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Attached ADU in Modesto CA

With 20+ years of hands-on experience, we approach every home improvement project with expertise.

Modesto Attached ADU

Create fully functional living spaces by building an attached ADU unit that complies with all applicable codes and regulations. Frankie & Keny Remodeling, Inc. is an experienced ADU builder in Modesto, CA, that provides 100% customer satisfaction regarding attached ADU construction.


We are specialized in quality design and construction that help us to build an attached accessory dwelling that’s just right for your property. As a professional ADU builder in Modesto, we conform to all the rules and regulations to give you an attached ADU that suits your needs and gives you a better ROI (return on investment) for the future.


We provide a comprehensive solution for your custom ADU design or remodel project in Modesto. Our well-rounded approach includes all you need to build an additional dwelling unit: planning, design, permitting, construction, materials, and project management to keep everything running smoothly.

What is An Attached ADU?

An attached ADU is a unit that is ‘permanently’ attached to one of the sides of the main building or house, leaving one side open, with a separate entrance. It may or might not have an interior connection with the existing house through a door or opening.

Need reliable remodeling services in Modesto, Stanislaus County, or San Joaquin County? Call us at (209) 241-6279 or schedule an appointment today!

Types of Attached ADUs

Types Description
Above the garage ADU Building above the existing attached garage
Attached granny flat A fully attached elderly accommodation
Attached garage ADU An attached garage converted to ADU
Attached home-office Converting attached garages to offices
Attached JADU Smaller size accessory dwelling units
Attached in-law suite An attached mother-in-law accommodation

What Precisely Is The Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit?

Homeowners are building ADUs quickly due to the ease of obtaining approvals and permits from the authorities. This state needs affordable housing, and the authorities are realizing it very well. This is the reason why, through easy legislation, they are encouraging these residential units within a home. If you have a significant amount of cash and are seeking wise investment ideas, you can consider having an ADU built on your property. There is a variety to try out, as you intend to have this residential unit in place. You can have a standalone structure, which is known as a detached ADU. There is the scope to make the internal conversion, but the popular trend seems to be the attached ADU.

Attached ADU Features

The size restrictions and setback rules for a Modesto attached ADU unit are different from other types of accessory dwelling units. The ‘livable area’ of an attached ADU must NOT exceed 50% of the existing livable space of the main house or building where you’re currently residing.


An accessory dwelling unit, which is attached to the main building, cannot exceed 1000 sq. ft. of the conditioned living space, provided that the remaining space in the primary dwelling unit is greater than the size of the ADU.

The structure of an attached ADU is always recognized as a component of the main house and therefore needs to be built strictly to comply with the state and county building codes as laid down by the local jurisdiction.


An attached accessory dwelling unit MUST have a separate entrance, along with an interior door or opening that connects to the main building. The kitchen or cooking area should have all the necessary appliances and utilities, which are connected to the main gas line or power grid.


It must be connected with the ‘single family’ residence, either from any of the sides or from the rear.

Making An Attached ADU Plan

First, you need to assess your needs regarding living space at home. Take a look at your existing house, and depending on your requirements, choose an ADU design plan that meets your criteria regarding space, functionality, and design.



If an ADU is for your elderly parents or grandparents, an attached ADU would certainly be the best fit, as you can keep a close watch on your parents and when they fall sick or ill. This ensures prompt action. Whereas, if you’re planning to rent out the space for earning additional income, a detached unit would be the best option, thinking about your privacy. Some important questions that you need to ask while building an attached ADU are:

  • What type of ADU is perfectly suited for family members, for whom I’m building?
  • What type of ADU can be easily accommodated within my property premise?
  • Is there a fixed or stipulated timeline to complete this ADU project?
  • What happens if I fail to meet with that set timeline?
  • What would be my maximum budget that I can spend?

Permits For Attached ADUs

For building an attached ADU at your property, you need to apply for the permits from the Modesto Department of Building & Safety that issues permits and approves any construction. The ADU design plan must be fully certified, and all by following all the ADU building codes.


First, you need to submit a detailed design plan to the city with all the drawings, maps, documents, blueprints, and official paperwork. If the city finds the ADU plan flawless, it issues the permits after receiving approval. Here, you need to pay a small or token service charge and fee. Some counties do not require you to pay the charge.


It takes around 90-120 days to obtain the ADU permits, or even less, depending upon the clarity, authenticity, and accuracy of the design plan. Once you get the permits from the city, you can now start the construction work by complying with the building codes, rules, & restrictions.

Maximum Size Of An Attached ADU in v

There’s a difference in restriction between jurisdictions that govern the maximum size of an attached secondary unit at a property. In most of the cities and counties in California, you cannot build an ADU that is greater than half the size of your actual property. This means for a 2000 sq. ft. house, the attached ADU cannot exceed 1000 sq. ft.


There are a few local jurisdictions in California that permit an attached secondary unit to be constructed as tall as the principal residence and do NOT require it to follow any kind of setback rules & regulations. It is probably the best idea to construct one such attached unit if your lot is small, as it helps in maximizing the square footage of the residential area.

Parking Requirements for Attached ADUs

For an attached unit or structure, the car parking restrictions vary based on whether the ADU is constructed within the home's interior or added as an extension to its exterior. ADUs that are attached externally to a house necessitate a designated ‘one-off’ street parking space, similarly to a detached ADU. In contrast, an interior accessory dwelling unit does NOT automatically require an additional parking space on the property.

