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Prefab ADU in East Palo Alto

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

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About East Palo Alto

Reimagine the housing landscape in the San Francisco Bay Area with a custom-built prefab ADU in East Palo Alto. 

Abodu offers a remarkable selection of pre-approved ADU designs—take your pick from two-bedroom, two-bathroom accessory dwelling units to efficient studios with ample storage space.

Crafted off-site in specialized facilities, prefab ADUs often undergo higher quality control and a faster build time compared to conventional on-site builds. An Abodu ADU typically takes around nine months to complete, so you can make the most of your modular home within a year.

What are the benefits of having an ADU?

At their core, ADUs offer additional living space, which you can transform to complement your lifestyle and accommodate evolving needs. 

For example, an ADU can become a private living space as a granny flat or in-law suite for family members. And down the line, you can repurpose your ADU as a home office, a guest house, or even a workout space that boasts unmatched privacy and convenience. 

Plus, these units can generate a significant amount of rental income, particularly in a high-cost region like the Bay Area. By renting out your prefab ADU in East Palo Alto, you can take advantage of a significant return on investment and pay off financial obligations more quickly.

Additionally, having an ADU could enhance your real estate’s value by 30%. This means your existing single-family property worth $500,000 today could increase to $650,000 over the long term.

An craned Abodu being installed in a homeowner's backyard

East Palo Alto ADU requirements

Each locality has a distinct set of guidelines for ADU construction, and the city of East Palo Alto is no exception. Generally, homeowners must secure building permits, get proper utility connections, and understand financing options.

Cost

How much does an ADU unit cost in East Palo Alto, CA?

Homeowners can invest anywhere from $150,000 for a no-frills attached ADU in San Mateo County to well over $500,000 for bespoke, top-tier designs featuring premium upgrades. 

Ultimately, the financial commitment for a prefab ADU in East Palo Alto varies based on the unit’s square footage, building materials, and design specifications, such as custom finishes and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. 

With Abodu, enjoy upfront pricing on prefab ADUs with no unexpected expenses—base models start at just under $229,000. Choose from a wide variety of customization options to design your ideal accessory dwelling unit.

Building Permits

How do I get an ADU permit?

Before you can break ground on the new construction of an ADU, the East Palo Alto planning department has to perform a land use and zoning clearance review. 

Following this, the building division will initiate a building permit review to ensure your ADU complies with regulations, which include minimum lot size and parking requirements.

This involves submitting ADU plans and detailed supporting documentation to the city. Once you get your ADU permit, your team can build your new modular home. Expect to factor in the cost of permit issuance fees as part of your total construction budget.

Utilities

What utilities are required for an ADU?

Local jurisdiction states that ADUs must have access to electricity in addition to water, sewer, and gas lines separate from those of the primary dwelling. 

This is in line with California state law, which mandates that a standard ADU needs to be an independent living space with a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom facilities.

Financing

How do I fund an ADU unit in East Palo Alto?

East Palo Alto property owners can lean on common ADU funding options like home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) or cash-out refinancing. A HELOC works by leveraging the equity in your primary residence as collateral. 

Cash-out refinancing lets you refinance your mortgage while taking out extra funds based on the increased value of your property.

Another option is construction-specific loans, which can cover the costs associated with construction projects, such as ADUs. These loans generally consist of clear-cut terms and disbursements tied to the progress of the construction.

FAQs: Prefab ADUs in East Palo Alto

Here are common questions related to building a prefab ADU in East Palo Alto.

Yes—the majority of EPA homeowners can construct a standard ADU and/or junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) on their property. Check with the city council’s planning division to ensure your primary residence is located in a zoning district that allows you to build a new ADU.

2023 has ushered in fresh legislation for ADUs in California. Aimed at promoting affordable housing to ease the housing crisis, the new state and local laws further simplify the permitting process and offer more flexibility in design standards, emphasizing a proactive approach to sustainable living.

Assembly Bill No. 1033 (AB 1033) brings one of the most noteworthy changes to ADU state law. According to AB 1033, individuals can buy an ADU outright as a condominium—without having to purchase the primary residence as well.

This opens up opportunities for low-income families to explore homeownership alternatives to single-family homes. However, the housing unit has to conform to specific requirements. One criteria is that the ADU builder has to be a qualified nonprofit.

In East Palo Alto, a detached ADU may not exceed 1,000 square feet, and the upper limit for a JADU (junior accessory dwelling unit) is 500 sq. ft. For attached ADUs, such as a garage conversion, the structure has to be at least 800 sq. ft. and within 50% of the primary residence, excluding the garage.

Learn more about Abodu Prefab ADUs

Abodu prefab ADUs exude style, comfort, and functionality. Leverage our industry-leading expertise to turn your dream ADU concept into reality. We’ll handle every detail throughout the ADU building process, from acquiring permits to crane-delivering your prefab home. So, no matter if you envision a bright studio workshop or an accessible two-bedroom modular home, our team can make it happen.

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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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