All Electric ADU in Monte Sereno

One of the First All Electric ADUs in Monte Sereno – In reality, this is far more than a mere accessory dwelling unit, I think all involved in this project would agree with the homeowner that, “It’s a work of art!”  This is a 1200 sq ft, custom-built, new construction house. And frankly speaking, it is a big deal. One would never imagine the degree of collaboration required and the number of moving parts involved in the completion of this project. Below, we will share a few details about this 2 bedroom, 2 bath cottage and our client’s take on the experience.

ADU, cottage, or guest house – All the above! It is a 100% electric unit with solar and back-up batteries and there is new 400 amp electrical service at the main house. The ADU has a post and grade beam foundation, the front porch and large deck off the bedrooms (in the back) are covered with Trex composite decking, and the siding is from Hardy Boys.

“We had a need for more space and due to a severe housing shortage in the area, we looked to available space in our backyard. Fortunately, laws had changed which allowed small setbacks and the desired location for an ADU.

I’d say I’m a very demanding customer and it was my first time working with Paul Thibault. I found Paul to be highly reliable and helpful. I liked being able to discuss things and have my points heard. Paul did all the difficult stuff; working and interfacing with subcontractors. Paul was flexible, adaptive, and patient; and I liked the experience of Paul’s subs.

There was some red-tape difficulty working with City and the myriad layers of authority required for this project. The architect had a great civil engineer on the project; all was carefully planned. It needed to be!

The property slopes downward in TWO directions from street and we needed to pump sewage uphill according to laws with one trench for all utilities. That all-in-one trench would carry potable water, sewer, and electric. It all needed to run from the street, up under the driveway, and under main house to the cottage. It took a soil engineer, camera-work, cleanouts, and ultimately the installation of a new sewer line clean out to the street.

I had already multiple kilowatts of solar on property and wanted more space for solar and batteries.  From the inside of the house, I wanted a clear sight-line over the solar panels. The design and siting had to be as elevated as needed to allow for an uninterrupted unimpeded view of Los Gatos mountains to the South.

This was an extremely complicated project that Paul and his team did.” – Homeowner in Monte Sereno, CA

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