General B Contractor California Handyman GC in Valley Village
California Handyman is a licensed GC in Valley Village. For building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Valley Village, California Handyman stands out for its expertise and meticulous planning. Our team is fully licensed to manage all kinds of construction projects, from new home building to ADU creation and room additions to existing structures. Explore our services at California Handyman.
Our GC in Valley Village services include obtaining building permits, creating comprehensive construction plans, and submitting these plans for approval. These plans highlight both the existing structure and the proposed changes. A city-appointed plan checker will review the submissions, and once they give their stamp of approval, construction can commence.
The process of designing an accessory dwelling unit is fairly straightforward. The layout typically starts with the bathroom and kitchen, given the importance of planning for the drainage, water, and gas pipes. Next, consideration is given to the electrical system, determining where power will be introduced into the unit. Once these elements are mapped out, it’s simpler to design the placement of the kitchen, bathroom, electrical outlets, and lighting fixtures.
A.D.U. GC in Valley Village
If your home was originally built before 1980, your new ADU will be significantly newer, by at least 34 years. This age difference is important because building codes have evolved, ensuring that your ADU will be both safer and more energy-efficient. Modern advantages include the installation of solar panels, tankless water heaters, advanced foam insulation, underground electrical wiring, and high-quality windows and doors that provide excellent thermal and sound insulation.
When transforming an old garage into a new accessory dwelling unit—a process known in the industry as a garage conversion—it’s often necessary to overhaul much of the existing structure. Garages were not originally designed for habitation, so they were constructed with minimal standards. Today, due to increased awareness of fire and earthquake safety, building codes have become more stringent, requiring additional structural connectors and specific nailing schedules.
Since 2006, California Handyman, a GC in Valley Village, has specialized in converting garages into ADUs, including assisting with the necessary permitting for previously converted garages. We have extensive experience helping homeowners legalize their converted spaces and can expertly navigate the city’s requirements to ensure your garage meets all legal standards. If code enforcement becomes involved, you may need to either demolish the structure or obtain proper permits. We are here to guide you through the cost assessment and timeline to complete this process efficiently.