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From an Attic space to a bright new home​

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The project brought together living and non-living areas on the second floor and turned them into roughly 500 square feet of new living space. The scope of work included:

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• Renovating the existing bathroom into a full bath for the new unit

• Adding an efficiency kitchen, the defining feature that lets a JADU function as its own home

• Opening a new egress window in the bedroom for light, air, and safe exit

• A living area that rounds out a complete, self-contained unit

 

On the ground floor, an existing stairway and hall provide dedicated access from the main house up to the new unit, so the JADU stays private and separate from the primary residence. Upstairs, the living area, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom fit within what used to be attic space.

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By the numbers

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• 500 SF of living space unlocked from the existing second floor

• $125,000 total project investment

• 1 new bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen

• $40,000 in support from a CalHFA ADU Grant secured by Hello Housing

• 0 extra parking spaces required

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A model worth replicating

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This Live Oak JADU shows what's possible when existing space is reimagined. The homeowners gained added income and a path to aging in place, and the community gained a new home for a local worker, all without expanding the building.

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Many homes across Santa Cruz County have similar potential sitting unused. If you're wondering whether your attic, spare room, or garage could become a JADU or ADU, the Santa Cruz County ADU Technical Assistance Program can help you understand your options, navigate permitting, and identify funding.

Learn more at www.helloadu.org.