Prefab ADU in Menlo Park
Abodu makes and installs prefab homes for play, passive income and possibility in as little as 6 months.
About Menlo Park
Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo Park, California, is home to great food, cultural attractions, and upscale neighborhoods. Enhance your Menlo Park property with a prefab accessory dwelling unit (ADU). It can serve as a new home office, art studio, guest house for visiting friends and family, or rental unit to earn passive income. From studios to two-bedrooms, Abodu offers a range of custom-made prefab ADUs to maximize space on your property.
What are the benefits of having an ADU?
ADUs are quicker and less expensive to build than traditional construction. Whether your ADU is a compact space for work or a more expansive main dwelling, ADUs add incredibly versatile square footage to your property. Use your ADU as a personal gym or to house an aging family member so they can stay close to loved ones while maintaining a sense of independence.
If you’re looking for another revenue stream, you can rent out your ADU and earn several thousand dollars a month in passive income. The demand for housing in Menlo Park and the San Francisco Bay Area is high, so there’s a large pool of potential long-term renters looking for affordable housing options.
Since ADUs are smaller and more energy-efficient than a single-family home, they are a more sustainable way of living. Also, the additional living area can increase your property value by up to 30%, so adding a prefab ADU is a worthwhile investment.

An Abodu One being craned on install day.
Menlo Park ADU requirements
Between acquiring proper building permits and securing funding, there are multiple considerations involved in the process of constructing a prefab ADU in Menlo Park.
Cost
How much does an ADU unit cost in Menlo Park?
The cost of an ADU depends on several factors like size, design, and if you customize your ADU. Stick-built ADUs in California can cost over $500,000. Prefab ADUs are significantly less expensive because they’re predesigned and built on a dedicated site in a controlled environment. Abodu’s prefab ADUs start at $228,000 and offer a streamlined process where your ADU gets built and delivered in as little as nine months.
Building Permits
How do I get an ADU permit?
California requires all ADU permit applications to be reviewed and returned within 60 days. Applications include detailed descriptions of proposed work and must meet permit requirements, building code, San Mateo county regulations, and applicable review agency requirements.
Requirements
What facilities are required for an ADU?
Menlo Park requires ADUs to include an independent kitchen with a permanent range, counters, refrigerator, and sink. ADUs must also have independent sanitation facilities separate from the main house. Junior ADUs (JADUs) can share bathrooms with the primary dwelling.
Financing
How do I fund an ADU unit in SMenlo Park?
Property owners have a few options for financing your ADU. Cash-out refinancing is when you refinance your first mortgage to a higher amount, then use the funds to pay for the ADU. Cash-out refinancing consolidates your first mortgage and ADU financing into one loan, though it often raises the interest rate.
Another option is a construction loan, which finances the ADU build from the ground up. The future value of your home determines the construction loan amount. This option often allows you to borrow more than cash-out refinancing.
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is an open line of credit backed by the equity in your primary residence. Similar to how a credit card works, you can withdraw money as needed up to a set limit and typically pay the money back over time.
FAQs: Prefab ADUs in Menlo Park
How much does the Menlo Park ADU permit cost?
ADU permits in Menlo Park can cost thousands. ADUs over 750 square feet in Menlo Park also require city impact fees proportional to the size of the ADU. ADUs under 750 square feet do not have to pay city impact fees, but will likely pay school impact fees, which are determined by each district and typically between $3-5 per square foot.
What is the maximum size of an ADU in Menlo Park?
The maximum size of an attached ADU in Menlo Park is 1,000 square feet or 50% of the existing primary dwelling, depending on which is greater. A detached ADU in Menlo Park can be up to 1,000 square feet. The maximum height can be the same as the primary dwelling.
What appliances are typically included in an ADU?
ADUs typically include the following appliances:
Refrigerator
Oven
Stove
Dishwasher
Microwave
An accessory building might include a heating and cooling system, water heater, and in-unit washer and dryer. Some homeowners in Menlo Park have parking requirements and must provide one off-street parking space.
How long does it take to build an ADU?
Building an ADU might take 6-10 months in the San Francisco Bay Area, but it can take over a year, depending on the complexity of your design and permit requirements. If you choose a prefab ADU, you can expect the entire process from consultation to installation to be complete in as little as nine months.
What are the steps to build a prefab ADU in Menlo Park?
Abodu makes building an ADU in Menlo Park simple and straightforward. First, you’ll have a discovery call or showroom visit where you can ask questions and get clear on the next steps. Then, you’ll have an on-site consultation where your designer will determine where to install your ADU and solidify design plans. You’ll sign a contract to confirm the project's design, timeline, and cost. Abodu’s team will handle permitting, construction, and site preparation. Finally, you’ll watch as you have your ADU installed, and you can enjoy your new Abodu.
Learn more about Abodu Prefab ADUs

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.

Unparalleled Design
Each floor plan showcases timeless designs using sustainable, high-quality materials—all with upfront pricing.

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.

A Great Investment
Take advantage of an exceptional return on investment with an Abodu ADU.