Attached ADU Key Requirements

In a ‘single-family residence,’ an attached ADU must fully comply with the Modesto ADU zoning guide and meet the set standards. In the case of an attached structure or unit, it must share a wall or roof structure with the primary residence. Similarly, an attached secondary dwelling unit cannot build an entrance or construct a door on the same street-facing side as that of the main building. Let’s understand some other key requirements of an attached secondary unit.


  • Minimum Unit Size – 150 sq. ft.
  • Bedrooms – Two (maximum limit)
  • Minimum Setback Front – Same as primary dwelling unit
  • Minimum Setback Rear – 4 ft.
  • Minimum Setback Side – 4 ft.
  • Maximum Height – Same as main dwelling unit

Fire Safety For Attached ADUs

Your attached accessory dwelling unit design must fully comply with the California Fire Code (CFC). It is therefore necessary to examine all the state fire safety norms, before starting on your Modesto ADU construction plans:

  • If the main residence or house has a ‘sensor based’ sprinkler system installed at the house, the attached ADU must also have one such fire safety mechanism duly installed.
  • If the attached secondary unit is greater than 500 sq. ft. in size, and the overall area of the main residence exceeds the 3600 sq. ft. limit, the entire property or house would require a fire sprinkler system.

Why Should You Build An Attached ADU?

In most modern cities, it is a problem to find affordable housing and hence plenty of homeowners who have space and sufficient cash and thinking of such constructions. We would now take a look at the reasons why the attached ADU’s are getting popular by the day. Here are the details for readers.

  • This is an affordable form of housing when compared to the detached structure. Since this form of construction shares a wall with the main building, there is scope to curtail the costs by drawing gas and other utility lines from the main building.
  • There is scope to generate rental income from the property. We have stated earlier that there is no access from the main building into the ADU. If you desire we will prepare a floor layout, which adheres to privacy. There will also be direct access to the street. Once these features have been incorporated, there is always the scope to rent out this space to prospective tenants,
  • This is more living space created and it enhances home value. At this moment, it is only a notional value increase, but if you happen to sell the property any time, one can now demand a much higher price from the seller.


These constructions allow a growing family to stay together and no one will have to go out seeking rental space.

Attached ADU Benefits

It offers additional space to accommodate new family members, elderly parents, adolescent children, in-laws, guests and friends that come to visit you for a long duration. Being attached to the main house, it offers easy movement within the house, TO and FRO.

One significant improvement or new addition to a home can nearly double its resale value. This presents an excellent investment opportunity if you're considering selling your house to maximize your profit margin.


An economical solution for managing living space, these structures can be constructed on the existing foundation. Additionally, their shared wall with the main house helps to reduce costs.

FAQs on Attached ADU

  • Can I convert my attached garage into an ADU?

    The carport of an existing house can be easily converted into an ADU, provided the maximum unit size requirements are strictly adhered to and followed. This can help obtain a quick permit for the said construction.

  • Can Frankie & Keny Remodeling, Inc. design my ADU?

    Yes. Frankie & Keny Remodeling, Inc. can design your Modesto attached ADU in whatever way you want (as long as it matches the zoning requirements).  Our design team have many years of experience to help you with your attached ADU construction project.

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Frankie and Keny are the best remodeling contractors I’ve ever worked with. They remodeled two of our bathrooms and the kitchen, and everything turned out beautiful. What impressed me most was their honesty, efficiency, and how well they explained each part of the process. We never felt pressured, and they delivered high-quality results on time. Our new custom cabinets are solid and stylish, and the countertops are stunning. I’ve dealt with other contractors before, but none compare to FK Remodeling. We’re already planning our next project with them.

Robert S.

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We hired FK Remodeling for a full bathroom remodel, and they did an incredible job. Frankie and Keny took time to understand our needs and helped us design a layout that worked perfectly for our space. The tile work is flawless, and the custom vanity they built is both beautiful and functional. They handled all permits, communicated well, and were always on time. The whole experience was smooth and stress-free. I’ve already recommended them to my neighbors! Thank you for turning our outdated bathroom into a luxury retreat.

Jason T.

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I highly recommend Frankie & Keny Remodeling! We wanted a full kitchen renovation, and they truly delivered. Their attention to detail and quality materials made a huge difference. We loved that they offered custom cabinets—they built them exactly to our specs. The entire team was professional, friendly, and clearly experienced. I especially appreciated how they stuck to our budget without sacrificing quality. Our kitchen looks like it belongs in a design magazine. If you’re in San Joaquin County, do yourself a favor and hire FK Remodeling—you won’t regret it.

Angela M.

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I can’t say enough good things about Frankie & Keny Remodeling! From start to finish, they were professional, courteous, and extremely skilled. They remodeled my kitchen exactly how I envisioned it, down to the custom cabinets and quartz countertops. The craftsmanship is top-notch, and the team made sure I was happy every step of the way. I appreciated how clean they kept the job site and how they finished on time. If you’re looking for reliable remodelers in Modesto, FK Remodeling is the one to call!

Maria G.

★★★★★

Working with FK Remodeling was a fantastic experience from the start. They were patient, responsive, and incredibly talented. We hired them to update our kitchen and master bath, and the transformation is amazing. The team was respectful of our home, always on time, and left the area clean every day. Their custom cabinetry exceeded our expectations, and the countertop work was impeccable. Frankie and Keny clearly take pride in their work, and it shows. I love my new spaces and have already recommended them to family and friends in the area.

Lindsey R.

★★★★★

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