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.