Explore Los Angeles' pre-approved ADU plans for homeowners. Learn about benefits, drawbacks, considerations, and the customizable standard plans from Cottage.


Los Angeles’s Pre-Approved ADU Plans - A Guide for homeowners considering an ADU in LA

California demand for ADUs outpaces what actually gets built

Cottage's ADU Impact Report

Explore the benefits and drawbacks of using pre-approved ADU plans for your San Diego home and how Customizable ADUs can suit your needs in this guide.


San Diego's Pre-Approved ADU Plans - Should You Use Pre-Approved ADU Plans for Your Home?

Save this ADU unit guide for instant access to everything you need to know for your backyard cottage. Providing expert ADU advice based on real ADU experience.

The 1-Stop ADU Unit Guide for Your Backyard Cottage

Cottage has arrived in Los Angeles, bringing our best-in-class ADU platform to Southern California homeowners.


Cottage Breaks Ground in Los Angeles

We’re excited to announce that Cottage has closed $15M in Series A financing led by Fifth Wall.


Announcing Cottage’s $15M Series A Financing

The pre-existing conditions of your backyard or garage are important for your ADU budget and planning. The location of your utilities can also be an important factor for your project. Read more to learn about how to assess your property for your future ADU.

Assessing Site Conditions & Utilities for Your ADU

By law, all accessory dwelling units must include a kitchen space. Learn more about the different options you have and how you can maximize your ADU kitchen space.

Cooking Up Your Perfect ADU Kitchen

ADUs can vary in both shape and size, but there are some general building code limitations to the sizes of certain rooms. Read on to learn more about how the rooms in your ADU build up to a full unit.

Your ADU Layout: Bedrooms, Bathrooms, and More!

Whether you are building a rental ADU or a luxurious retirement ADU, your interior and exterior finishes will impact how your ADU turns out. We cover the best interior and exterior finishing options for your ADU project.

The Best Interior & Exterior Finishes for Your ADU

What are key milestones in permitting and construction for your ADU project? The Cottage team covers the key steps to your ADU construction

ADU Building Timeline

Read more to learn why building an ADU is a home and property value no-brainer for any homeowner with a backyard space or garage to convert.

How Much Value Does An ADU Add to Your Property?

Designing, planning, permitting, and building a new ADU takes a network consultants and trusted partners.  Read more about what ADU consultants will be necessary for your project.

ADU Consultants: What Do You Need?

The best Accessory Dwelling Unit designs should include a few features, no matter the use case or floor plan. We explore these keys with Cottage Design Manager Manon Paquet.

The 5 Elements of Perfect ADU Design

Kyu and Michelle from Cottage walk through the keys to starting your ADU project. Learn about the 5 essential things you need to do for a smooth build. 

Starting Your ADU? 5 Things To Do NOW for a Smooth Build

Learn more about ADU Pre-approval Programs and Pre-approved ADU plans, such as the Los Angeles Standard Plan Program that Cottage participates in, along with the pros and cons for your custom ADU project.

ADU Pre-approval Plans: Is It Right for You?

There are general contractors, design firms, prefab ADU companies, & modular builders. Hillary Scott explains what to look out for when deciding on a builder

How to Choose the Right ADU Builder

From more square feet (sq ft) to higher ceilings to high-end interior finishes, there are many places you could spend your Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) budget. How do you choose? To learn more, we sit down with Cottage's Head of Design and Delivery, Anamika Goyal.

Splurge or Save? Cottage's Head of Design Talks ADU Exteriors & Interiors

More square footage to higher ceilings to interior finishes, there are many places you could spend your ADU budget. At Cottage we provide you with insight!

Splurge or Save? Cottage's Head of Design Talks ADU Design

Choosing the best ADU architect and designer best equipped for your needs can be challenging. Learn what you need to look out for in your ADU design team! 

How to Choose The Best ADU Designer and Architect

There are many design options for choosing your custom ADU floor plans & layout. Check out our guide to determine what makes the most sense for your ADU.

 Choosing ADU Floor Plans

ADU Financing is a big commitment. Learn your options for financing a new ADU. We illuminate the various ADU financing options available to you.

