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ADU
May fit when the new space needs the functions and independence of a separate dwelling within a property-specific review path.
Accessory dwelling units · San Francisco Bay Area
Plan an independent space that still belongs on the property.
Terra Buildr approaches an ADU as both a small home and a property-wide decision, reviewing intended use, placement, access, privacy, utilities, drainage, and the relationship to the main house.Plan a compact home around use, placement, privacy, access, utilities, and its relationship to the main house.
- Primary goal
- Independent living space
- Early question
- Who will use it?
- Planning lens
- Placement and utilities
Compare the construction path
Which level of change solves the right problem?
Compare the desired outcome, existing conditions, amount of change, and how independently the new or renewed space should function.
Connected scope
What a compact independent home needs to connect.
Not every project includes every item. The purpose is to surface the relationships while there is still room to coordinate them.
Placement · setbacks · access · shared systems
Intended use and independence
Define who the space is for, how independently it should function, and which privacy, storage, kitchen, bath, and access needs matter most.
Placement and property relationships
Study the main house, outdoor space, neighboring sightlines, daylight, vegetation, and property-specific constraints before fixing a footprint.
Entry and everyday circulation
Consider how occupants, visitors, deliveries, waste, and maintenance move between the street, ADU, main home, and shared yard.
Utilities and equipment
Review potential routes, existing capacity questions, metering goals, equipment locations, and service access before the plan hardens.
Ground, drainage, and enclosure
Coordinate available site information with foundation planning, surface water, roof drainage, weather protection, and durable exterior transitions.
Compact-space coordination
Align cabinetry, appliances, fixtures, doors, windows, clearances, storage, lighting, and mechanical space where every inch has several jobs.
Property checkpoints
The details that can change the project path.
The Terra Buildr approach
A clear path from first questions to closeout.
Each stage has a different job: understand the property, define the work, coordinate the moving pieces, and carry the plan through closeout.
Clarify the use
Define the occupants, daily needs, desired independence, property context, and the reason an ADU is being considered.
Test the fit
Compare placement, access, utility concepts, privacy, site conditions, drawings, and the property-specific review path.
Coordinate the scope
Align consultants, plans, trade input, selections, site logistics, assumptions, and outstanding decisions before construction.
Build and close out
Carry the defined work through site preparation, structure, enclosure, systems, finishes, walkthrough, punch work, and handoff.
Before the first review
Useful information—not prerequisites.
Existing plans, surveys, photographs, inspiration, known constraints, and timing goals help when available. None are required to begin the conversation.
- 01A short description of intended occupants and how independently the space should function
- 02Surveys, plans, utility information, or property records, when available
- 03Photographs of the yard, street access, main house, side yards, and known drainage conditions
- 04Priorities for privacy, storage, daylight, outdoor space, and material character
ADU Builder questions
Clarify the path before the scope hardens.
What is the difference between an ADU and a Backyard Pod?
An ADU is planned as a dwelling with a property-specific set of living functions and requirements. A Backyard Pod is better considered as an office, studio, wellness, or flex room when independent dwelling use is not the goal.
Should I choose an attached or detached ADU first?
Start with the intended use and the property. Privacy, access, existing structure, yard value, utilities, and daily circulation can reveal whether attached, detached, or conversion concepts deserve deeper study.
Do I need ADU plans before requesting a review?
No. A survey, photographs, a sketch, or a clear use brief can be enough to begin. Existing plans and early design work are useful when available.
What can change an ADU concept after the first sketch?
Verified property information, utility routes, site access, drainage, structural input, equipment space, product clearances, and applicable local review can all refine the footprint and scope.
Start with the property
Give the smaller home a complete planning path.
Share the intended use, property location, known conditions, and current design stage so the right ADU questions can come first.