Adding more living space without leaving your home in Calabasas is something many homeowners are thinking about, especially with family needs changing. Whether it’s to help take care of aging parents or give older kids a little independence, finding extra room can make life easier. One way people are doing this is by adding an ADU, which stands for accessory dwelling unit. Some people call it a guest house, while others think of it like a second small home on their property.
There are two main types of ADUs: attached and detached. Both offer different setups depending on your lot, your needs, and how much privacy you want. A custom ADU builder in Calabasas can talk through these choices with you and help you figure out what fits best with your goals and your property. Pure Builders is an award-winning residential design-build firm based in Calabasas, so planning, design, and construction are coordinated by one local team.
What Is an ADU and Why Build One
An ADU is simply another livable space on your property that has its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. That makes it good for overnight guests, long-term family stays, or even for someone who wants a little extra room for hobbies or work. It’s a real structure, not a shed or a garage with a couch.
A lot of families in Calabasas think about building an ADU when they need more flexibility. Instead of upsizing to a bigger house in a different neighborhood, adding an ADU lets you stay where you are. The space can be private, quiet, and shaped around individual needs. Whether it’s for in-laws to stay close or for adult kids to have more space before they get their own place, an ADU often solves the problem. It’s a way to grow within the home you already love.
Attached ADUs: Pros and Things to Consider
Attached ADUs are built as part of your main house. They may share a wall and utilities, which makes the building process a bit more direct compared to a stand-alone unit. These are especially good for smaller lots in Calabasas where space is tight, but the need for more living area is still real.
Here are a few reasons people often go with an attached ADU:
• They tend to take up less of the yard, which matters if outdoor space is limited
• It’s sometimes easier to tie into electric, plumbing, and heating systems
• Getting from one space to the other is faster, which can be helpful if you’re supporting someone who needs regular help
The main downside is the privacy level. Since the space is connected, sound and foot traffic might carry over if the walls aren’t well insulated. That makes it a better pick when the extra space is staying in the family and regular interaction is expected.
Detached ADUs: What Makes Them Different
A detached ADU is completely separate from your main home and usually gets built in the backyard. Think of it like a small house on the same property, with its own door, kitchen, and living area. For homeowners who want to create true separation between spaces, this setup is the way to go.
Here’s why some choose detached ADUs:
• They give more privacy, which is key if it’s for guests, renters, or older kids
• You can design the whole thing from the ground up without needing to match the main house exactly
• The space often feels more like a home of its own, rather than just an extension
This type will need more yard space, and bringing in separate utilities might take a bit more planning. But for those who want flexibility and long-term use, detached units offer more options.
Picking the Right ADU for Your Property in Calabasas
Deciding between attached and detached depends on several things, starting with your lot size. In Calabasas, where homes vary from hillside lots to wide, flat properties, space plays a big role. Then it’s about your goals. Will this space be rented out? Will it house family? Or will it serve another purpose altogether?
Sitting down with a custom ADU builder in Calabasas can help answer these questions. We usually recommend walking the property together to look at everything from utility access to natural light. Some homes are laid out better for attached builds, while others have perfect spots in the yard for detached units. Local experience can shed light on which ideas are easier to permit and build.
Local Rules and What You Should Know
Fall is a common time for planning construction in Calabasas, since people like to get things moving before the holidays or plan for spring builds. That makes November a smart window to review what’s needed for permit approvals.
Here’s a basic list of things to keep in mind before starting an ADU project in Calabasas:
• Permits are required for any ADU type, attached or detached
• Calabasas has its own zoning rules that affect where and how big the ADU can be
• Local codes may control how close an ADU can be to fences or other buildings
Getting early advice is one of the best ways to make sure the project doesn’t hit a wall later. The permit steps can feel slow, especially around the end of the year, but working with people who know the local process helps keep things moving.
Find the ADU That Fits Your Life
Whether you’re leaning toward an attached room or a separate backyard unit, the best ADU is the one that works for your home and your future plans. Space can change how a household moves, connects, and supports one another, and building it well from the start matters.
Getting a plan in place now gives time to take the right steps, checking local rules, working on design ideas, and figuring out how the new space will be used. When done thoughtfully, an ADU is more than just extra space. It becomes part of how the home supports everyone who lives there.
Starting your ADU project with a team that understands what works best for Calabasas homes can make all the difference. Pure Builders Inc. has guided many local families in designing the right setup, and our design-build process covers every step from initial consultation and 3D design through permitting and construction completion. Whether your plans involve building in the yard or maximizing space closer to the main house, our experience will streamline the process. Connect with a custom ADU builder in Calabasas to explore designs made for your property. Reach out today.