ADU Financing

Homeowners often come to us asking how much it will cost to build their ADU. After covering the soft costs in our previous post, we break down the nuts and bolts of your project: the construction hard costs.

What does it cost to build an ADU? (Part 2)

Check out how affordable it is to build an ADU. At Cottage we help break down the soft costs for you and have made a guide with 2 parts to check out! (Part 1/2)

What does it cost to build an ADU? (Part 1)

ADU eligibility is a common question due to limitations to California's new regulations. Learn about local regulations and their effect on ADU construction.  

Is My Property Eligible for an ADU?

We've seen hundreds of Bay Area properties. We can show you what makes for a good ADU site candidate, and how to determine if your ADU project is feasible.

Where Can I Build My Accessory Dwelling Unit?

There are several different types of ADUs: Detached ADUs, Attached ADUs, & Conversion ADUs. Click to explore the differences & know what is right for you.

Different types of ADUs

Accessory Dwelling Units have exploded in popularity in the past few years. So what are ADUs and are they right for me?

What is an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)?

Attached family homes provide a unique solution well-suited for many different family structures. Learn how to build one for your family here. 

Attached Homes Provide Flexibility to Families

We built Cottage ADUs to create the modern design-build experience we wanted as homeowners. Cottage is a one-stop-shop for your custom ADU

Introducing Cottage ADUs

 Is it cheaper to build or buy a house? The answer depends. If you’re interested, keep reading for our answer to the question. 

Is It Cheaper To Build or Buy a House?

The two most common methods of building ADUs carry pros and cons.  Learn why Cottage chooses to focus on custom, stick-built ADUs over prefab ADUs or modular units for a faster, cheaper investment.

Custom vs. Prefab ADUs vs. Modular ADUs

Why build a custom ADU with Cottage: To add ADU rental income, living space for parents & family, work from home offices, increase home equity & more.

Custom ADU with Cottage

A shed home is an appealing option due to its simplicity and affordability. However, an ADU may be a better alternative that’s cheaper and easier.

Affordable Alternatives to a Shed Home

Modular homes may last for a long time, but ADUs are a better long-term investment. Decide which option is best for you with Cottage. 

How Long Do Modular Homes Last?

A guest house provides accommodations for guests, family members, or renters. Build a guest house to meet your needs and budget with Cottage. 

What Is a Guest House?

It’s no secret that ADUs are on the rise. ADU plans range in cost, but you can save in the process through smart construction & design choices. Check our guide.

ADU Plans

 An upstairs loft is a versatile space that you can design to fit your needs. Get some inspiration for your upstairs loft with these ten ideas from Cottage. 


10 Upstairs Loft Ideas

Find out how adding a granny flat or any ADU to your property can increase your property values & provide aging family members with a great place to live.

Reasons to Add a Granny Flat to Your Property

Unlock your property’s full potential and earn passive rental income with a Cottage Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Learn why homeowners are using Cottage to secure their financial future.

Cottage ADUs: Add Passive Rental Income & Instant Property Value

With a custom ADU, you can choose the right floor plan, square footage, and special features for your needs and property size. Discover your dream home today.


What Types of Floor Plans Can an ADU Have?

Tiny homes can often be moved around while ADUs sit on a permanent foundation. Find out how some tiny homes can still qualify as an ADU here. 

What Is the Difference Between Tiny Homes and ADUs?

Read about how tiny homes can have some incredible features typically found in larger homes, including full-size bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and living areas.


What Are Some Incredible Features in Tiny Homes?

Learn how tiny houses are the top housing solution for 2021 that has seen record housing price increases and increased flexibility as people work from home. 

How to Make the Most Out of a Shed Tiny House

Read how attached family homes are a cost-effective housing solution that allows you to utilize your space to rent out for extra income or house family members.

Maximizing Your Lot With Attached Family Homes

Tiny houses offer green benefits by using fewer and greener construction materials, reducing energy consumption and waste, and more. See if one is right for you.

What Are the Green Benefits of Living in a Tiny House?

Building and designing a custom tiny home allows you to pick and choose the features you need for a functional and fabulous space.

