Courtesy LivingHomes

Santa Monica, Calif.-based design firm LivingHomes has unveiled the LivingHome AD1, a versatile accessory dwelling unit (ADU) designed to fit either in backyards or as a main structure on an empty lot.

With base prices starting at $99,000, AD1 comes with all finishes, fixtures, and appliances. With site and utility work, permits and other fees, a complete AD1 can be priced as low as $160,000 in the Los Angeles area. The unit, which requires minimal site prep, is built in a climate-controlled California factory in about one month.

“Thanks to Governor Brown, ADUs are now permitted in all cities in California,” says LivingHomes CEO Steve Glenn. “This means that if you have a single family home anywhere in the state, you can add an accessory dwelling unit to your property, which you can use for additional housing or rental income."

Measuring 14’-6” wide x 29’-6” long, the AD1 maximizes the use of its available 400 square feet space, featuring a living room, full bedroom, kitchen, and full bath. The home is designed to be hooked up to all utilities, and can be installed and finished in one day or less. Finish options include three packages for interior and three finish packages for the exterior, giving buyers a total of nine standard configurations to choose from.

Other features of the AD1 include:• LEED Platinum level environmental package and performance
• Steel and wood frame hybrid
• High performance envelope
• Optimized for Seismic Categories E and F, and can be installed in most lots in California
• High efficacy LED lighting, high efficiency forced air HVAC system, tankless water heater
• Durable metal roof
• Option for Photovoltaic system
• Option for whole unit emergency battery
• Helical pile foundation system to eliminate the inconvenience of a construction site for weeks of conventional foundation construction. (The helical pile system can be installed in a day prior to installation, where helical pile is feasible.)
• High fire hazard severity zone compliant

From an urban planning perspective, ADUs provide more access to desirable neighborhoods already established withshops, schools and other resources, says Glenn. Cities ranging from Boston to L.A. are leveraging ADUs and inclusionary options for first-time homeowners and larger, aging families.