Short answer: Yes, building an ADU raises your property tax bill, but only by the assessed value of the new unit. Your existing home keeps its Proposition 13 base value and is not reassessed. In the Bay Area, the increase is typically $1,500 to $3,000 per year, depending on the ADU's size and assessed value. Key Takeaways No full reassessment: Only the "new construction" portion (the ADU) is assessed at current market value. Your primary residence stays protected under Propos

Let’s face it! Small houses and big dreams sometimes clash. And, when a growing family is added to busy careers, managing everything can get messy for couples. That's exactly what happens to John and Zoe, a young tech couple living in Mountain View, California. Their three-bedroom two-bathroom single-family house seemed way too small when they considered bringing their parents to stay with them and help with the baby who would soon arrive in their lives. Let’s find out ho