What Custom Options Are There for Tiny Homes?

Anyone can build a detached ADU so long as it follows state and local regulations. Discover how using an experienced custom ADU company can help get the best results.

Who Can Build a Detached ADU?

Learn about how tiny homes are part of the way of the future thanks to rising housing costs, more remote work opportunities, and increased environmental concerns.

Why Tiny Houses May Be the Way of the Future

Hiring an architect is a necessity for most building projects. But how much will it cost you? Learn about architect costs to manage your build budget. 

How Much Does an Architect Cost?

The terms and conditions for Cottage's Partner Program.

Cottage Partner Program: Terms & Conditions

The terms and conditions for Cottage's homeowner referral program.

Cottage Referral Program: Terms & Conditions

An architect is necessary to build an ADU that’s safe and beautiful. Consider working with an all-inclusive ADU company with their own designers and contractors. 

Is an Architect Necessary for Building an ADU?

Tiny homes and mobile homes may seem similar, but they come with key differences that need to be considered when looking at a lifestyle change. Discover more here. 

Tiny Home Versus Mobile Home

Interested in generating real estate passive income? Learn more about how to make money on rental properties and ADUs here.

How To Make Money With Rental Properties | Cottage

California is going through a major housing crisis. Review the new laws that streamline the new construction of ADUs to solve this issue.

California Housing Crisis: ADUs to the Rescue

Pocket doors are sleek, stylish alternatives to traditional or sliding doors. Here’s a helpful guide on how to install them.

How To Install a Pocket Door 

Add a dramatic flourish to your home by raising your ceiling height to bring a spacious, regal element to your ADU. Find out more here.

How Much Does It Cost To Vault Ceilings?

While an ADU can earn you money, it can also cost you money in taxes. Learn more to determine if this is a beneficial financial option for you. 

How Much Does an ADU Impact My Taxes?

Small spaces can often feel cluttered, but they don’t have to feel that way! Learn how to clear your clutter to truly maximize and enjoy your space. 

How To Clear Clutter

Being an ADU landlord can be challenging and confusing at times. Learn what you need to do to be a good landlord and keep your tenants. 

How To Be a Good Landlord With Your ADU

Renting out an ADU on a short or long-term basis can earn you substantial rental income. Discover what you need to know in order to maximize your earnings. 

ADUs: Great for Passive Rental Income

Renting out an ADU can make you a lot of money, but it can also be a lot of work. Read about how to make sure your experience as a landlord is a good one. 

A Landlord’s Guide to Renting Out an ADU

The choice between carpet and hardwood in the bedrooms can be a matter of personal preference. Weigh the pros and cons to make the best decision. 

How To Choose Between Carpet or Hardwood in Bedrooms

ADUs and tiny homes might seem like the same thing, but there are key differences between the two. Learn more about these alternative housing options. 

ADU vs. Tiny Home: Understanding the Difference

Above-garage ADUs help you maximize your space by building up instead of out. Learn more about this type of ADU and how to build one with Cottage. 

ADU Above Garage: What You Should Know

Need to organize your small bedroom to gain additional space or minimize clutter? Check out these tips, and your bedroom will feel bigger than ever.

How To Organize a Small Bedroom To Minimize Clutter | Cottage

Not sure how to upgrade your rental property and get the best bang for your buck? Check out the 11 smartest upgrades for a rental property here.

11 Best Upgrades To Make to Your Rental Property | Cottage

Both modular and stick-built homes have their advantages and drawbacks when it comes to time and cost efficiency. Follow our guide to learn more.

Modular Homes Vs. Stick-Built: Which Is Best?  | Cottage

Not sure how to become a rental property owner on a budget? Learn why renting out an ADU could be the best way to begin your landlord journey.

Guide on How To Become a Rental Property Owner | Cottage

Not sure how long it takes to build an ADU designed specifically to your needs? Review a breakdown of an average ADU construction timeline here.

How Long Does It Take To Build an ADU?

Your home property can be a valuable investment opportunity to generate income, earn a return on investment, and secure a healthy financial future.

Investment Property: How to Invest in Your Own Home

The Bay Area is one of the most desirable locations in CA, and the price reflects that. Learn more about Bay Area housing availability here.

