the items stipulated by applicable life and safety codes are met. As a result, structural calculations and drawings become a crucial component to obtain a building permit. Department of building and safety will need to verify that you and your family will have a safe structure to live in, even after an earthquake.

Types of New ADU ?

Types of Garage Conversions?

How can I get started?

There are three ways to get your structural plans started. You can call us at (626) 548-3874 use the ADU inquiry form below, or by emailing us directly at adu@fjengineering.com. The more information you provide about your ADU project. The better we will be able to assist you.

WHAT WE DO

At FJ Engineering we specialize in structural calculations as well as structural plans. Our many years of experience in the residential sector allows us to understand what each city requires and what it takes to get your residential project approved.
We treat every project uniquely, therefore our calculations and structural drawings are tailored to your needs. Making the
design cost-effective and simple to build. No matter how big or small your project might be, FJ Engineering is here to meet
all your structural engineering needs.

SAMPLE PROJECTS

ADU INQUIRY FORM

Services

Paz J.

2021-11-05

Francisco and his team are the best engineers I've had the pleasure of working with. I am a contractor who specializes in luxury construction, and need somebody who can keep up. The attention to detail, quick turnaround time, and suggestions on complicated projects has been a game changer for my company. There are 0 assumptions in their work. They take very detailed photographs of the attic, crawl space, and poke holes if need to. This is all to ensure their work is done correctly the first time. If you have any projects in mind, I would suggest to stop looking any further and give his team a call!

Carlos O.

My wife and I, hired Francisco to draw the plan for our home's new sliding door, and the removal of a load bearing wall, Francisco and his team are professional, patient and took the time to explain what we needed. We highly recommend him, and look forward to hiring him on every future project we may have!

David C.

2021-06-25

We hired FJ to help with our garage conversion for an ADU. Francisco did a great job from the initial site visit, delivering the calculations and design on time, and helping us with some unexpected foundation issues. Highly recommend!

Nurjahan B.

2021-03-18

Francisco was really thorough and answered all of our questions. He was clearly passionate about his work, and it showed! His office manager Vivian has been really helpful as well. We've only done the consultation so far, but we plan to move forward with the engineering design once we decide on the model we want. I'm so grateful that we found them!

Francisco D.

2021-02-07

During the pandemic I wanted to make sure I supported a local business, and I am so glad we chose FJ Engineering. They have surpassed all our expectations. From their very first inspection, they were thorough and professional. You can tell that FJ has a lot of experience and seems to really enjoy his job. He is proactive in asking the questions he needs the answers to and is very communicative about what he is looking for and what that means for your project. During his initial consultation, he is trying to solve the puzzle of how your house is supported. Once he had that sorted out, he then gave us all our options to accomplish what we had communicated were our goals. The verbal consultation was what we needed to know we were on the right path and from there we asked them to draft up the structural engineering plans we needed. Even though our project has been a complicated remodeling with the city asking for several rounds of revisions, FJ and his team have been diligent, accessible and so easy to work with. When there have been decisions that need to be made, his team has provided illustrations that made it very easy to know what was being asked of us. Finally, I just want to commend FJ and the team of professionals he has assembled. The quality of work is exceptional but it is his team's approachability, kindness and generosity that are central to their work ethic that make them a pleasure to work with. I'm very glad we went with FJ Engineering.

Meredith P.

2020-12-04

Francisco, Vivian and his entire crew of engineers are a wonderful resource for my busy interior design firm. They are thoughtful in their approach to structural design, working diligently and expertly to find solutions that work with the interior and architectural design and provide cost effective solutions and options. Francisco does an incredibly thorough site survey that includes pictures and mapping that allow us flexibility in determining pathways forward as we design the interior spaces. He is responsive via emails and his level of professionalism extends to the whole staff. He has been welcoming to me as a collaborator and I have enjoyed working with him over several projects. His work is high quality and it shows. Big or small, your project is in great hands with this small, boutique firm.

D S.

2020-09-25

Francisco and team where very helpful even before we signed an agreement, he spent a lot of time and shared a lot of information. Once we hired him to come out and check the damage then draw plans, to replace a damaged support beam, his team was prompt and friendly and he was very helpful guiding us through the repairs. I really appreciated getting an unbiased opinion since all the other construction companies all had ideas of the repair but none would give me the full picture, I 100% recommend you get someone unbiased like Francisco and FJ to make sure you are making the right decisions and safe ones. really appreciate all the guidance thanks.

Anena H.

2020-09-02

I reached out to FJ looking for an architect but they only do engineering work so I asked if they had any referrals or preferred architects they like to partner with and the Office Administrator, Vivian, was so kind to offer referrals. She said she would email me a referral directly and she actually did! It is so rare to find people who follow up timely on such a small task too. I really appreciated her time and effort as I was struggling to find architects or even a reliable contact for architectural work.

Renee L.

2020-08-25

I recently opened up a new storefront and needed some calculations done for city permit approval. My project was very small, but required by the city, and no engineers I contacted could be bothered to help me until I came across FJ Engineering. Not only did Francisco listen to what I needed but he took me seriously even though the job was well below his skill level. Throughout the whole frustrating process with the city this company made me feel at ease knowing the job would get done. I can't give enough compliments to Francisco and his team for the professionalism and care they took in helping me. Stop searching for engineers and give them a call, they are AMAZING!!

Accessory Dwelling Unit

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

What is a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)?

Will Structural plans be required?

Types of New ADU ?

Types of Garage Conversions?

How can I get started?

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