How to Install a Casita in California

What is a Casita? In Spanish, Casita means cottage. But by formal definition, a Casita is a small self-contained dwelling that is usually unattached from the main home but remains within the home’s property lines. Historically, Casitas are built as guest houses instead of permanent residences, generally for older relatives so they can be close to family for an extended period. Casitas are built separate from the main house, allowing older family members to be close to loved ones while maintaining independence. This allows for all the joy of having Abuela y Abuelo around every day while maintaining separate lives. Some homeowners decide to use their Casita a little differently and choose to rotate relatives for long-term visits. Others choose to use their Casita for short-term or long-term rentals, a home office, or a space for older children to live.

Typically, Casita floorplans have two main rooms: a living room and one bedroom, but can have up to three bedrooms. Most Casitas also include a kitchen, bathroom, and laundry unit. Traditionally, Casitas have open floor plans that allow their minimal space to feel expanded. The flow between rooms creates a feeling of open space and gives residents all they need to maintain a self-contained dwelling.