If you have decided to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your property, then you must be all excited and ready to set the plans in motion.
Before you get started, though, you might want to find out more about ADUs in general and check whether what you are planning to build actually qualifies as an accessory dwelling unit. Not every accessory building does qualify.
What Are ADUs?
Let us make this clear before going any further. There are things you will need to take into consideration when you decide to set those plans in motion, but let’s first see what accessory dwelling units actually are. After that, we will take a look at those important things that you will have to keep in mind before you start the construction project.
Whether you call it a backyard cottage, a carriage house, a granny flat or anything else, an accessory dwelling unit is basically an additional living space located on the same property as your home. Notice the phrase “living space”, because those are the words that determine whether a property is an ADU or not. Even though different countries have different requirements regarding these, the basic principles are the same.
Simply said, in order for any construction to qualify as an ADU, it needs to include areas for sleeping, living, cooking, eating, as well as sanitation. In other words, it needs to be self-sufficient, meaning that you can actually live in it and have all your needs met. These are ideal for smaller plots of land and they can be highly beneficial for every household, whether you decide to rent it out or to have family member live there.
Here are some of the benefits you might want to know about: https://frameworks.ced.berkeley.edu/2011/accessory-dwelling-units/
You Need Plans
Given that some municipalities might require the ADU to match the existing home and given the fact that you are probably not an architect or a designer, you will need to have a plan set out for you. There are a lot of companies out there that could do this perfectly, making sure that both you and the law representatives in your area are satisfied. Once you have your plan, though, you will need to consider a few important things before setting them in motion. Let’s check those out.
Development Standards And Regulations
As I have already said above, different areas might have different standards and regulations in place. While this is something to be discussed in advance with the people designing your plan, I suggest you do one more check after the whole plan is done, so that you don’t have any issues once you start building. If you aren’t sure that you can check this all on your own, you might want to get help from someone who definitely knows what you should do to comply with all the rules and regulations.
Additional Parking
Now, you might think that whether or not you will add extra parking is entirely up to you, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. While you should definitely think about it on your own, once again, I suggest you check what the rules say. Believe it or not, in certain areas, additional parking might be required by the law. Check what the jurisdiction in your area says before you decide that you don’t want another parking spot.
Access
When you get your adu plans, make sure to check what the experts have done regarding the access to the street, as well as the space between your home and the accessory dwelling unit. Naturally, you don’t want these areas to be so cluttered that the occupant might find it difficult to go out. This is not the brightest idea and if you don’t know why, do me a favor and imagine what the tenant would do in case of a fire or another emergency.
Privacy
Of course, you will also have to think about the privacy of the person that’s going to be living there. It goes without saying that you have to make sure that the person has enough privacy to be comfortable in their own space. This is especially important if you are planning to rent out the property.
Tiles for walls are more than just practical elements of your home interiors—they are design statements that bring both beauty and functionality to your spaces. Have you ever wondered how a simple change in wall tiles can transform an entire room? With endless options in materials, textures, and designs, tiles can enhance any room, from […]
Creating the perfect wardrobe design for your bedroom interiors can feel like a challenging puzzle. After all, this piece of furniture isn’t just for storing clothes – it’s also a defining feature of your room’s style and a key element of organization. It’s not just a practical necessity; it’s also an essential element that contributes […]
Given a marble’s beauty and timelessness, the variety and types of marble are extensive and boundless in the modern world. Different types exhibit different colors, patterns, and textures based on their origin. That being said, selecting the right type and variety that suits your space is crucial to justify the beauty of marble. Regardless of […]
Marble bathroom designs transform your bathroom interiors to a great extent, considering marble’s purity, shine, and grace. With bold veining, rich texture, and different colorations, marble can transform an ordinary bathroom into a different level of refined relaxation. From sleek, minimalistic designs to strong statement pieces, marble suits your styles, rendered to be equally complimentary […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]
As soon as you enter a space, walls define its boundary, volume, style, and experience. Interior wall designs are crucial in determining the mood and aesthetic appeal of an interior space. To create a one-of-a-kind space for occupants and guests, the interplay of interior wall designs and their volume is key. To evoke a feeling […]
In small bathroom layouts, every square inch counts. Without a thoughtful plan, a small space can quickly become cluttered, making it feel even more cramped. The right bathroom layout not only enhances functionality in interiors but also creates a sense of openness. Think about it—how frustrating is it to move around a bathroom where the […]
Do you enjoy keeping games, books, and ornaments in your hallway? This carefully chosen collection of living room storage ideas will complement your interior decor and be suitable for Indian homes. These are chosen from a shortlist of different product designers’ living room storage designs on Archioo. The following living room storage concepts have been […]
Creating a TV unit design in bedroom requires the right balance of functionality, optimization, and aesthetics to enhance the space. Apart from cots and wardrobes, TV units in a bedroom play a pivotal role in captivating an individual’s attention. Keeping in mind, the design theme and concept of your home, the TV unit design in […]
Are you worried about the small space left in your kitchen? In parallel kitchen design, the layout divides the kitchen into two parallel counters. Including the parallel kitchen design, the work sequence includes store, wash, prepare, cook, serve, eat, and be followed by clear and wash up. From the sequences, we learn that three appliances […]