ADUs and additions, Long Beach, Los Angeles County
ADU Construction in Long Beach
For a Long Beach ADU, the exterior wall is planned first for damp air off the water, then the unit type, utilities and plan check by the City of Long Beach.
The exterior wall of a backyard unit takes the brunt of damp, mineral laden air off the water, so our Long Beach ADU planning settles that wall before the floor plan. Sheathing, a drained gap behind the cladding, flashing at each opening and corrosion resistant fasteners are chosen first. With the shell defined, we compare the four ADU types on the lot: a detached cottage, an addition joined to the house, a garage conversion and a JADU.
Layers of the outer wall
Over the sheathing goes a weather resistive barrier, lapped from the bottom up so stray water runs down and exits at a weep screed. Fiber cement or primed wood siding is fastened to furring strips, leaving a small air space that lets the wall dry. Every opening for a window or door gets flashing tape, with a sloped sill pan beneath the unit. Hangers, straps and nails are stainless or hot dipped galvanized. At the eaves, a drip edge and gutters send roof water well clear of the foundation and the base of the wall.
Plan check and inspections in Long Beach
The City of Long Beach runs its own building and safety review, so the ADU set goes to city plan checkers who read it against state ADU law and city zoning. Some parcels close to the water also need a separate development permit, and where one applies, that permit can be required before the building permit is issued, so we confirm that at the start. After issuance, inspectors visit for footings, framing, rough plumbing and electrical, insulation and the final, which closes out the permit.
What we build in Long Beach
Second units and room additions lead, with the rest of our services available on the same lot.
Planning a unit in Long Beach?
Send the address. We check which ADU types the lot allows and reply with the next step.