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Streamlining the ADU Building Process Proteus Homes offers impressive single-day installations BY BILL ABRAMS constructing a building of any size is a major undertaking. What the best companies focusing on ADUs all share is a deep knowledge of the entire process, from design and permitting to pouring the foundation, erecting the frame, going through the inspection process, and finishing the structure to the client's desired standards. "Picking a contractor is a big decision, and people are doing their research," says Luca Brammer of Proteus Homes, which he co-founded in 2020 with his neighbor Ryan Jantz. It was during the pandemic when Brammer and Jantz, who live on the same street in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, met at an outdoor block party. Both mechanical engineers with backgrounds in construction, the two got to talking about the new ADU regulations. Jantz's expertise is in custom homes while Brammer has specialized in factory-built housing. "e first thing Ryan and I started thinking about was what was actually the best way to build," Brammer says. G RANNY FLATS AND GUEST HOUSES have long been a common feature throughout San Diego, from beach bungalows to the estates of Rancho Santa Fe. eir creation, however, gained newfound impetus in January 2020, when state laws went into effect reducing the costs and burdens of developing accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. As is well known, California has a housing crisis, and the laws are intended to make it easier and more attractive for homeowners to build affordable guest houses, whether over a garage or in a backyard. With building costs in the range of $500 per square foot and homes in La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe appraising for more than $1,000 per square foot, it can make sense even with high interest rates. Still, whether it is a 5,000-square-foot custom home, a 500-square- foot one-bedroom granny flat, or a 1,200-square-foot guest house — the largest structure allowed by current law — designing and Indulge home design ranchandcoast.com 70 MARCH 2024 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE