Portland

Try our new tool to learn about ADU permit requirements where you live.

For customers ordering a full accessory dwelling unit with kitchen and bathroom options, you'll work directly with our installation team on certain items. The price quoted in your Design Center project includes the construction of the building, installation of all interior fixtures, electrical wiring, and installation of cabinetry and countertops.

The ability to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) depends on various factors, including local zoning regulations and building codes. Here are somef general steps to determine if you can build an ADU where you live:

• Research Local Regulations: Start by researching the zoning regulations and building codes specific to your location. Check with your local planning department or building authority to understand the requirements and restrictions for building an ADU on your property.
• Determine Property Eligibility: Find out if your property meets the criteria for building an ADU. Some factors that may affect eligibility include lot size, setbacks, parking requirements, and neighborhood restrictions. Your local authorities can provide guidance on these matters.
• Consult with Professionals: Consider consulting with professionals such as architects, contractors, or ADU specialists who have experience in your area. They can help assess your property, navigate the regulations, and provide insights on design options and costs.
• Obtain Permits: If your property is eligible and you decide to proceed, you will need to obtain the necessary permits from the local building department. The permitting process typically involves submitting plans, paying fees, and complying with specific requirements.
• Work with Installation Team: If you choose to order a full ADU with kitchen and bathroom options, you will work directly with the installation team. They will handle the construction of the building, installation of interior fixtures, electrical wiring, and cabinetry/countertops. The price quoted in the Design Center project usually includes these items.

Remember, the process and requirements for building an ADU can vary significantly depending on your location. It's crucial to consult with local authorities and professionals to ensure compliance with all regulations and to make informed decisions throughout the process.

Local regulations for accessory buildings and studios vary widely across the country, and even within localities. The best way to confirm is to place a call to your local building department. While permitting your project will take more time and involve some additional cost, it will also become properly recorded additional square footage for your residence, which is desirable when selling or appraising your home.

Studio Shed will prepare a full plan-set document package showing every detail of your Studio Shed structure or dwelling, compliance with all applicable codes, electrical and plumbing layouts, foundation details, and compliance with specific items such as Title 24 energy code in California. The homeowner may need to assist in gathering information to facilitate the creation of this document, such as obtaining a site survey if required, or similar site-specific need. The homeowner is also responsible for the delivery of the permit package to the local municipality.

If there are comments or revisions from the building department, Studio Shed will address these and make appropriate changes for a timely resubmittal. The homeowner is responsible for applicable permit fees charged by their local municipality.

This varies widely by location and can range from 1-day (yes, true) to several months in some areas. Once an order is finalized, it typically takes 3-4 weeks to create a detailed enough plan set to support likely permit approval. Review is at the discretion of the building department, and this is the most lengthy part of the process. Once the permit is approved, your Studio Shed will be ready for shipment in approximately 4 weeks.

Installation timeline depends on the size and options you've chosen for your Studio Shed. Summit Series units with kitchen and bathrooms typically take 2-3 weeks from installation start to completion. For permitted installations requiring intermediate inspections, timelines can vary depending on inspector availability.

Contact our Customer Experience team to confirm that we have an installation team in your area. We cover the majority of major metropolitan areas in the US and a reasonable travel radius outside those areas. For larger and more complex projects, we are typically able to extend the range of our installation teams if there is one nearby. Or, provide a referral to a trusted contractor in your area we can support for the installation.