[ 01 ] Accessory dwelling units
3rdGen supports HVAC for ADUs, garage conversions, additions, and small permitted residential structures where comfort, code, equipment placement, and space constraints matter. ADU projects often benefit from compact heat pump or ductless solutions, depending on layout and project goals.
Approach
ADUs and additions need independent, right-sized mechanical systems — not extensions of an existing furnace that was never designed for the extra load. We design standalone scopes with load calculations, equipment that fits tight spaces, and coordination with your builder or architect.
What's included
Real work
Selected Bay Area field work across residential, commercial, and multifamily scopes — outdoor equipment, distribution systems, remodel rough-ins, and finished commissioning.
Commercial Berkeley, CA
Commercial HVAC upgrade for an institutional religious facility in Berkeley, delivered in coordination with VRGC Inc. and the project team around existing building conditions, access limitations, and closeout requirements.
Institutional Upgrade
Residential Berkeley, CA
GC-led residential remodel in Berkeley with a six-zone Fujitsu ductless heat pump system and two outdoor units, coordinated around an older existing home being prepared for sale.
High-End Residential Remodel
Commercial Berkeley, CA
GC-led Berkeley retail tenant improvement with a Mitsubishi four-zone ductless system, fresh air supply, exhaust ventilation, and louver coordination in an active commercial space.
Commercial Tenant Improvement
Process
01
Share location, timeline, plans if you have them, and what is not working today — or what your builder has scoped.
02
We use Manual J, S, and D where the project needs it to match equipment, ducts, and zoning to the actual house.
03
Principal-led field work with your GC or architect around access, finishes, sequencing, and clean rough-in.
04
System startup, basic orientation, and documentation so you know how the new system is meant to run.
Related
FAQ
Usually not without engineering analysis — and even when possible, it rarely delivers good comfort or efficiency. We design independent systems sized for the ADU itself.
Yes, with builders and homeowners who need mechanical design, permit coordination, and installation beyond a generic mini-split spec.
Equipment placement, line-set routing, and product selection all affect noise. We plan outdoor unit location and indoor distribution with ADU siting in mind.
Contact
Share your city, timeline, and a short description of the scope. If it looks like a fit, a principal will follow up within one business day.
Best-fit residential scopes include heat pump installations, all-electric conversions, full-system HVAC replacements, retrofits, remodels, new construction, ADUs, and Manual J/S/D-supported design-build work. 3rdGen is not structured around emergency repair, routine maintenance, tune-ups, filter changes, or small service calls.