In an effort to accommodate their growing family without moving, Serban and Laura Gudino-Penciu made the bold decision to expand their 900-square-foot home and convert their garage into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). “We bought our little bungalow in 2004 in Eagle Rock, LA, and it’s been our beloved home,” Serban shared. “But after having two boys, who are now 12 and 15, we realized we needed more living and working space.”
Laura, who works in pharmaceuticals, added, “As the kids have gotten older, we wanted an extra bathroom and more communal areas. It’s also important for us to give them space to play without constantly hovering over them. But we didn’t want a huge space that would detach us from them.”
With skyrocketing housing prices and increased construction costs, many families in California face similar challenges. The couple was alarmed to discover a hefty quote exceeding $150,000 from a contractor when they considered turning their garage into an ADU in 2020. Architect Alex Solbes commented, “ADUs are often assumed to be cheaper, but that’s not the case. Construction costs rose during the pandemic and have remained high since. People need to remember they are still building a structure.”
Faced with the notion of selling their home and moving to a bigger one, Serban and Laura soon realized the Los Angeles housing market had dramatically shifted since their purchase. They bought their home for $385,000 fifteen years ago, but now typical listings in their area average around $973,000, and their offers were consistently outbid.
They ultimately decided to expand their existing home and convert the garage into an ADU. Bringing in Solbes from AOS Works, they aimed to brighten their previously dark interior while incorporating functional spaces for family life and work. “Natural light was one of our top priorities,” Laura emphasized.
The renovation resulted in an additional 740 square feet, including a new master suite with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet, a laundry room, family activity space, office, and vanity area—effectively doubling the size of their home. The original kitchen, living room, dining room, two bedrooms, and bathroom were also updated to better fit their family’s needs.
In the backyard, the garage was transformed into a charming 250-square-foot ADU, complete with a small kitchen and a bathroom, designed to feel spacious despite its size. It features double doors leading to the pool area, cleverly crafted by Solbes to enhance the perception of space. He also designed an external storage space adjoining the ADU, acknowledging the sacrifice of a garage was a tough decision for Serban, despite having room for parking on the driveway.
After the renovation, the newly designed home mirrored the traditional style of the neighborhood while embodying modern design elements at the back. “The new additions allowed for higher ceilings and bi-folding doors that enhanced the connection between the family activity room and the outdoor space,” Solbes explained.
As long-time residents of Eagle Rock, Serban and Laura were keen to maintain the home’s character. “We didn’t want a McMansion,” Laura stated. “We just wanted more room and a home that complements what was already there.”
The versatile ADU, with its polished concrete floors, now serves multiple purposes, including as an office for Serban’s digital marketing and real estate investment business. “I’m often on calls, and sometimes my video calls can be loud, so I retreat to the ADU to work,” he said. “It’s open, so the family can hang out here, but most of the time it’s my office. I can work late without disturbing anyone.” Laura joked, “Sometimes I have to text him to let him know dinner is ready.”
Despite some challenges in fitting everything into their standard-sized lot, both Serban and Laura are excited about the thoughtful renovations made by Solbes and landscape designer Roy Altaras. “We wanted a multifunctional backyard,” Laura explained. “We love having usable outdoor space. We spend a lot of time outside, and the ADU supports that. Sometimes, we watch games there, or we can light the fire pit. I recently hosted a book club on the patio, and everything is easily accessible from the main house.”
After a 14-month construction period, the project was completed in 2022 for around $175,000, excluding appliances and fixtures. Reflecting on the impact of the ADU on their lives, Laura remarked, “It has truly transformed our way of living.”
Serban noted that the extra space allows their kids to have friends over while still being close enough for the parents to keep an eye on things without hovering. “In the little house, that was hard to do,” he explained. Laura concluded, “Now, this is our forever home. We have everything we need.”
