Introduction
As of January 2020, if you own real estate in California, you may be able to increase the property value AND rental income by building more than one ADU's as 'Accessories' to the existing home. California’s Accessory Dwelling Unit ADU law (Gov Code § 65852.2) underwent significant changes in 2020, creating new opportunities for property owners wishing to increase property value and/or generate rental income.
Senate Bill 9, signed into law by Governor Newsom, allows investors to build multi-family housing in neighborhoods previously zoned as single-family. Adding one or more ADUs is a great way to maximize profits. We're a complete turn-key solution for homeowners and investors.
ADU Basics
What is an ADU?
An ADU (or Accessory Dwelling Unit) is essentially an additional living unit that's built as an accessory to the original structure. There are three basic types of ADU:
1. Interior ADU
An interior ADU is built within the existing structure. Non-living spaces such as boiler rooms, storage rooms, attics, basements and garages.
2. Attached ADU
Attached ADU's can be built as an addition to the existing structure, provided that certain conditions are met and it conforms to local zoning laws.
3. Detached ADU
In many cases, a completely separate structure can be built on the existing lot, subject to certain conditions and applicable zoning laws.
We're ADU Experts!
With more than 30 years of design-build experience, 1st Choice Design & Development can bring your ADU vision to life! We provide a complete turnkey service from initial design consultation to delivery of the finished project. This provides the property owner with a single point of contact, instead of having multiple companies responsible for each aspect of the project.
We work with both homeowners, offering expert guidance in order to make the process as efficient as cost-effective as possible. If you're working on a project and need help, advice, or cost estimates, 1st Choice Design & Development can handle entire projects from initial walk-through to an exceptional finished ADU!
Planning Your ADU
Planning any new construction project, including ADU's project can be a complex process which involves many components. 1st Choice Design & Development has gained the experience necessary to help you navigate local and state regulations and get your project approved and ready to build. We can advise you on the best ways to save valuable time and money.
Whether you're a homeowner looking to create additional living space for a family member, or building an investment portfolio, 1st Choice has you covered!
Benefits of Design-Build
The property owner manages only one contract with a single point of responsibility. The designer and contractor work together from the beginning, as a team, providing unified project recommendations to fit the Owner's schedule and budget. Any changes are addressed by the entire team, leading to collaborative problem-solving and innovation, not excuses or blame-shifting.
How to Get Started
If you're thinking about building an ADU, the first step is scheduling a free design consultation. We'll provide you with available options, based on your requirements, existing property and local ADU guidelines. You will also receive expert guidance on the design of your ADU, along with an estimate of time and cost.

I was extremely impressed with the courteousness, work, and responsiveness of 1st Choice and their employees. I also highly recommend this company and look forward to working with them again in the very near future.
New ADU in Fullerton, CA
Book a Free ADU Design Consultation
Contact Us
ADU Design-Build in Marina Del Rey, CA
This single-Family property in Marina Del Rey, CA was recently completed The main home is a 1,161 square feet, 2-bed, 2-bath that had a detached, 2-car garage of 370 square feet.
The development for this property involves maximizing the lot by constructing an ADU. The 1,065 square foot, 2-bed, 2-bath detached ADU, with 525 square foot rooftop deck offers 360-degree views! Walkable skylights provide natural light for the master bedroom and the loft/office space. Every aspect of the planning and design phase included working through the complex approval process with the Coastal Commission, LADBS, and LADWP.
ADU Design-Build in San Diego, CA
This single-Family property in San Diego, CA was recently converted into a Duplex with the addition of a detached, 750 sf. 2-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom ADU with private entry and detached, 120 sf. office workspace.
Let's talk about your project!
ADU Design-Build in Stanton, CA
This single-Family property in Stanton, CA was recently converted into a Duplex with the addition of a detached, 1200 sf. 2-Bedroom, 2-Bathroom ADU with large open concept kitchen/living space and office (or 3rd bedroom).
740sf. Garage Conversion ADU in Garden Grove, CA
This single-Family property in Garden Grove, CA was recently converted into a Duplex with the addition of a detached, 740 sf. 1-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom, with large kitchen and laundry room. ADU with private entry and detached, 120 sf. office workspace.
360sf. Garage Conversion ADU in Corona, CA
This single-Family property in Corona, CA was recently converted into a Duplex with the addition of a detached, 360 sf. 1-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom ADU with stackable laundry and private side entry.
It was a pleasure working with Tony Holder, from 1st Choice Development. He was professional, courteous, and on-point! His staff was very helpful and hard working. I look forward to working on more projects in the future.
Housing Crisis in California
Even before the pandemic happened homelessness and housing affordability were at the top of the Californians anxiety list. They over-voted the economy, environmental issues, and education over housing crisis. Let’s classify homelessness as the biggest and most urgent problem at the moment. Over 150,000 homeless Californians are currently sleeping in shelters or even on the streets.
Right after homelessness, there are 7.1 million Californians who live in poverty. Taking the housing costs into account, giving more than half of their paychecks for rent only, leaves them with not enough money to live a decent life in California. Even if they are not homeless, there is more than 57% of these low-income Californians who are barely making their ends meet.
Sixty years ago, the average home in California was worth about three times the average income of a household. Nowadays it costs more than seven times what the average household makes. Such big rents make Californians unable to save enough for down payment which makes them live as tenants for much longer than they have planned.
This is the first time in a while that housing crisis hit higher-income Californians. In 2021, nine out of ten Californians consider housing affordability a problem, and nearly one in three Californians are considering leaving the state because of it, according to
Public Policy Institute of California.
All of these problems are obviously related and stem from the same root problem: not enough housing.
ADU Design Renderings
Very good service from these folks. The prices were competitive and I was very pleased with the quality of work. I appreciate the services that Tony, Ed, and their crews gave and the end product was more than I had hoped for a job well done!
Let's talk about your project!
Operating for more than 30-years, 1st Choice Design & Development has been a top-rated general contractor. We're privately owned & operated and have completed more than 2,000 projects.
333 City Blvd. W. Suite 1700, Orange, CA 92868 | CSLB# 576474
Copyright © 2022-2024 1st Choice Design & Development Inc.
Web Design by Motion Management