Buying a House in the Bay Area: House Availability Guide

Help make your home-investment work for you and build equity by securing a home equity loan, renovating your house, and building an ADU.

How To Build and Generate Equity for Your Home

Are you interested in giving back to the community? Read about unique ways to support your neighbors and how ADUs might be the answer.

The Extreme Importance of Giving Back to the Community

The steps to building an ADU involve feasibility, design, permitting, and construction. Learn how an ADU builder can give you incredible results. 


What Is the Process for Building an ADU?

Decorating a small house without help may be a challenge. Discover how an experienced interior designer can help you decorate the small house of your dreams. 

What Are Some Tips to Decorate a Small House?

ADUs may be small, but they don’t need to be cramped. See how a
great layout and a thoughtful design are key to maximizing the space within
your ADU. 

Space-Saving Tips for ADUs

Foundation repair isn’t easy or cheap, so it’s vital to take care of your foundation and work with experienced professionals. Learn more here.

How To Repair a Foundation

Discover how with the right design plan and the right furniture pieces, you can create a functional small space that seems much bigger than it really is. 

Decorating Small Spaces 101

Find out how living sustainably involves limiting consumption of resources and saving water, energy, and gas while focusing on reusing items when possible.

What Does It Mean to Live Sustainably?

Building a house in Los Angeles can be expensive. Learn how much it costs and how to minimize your building expenses with Cottage. 

What’s the Cost of Building a House in Los Angeles?

Your first ADU construction likely comes with a lot of questions and unknowns. Get answers to all your ADU-related questions with Cottage. 

What To Know Before Your First ADU Construction

Landscaping can be challenging, especially if you have a lot of space to work with. Transform your backyard with these landscaping tips. 

How To Landscape Backyard: Landscaping 101

Finding a contractor for a home improvement project can be challenging. Learn what to look for and how to make your decision for the best results. 

How To Find a Contractor for a Home Improvement Project

Starting an Airbnb is an appealing side hustle that can earn you extra income. Learn how to do it by renting out part of your home with an ADU.

Starting an Airbnb: Renting Out Part of Your Main Home and Live in Your ADU

Mobile homes and manufactured homes may seem the same but there are key differences. Learn the difference and see which is right for you. 

Mobile Home vs. Manufactured Home: What’s the Difference?

Home addition costs can be high in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Read how working with an all-in-one designer and builder can save time and money. 

Home Addition Cost Bay Area and Los Angeles | Cottage

No matter what your home style is, Cottage can help you design and build a custom ADU that perfectly matches your home style and aesthetic. 

Types of Houses: The 10 Most Popular Styles of Houses

It’s legal to turn a shed into a house with the right zoning laws, building codes, and permits. Learn how to turn a shed into a house with Cottage. 

Can You Legally Turn a Shed Into a House?

It can be hard to achieve enough privacy in your backyard, but it’s possible with the right amount of creativity. Here are some ideas to consider. 

Backyard Privacy Ideas

Never wonder what paint finishes to choose again. Rely on this comprehensive guide to picking the perfect finish for your project.

How To Choose the Perfect Paint Finishes for Your Remodeling Project

We're a team of architects, builders, and technologists committed to solving housing affordability by making it easy to build an ADU.

We empower homeowners and contractors to build more and build better.

Our mission

About Cottage

Room for more

We are owner-builders. We roll up our sleeves together, do whatever is required for our homeowners and partners, and do it right.

Build like you own the place

In an opaque industry, we build trust with radical transparency. We offer this transparency to and ask for it equally from our homeowners, partners, and team.

Transparency

We're taking an entirely new approach to an age-old industry. We aren't afraid to pave the path forward.

Break ground

We started this business because we felt the pain firsthand and knew there had to be a better way. We obsess over the homeowner and partner experience and build products/services that solve their most acute pain points.

Customer obsession

Our core values

Cottage: Build your custom ADU in LA, San Diego, and the Bay Area

Join our team of architects, builders, and technologists in reimagining the residential construction industry.

The 1-Stop ADU Guide for Your Backyard Cottage

ADU Resources