Writing
Cyrus Poudat on California ADUs
Field notes from Cyrus Poudat, ADU specialist and expert in California — covering laws, costs, design, financing and the mistakes worth avoiding.
California ADU Laws
California ADU Laws Explained by Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat breaks down California ADU laws, SB 9, AB 68 and the latest 2025 statewide rules every homeowner should know.
ADU Cost Guide
How Much Does an ADU Cost in California — Cyrus Poudat's Guide
Cyrus Poudat shares real California ADU cost ranges for detached, attached, garage conversion and JADU projects in 2025.
ADU Permits
California ADU Permits Step-by-Step with Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat walks through the ADU permit process in California — timelines, plan check, fees and how to avoid delays.
Garage Conversions
Garage Conversion ADUs in California — Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat explains how to convert a garage into a legal ADU in California, including code requirements and budget tips.
ADU Financing
Financing Your California ADU — Cyrus Poudat's Playbook
Cyrus Poudat covers HELOCs, renovation loans, CalHFA ADU grants and creative financing for California ADUs.
ADU Design
Smart ADU Design Ideas for California by Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat shares space-saving floor plans and design strategies for small-footprint California ADUs.
Rental Income
ADU Rental Income in California — Cyrus Poudat's Analysis
Cyrus Poudat breaks down realistic ADU rental income across Los Angeles, San Diego, the Bay Area and the Central Valley.
Prefab vs Stick-Built
Prefab vs Stick-Built ADUs — Cyrus Poudat's Verdict
Cyrus Poudat compares prefab modular ADUs with traditional stick-built construction for California homeowners.
Zoning & Setbacks
California ADU Zoning & Setbacks — Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat explains ADU zoning, lot coverage, height limits and setback rules under California state law.
Mistakes to Avoid
10 California ADU Mistakes to Avoid — Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat lists the costliest mistakes California homeowners make when planning, permitting and building an ADU.
Solar & Title 24
ADU Solar & Title 24 Compliance — Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat explains when California ADUs trigger solar requirements under Title 24 and how to pass energy compliance.
Multifamily ADUs
ADUs on Multifamily Properties in California — Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat explains how California duplex and apartment owners can add multiple ADUs under AB 1033 and AB 2221.
SB 9 Lot Splits
SB 9 Lot Splits & ADUs in California — Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat explains how SB 9 urban lot splits interact with ADU and JADU rules across California single-family lots.
Utilities & Sewer
ADU Utilities, Sewer & Water Connections — Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat walks through California ADU utility connections — separate meters, sewer capacity fees and water hookups.
Project Timeline
Realistic ADU Timeline in California — Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat lays out a realistic week-by-week California ADU timeline from design through final inspection.
Hiring a Contractor
Choosing an ADU Contractor in California — Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat shares his vetting checklist for hiring a licensed California ADU contractor without getting burned.
Property Taxes
How an ADU Affects California Property Taxes — Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat explains Prop 13, blended assessments and the real property tax impact of building an ADU in California.
Short-Term Rentals
ADUs as Short-Term Rentals in California — Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat covers California's 30-day rule, city STR bans and where ADUs can legally operate as Airbnbs.
Wildfire Zones
Building ADUs in California Wildfire Zones — Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat explains Chapter 7A, defensible space and ignition-resistant construction for ADUs in California WUI zones.
AB 1033 Sales
Selling Your ADU Separately Under AB 1033 — Cyrus Poudat
Cyrus Poudat explains how AB 1033 lets California homeowners condo-map and sell an ADU separately from the main house.