ADU and Single Homes Design and Drafting

What Are ADU Design and Drafting Services?

ADU design and drafting covers everything from the initial layout concept to the final construction drawings for accessory dwelling units. These are secondary living spaces built on existing residential lots, including detached backyard units, garage conversions, basement apartments, and attached additions. California has some of the most progressive ADU laws in the country, making it easier for homeowners to add livable space to their properties. But every ADU project still needs a complete set of architectural drawings that meet local zoning rules and building code requirements before construction can begin. BrickBorne handles the design and drafting side of that process, producing permit-ready drawing sets that include floor plans, elevations, sections, site plans, and the structural details that building departments require.

ADU Types BrickBorne Works With

ADU projects come in many forms, and each one has its own design considerations. BrickBorne provides drawings for all common ADU types in California: Detached ADUs built as standalone structures in the backyard; Attached ADUs added to the side or rear of an existing home; Garage conversions turning an existing garage into a living space; Above-garage ADUs adding a second story over an existing garage; Basement conversions in homes with below-grade space; Junior ADUs (JADUs) created within the existing footprint of the main house. Each type requires a different approach to layout, structural support, utility connections, and code compliance. BrickBorne adapts the drawing set to match the specific ADU type and site conditions.

Single-Family Home Design and Drafting

Beyond ADUs, BrickBorne provides full design and drafting services for single-family homes. Whether you are building a custom home from scratch or developing spec homes for a residential project, the team creates complete drawing sets that cover every phase from design development through construction documentation.

• Custom home floor plans based on your lot, budget, and lifestyle needs
• Elevations and exterior design coordination
• Roof plans and structural framing layouts
• Kitchen, bathroom, and interior space planning
• Site plans showing setbacks, lot coverage, and utility connections
• Title 24 energy compliance documentation for California projects

What the Drawing Set Includes

A complete residential drawing set from BrickBorne covers everything a building department needs to review and approve the project. The typical package includes:

• Architectural floor plans with dimensions, room labels, and door/window schedules
• Exterior elevations showing all four sides of the structure
• Building sections and wall sections
• Roof plan with slope, drainage, and material callouts
• Site plan showing the structure on the lot with setbacks and access
• Foundation plan and structural details
• Electrical and plumbing layout (coordinated with MEP when needed)

The exact scope depends on what the local building department requires. BrickBorne reviews jurisdiction-specific requirements before starting the drawings to avoid revision cycles during plan check.

California ADU Regulations and Compliance

California has specific state-level regulations that govern ADU development, including rules about unit size, setbacks, parking, and owner-occupancy. Cities and counties often add their own local requirements on top of the state rules. BrickBorne stays current with California ADU regulations and designs each project to meet both state and local requirements. This includes understanding lot coverage limits, height restrictions, fire-rated separation requirements, and utility connection standards. Having drawings that account for these rules from the start reduces the chance of plan check corrections and speeds up the permit approval process.

How the Process Works

BrickBorne’s residential design and drafting process follows a straightforward path from initial information to finished drawings. The project starts with a review of your site conditions, lot survey, and design goals. For ADUs, BrickBorne evaluates the existing property layout to determine the best placement, size, and configuration for the new unit. From there, the team develops concept layouts for review, refines the design based on feedback, and produces the full construction drawing set. The final package is delivered in PDF for permit submission and in CAD or Revit format for the project team.