An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary residential unit located on a property with an existing single-family home. ADUs are fully independent living spaces and include a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. Common ADU types include detached backyard cottages, garage conversions, attached additions, and above-garage units.

It’s important to note that every jurisdiction is different, and ADU regulations continue to evolve yearly. Each property also has its own constraints—such as zoning, lot size, setbacks, utilities, fire access, and site conditions—which all influence what can be built. We evaluate each site individually to determine what’s possible.

A Junior ADU (JADU) is a smaller living unit—up to 500 square feet—created within the existing walls of a single-family home, often from a bedroom or attached garage. JADUs have a separate entrance and a compact efficiency kitchen and may share a bathroom with the main house. They’re a lower-impact, lower-cost option well suited for multigenerational living or long-term guests.

Clients choose to build ADUs for many reasons, including:

• Multigenerational living for aging parents or adult children
• Long-term or short-term rental income
• A home office, studio, or creative workspace
• Guest accommodations
• Increased flexibility and long-term property value

An ADU can serve immediate needs while also adding adaptability for the future.

The most common ADU types include:

• Detached ADU – A separate structure, typically in the backyard
• Attached ADU – An addition connected to the primary home
• Garage Conversion – Repurposing an existing garage into living space
• Above-Garage ADU – A unit built above an existing or new garage

We’ll help you determine which options are feasible based on your property, goals, local zoning, building codes, and any applicable fire department or access requirements.

In many areas of Ventura County and surrounding communities, yes. During an initial consultation, we assess zoning, setbacks, lot coverage, utilities, access, easements, and site conditions to help you understand what’s allowed and what makes the most sense for your property.

Yes. All ADUs require city or county permits. We manage the entire permitting process on your behalf—from preparing and submitting plans to coordinating with planning and building departments and responding to plan check comments—so you don’t have to navigate it on your own.

Yes. Design is an integral part of how we work. Our team will guide you through layout decisions, materials, finishes, fixtures, and overall aesthetic to ensure your ADU is both functional and thoughtfully designed. We focus on creating spaces that feel intentional, comfortable, and well-resolved.

As a design-build firm, we handle both design and construction under one roof. This allows for better coordination, clearer communication, and a smoother overall process. We prioritize:

• Thoughtful planning and realistic budgeting
• Clear scopes and timelines
• Quality craftsmanship and attention to detail
• Ongoing communication throughout construction

Our goal is to build ADUs that are not only code-compliant and well-constructed, but also feel like a natural extension of your property.

Yes. The Akeena Group provides full-service design-build support, including:

• Site assessment and feasibility review
• Architectural design
• Interior design and finish selection
• Permitting and code compliance
• Construction and project management
• Ongoing coordination throughout the build

Our process is collaborative and tailored to each client, with an emphasis on reducing stress and creating a clear path from idea to completion.

We’d love to learn more about your goals and your property. You can reach out through our Contact Page or call us at (805) 846-6241 to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk you through what’s possible, answer your questions, and outline a thoughtful next step forward.