In Calabasas, we often welcome family and friends for extended stays during the holiday season. With more visitors staying longer, finding smart ways to make overnight guests feel at home becomes important. One solution many homeowners are turning to is building an ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit.
As part of custom home additions in Calabasas, ADUs offer a comfy, private space without changing the flow of your main home. When designed with long-term guests in mind, an ADU can give loved ones a place that meets their needs and helps them feel like they truly belong.
Choose the Right Spot for the ADU
Where we put the ADU matters just as much as how it looks inside. The best placement helps guests feel close enough to connect but separate enough to relax. Privacy is key, especially for those staying a few weeks or longer.
There are a few good options for siting an ADU:
• Detached garages are often a great starting point since the space already exists and can be remodeled
• Backyard spaces with enough room allow for a new, standalone unit with its own entrance
• A side yard or area near the rear of the lot can provide peaceful separation while keeping things accessible
It’s also worth thinking about who will use the space. If grandparents are visiting, keeping the entryway at ground level without lots of stairs can make all the difference. If the space is for adult children, having a layout that gives them plenty of independence might be more important. The goal is to make it easy to come and go without needing to pass through the main house all the time.
Think Like a Guest When Planning the Layout
Once we know where the ADU will go, we can start laying out the inside. This part is all about thinking like a guest. What would you need to feel truly at home? Long-term visitors don’t just need a place to sleep. They need their own space for everyday routines.
Here’s what helps the most:
• A small kitchen or kitchenette so guests can cook or warm up meals
• A private bathroom with a simple but clean layout
• A relaxing sitting area with a sofa and a small table for eating or working
Sound is something many people overlook, but it’s important to think about how noise travels between the main home and the ADU. A little sound separation makes the space feel calmer and more private. Adding good insulation and wall placement during design can make a big impact. Another thing that helps guests feel settled is storage. Even just a small closet or tall cabinet can keep the space tidy and comfortable. When people unpack and have spots to tuck things away, they feel less like they’re living out of a suitcase.
Make It Comfortable Year-Round
Cool mornings in December and warm afternoons in spring mean we have to plan for different kinds of weather. A well-built ADU should be cozy and not too hot during the day. Since most garages or sheds don’t start out ready for living, this step matters a lot.
Some of the most helpful upgrades include:
• Adding insulation to walls and ceilings to keep indoor temperatures comfortable
• Including heating and cooling options like a ductless system or ceiling fan to match the seasons
• Making sure building materials match the style of your main home so it all feels like one connected space
Good light can change the entire feel of a room. Adding windows that catch morning sun or bring in soft afternoon light makes a big difference. A glass door leading to a small patio or walkway can add both daylight and a little charm. Even a small space can feel open when it’s lit naturally.
Add Finishing Touches That Feel Like Home
Those final touches may be small, but they help a guest space feel warm and thoughtful. Finishes and furniture signal comfort, and that’s even more important when someone is staying for weeks at a time.
We usually look at things like:
• Wall colors that feel calming and neutral so they work for anyone
• Lamps or sconce lighting instead of only overhead lights, which feel too sharp at night
• Upholstered chairs, soft blankets, and comfortable bedding
Long-term visitors appreciate having small features that make everyday tasks easier. Hooks for coats, shelves for books, or a desktop spot with plug-ins can make the space feel ready for real life. And for anyone working remotely, simple access to Wi-Fi and enough outlets for laptops or chargers can make or break the stay. These are not flashy choices, but they show care.
Why Thoughtful ADU Design Makes a Big Difference
Creating a guest-friendly ADU takes planning, but the payoff is worth it. When people have their own personal space, the time they spend visiting feels more relaxed. They don’t have to tiptoe around the main house or figure out where to keep their things. They just settle in and feel at ease.
From a homeowner’s point of view, custom home additions in Calabasas help bring long-term function to the house. An ADU can flex with your needs. It might host parents, support kids next year, or even offer options for the future. Done right, it’s more than just extra space. It becomes a quiet part of home life that fits in naturally no matter who’s staying.
Thinking about making more room for guests or adding usable space to your home? We’d love to help plan your next steps. With our experience designing and building custom home additions in Calabasas, we know how to match every space to your needs and lifestyle. Whether you want to convert a garage into something cozy or start a brand-new build, we focus on solutions that feel welcoming all year. Let’s talk about how Pure Builders can help make your home more flexible and inviting, contact us today to get started.
