Publish Date: July 31, 2024

Projects

Crafting a Home Within a Home

This detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) project in Oakland, CA, was designed as a new home for the clients’ daughter—creating proximity and privacy on a shared property. The ADU needed to reflect the style of the primary residence while meeting all permitting and structural requirements for the complex lot.

Key Highlights: Matched main house design while adapting to unforeseen site challenges

PROJECT AT A GLANCE

General ContractorGreyhawk Construction
Project Type:Detached ADU
Project Size750 ft²
LocationOakland, CA
Project StartJanuary 2023
Design/Permit Duration12 months
Construction Duration18 Months
Project CompletionJuly 2024

Objectives

The primary goal was simple:

  • Build a fully detached ADU where the clients’ daughter could live comfortably on the family’s property.
  • Maintain harmony with the architectural language of the main house.
  • Navigate local permitting and structural codes for hillside construction.

Challenges

Midway through construction, the team uncovered significant site issues not initially evident.

  • Hidden soil instability triggered a full redesign of the foundation structure.
  • On-site surprises required rethinking multiple stages of the build on the fly.

Solutions & Results

Greyhawk Construction responded with nimble problem-solving:

  • Adjusted construction methodology as surprises emerged, avoiding major rework.
  • Developed interim shoring strategies to stabilize the soil while the structural team reworked the foundation.
  • Maintained progress and preserved the original design intent despite foundation redesign.