Design-build firm taking ADUs to another level

ADU kitchen by Homeworks kitchen and bath designer Sean Bradshaw

The first legally permitted Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) built on Oahu were typically free-standing, smaller structures ranging from roughly 400 square feet to 800 square feet. Since ADU legislation was enacted in September 2015, guidelines have continued to evolve.

Homeworks Construction, a design-build firm that has been proactive on behalf of clients since this new opportunity to add value to their property became available, continues to lead the field in innovative custom designs and construction of ADUs throughout Oahu.

Homeworks sales coordinator Kim Green, a Certified Green Professional and Aging in Place Specialist, has been conducting seminars and workshops over the past year to educate the community on current ADU rules and regulations.

“Since we first began designing and building ADUs, the process has evolved and the rules relaxed to conform to community needs,” Green said. “An important new development is the waiving of up to $10,000 in wastewater and permit fees by the City & County. This has the effect of enabling many property owners, who had abandoned plans to build due to budget constraints, to go forward now with their projects.

Rendering of home with third floor ADU addition by Homeworks architect/ designer Anna Wynn

“We always reiterate in our seminars the basic guidelines pertaining to the size of property relative to the ADU. For example, if the lot is between 3,500 (square feet) and 4,999 square feet, the ADU can be up to 400 square feet. If the lot is greater than 5,000 square feet, the ADU can be up to 800 square feet.

“Our architecture and design team has created a number of appealing custom designs for our clients, primarily for detached units. Recently, several clients have decided to take advantage of the opportunity to add an ADU as an additional level on an existing home.

“One we are currently working on is a custom design for a third level on a home on a downslope lot with a basement as the first level. The main living area is at street level. This new floor is a separate, self-contained dwelling of approximately 500 square feet with one bedroom, one bath, full kitchen, and living room with a great view of the city and ocean.”

Green added that the entire gamut of ADU styles as well as financing ADU projects will be covered in the next free Homeworks workshop Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Homeworks showroom, 2111 S. Beretania St. To reserve a seat, call 955-2777 or go to the website homework-shawaii.com.

HOMEWORKS CONSTRUCTION
contact // 955-2777
address // 2111 S. Beretania St.
web // homeworkshawaii.com