The ever-expanding population of metropolitan areas of the U.S. is forcing a rethink of city planning. In areas of the U.S. where affordable housing is not readily available, the benefits of converting a garage to an accessory dwelling unit are becoming important. The State of California reports the issue of affordable housing and population density led to a change in the laws governing the conversion of garages to ADUs. Taking an existing structure and converting it to a small home is encouraged and has been made easier by state governments from coast-to-coast.

1. Save Money

Over the last century, the use of an ADU at an existing property has grown in popularity. The name granny flat, cottage, and many others have been used to describe these structures. The garage conversion is a popular way of creating an ADU at a property. State Governments are changing the rules regarding the construction of ADUs to make them easier to develop in metropolitan areas. A professional will be able to inspect the garage and determine if it meets the requirements of local ADU building codes. If a garage is determined to meet the requirements, the walls and roof will remain in place to lower the cost of construction.

2. Provide Independence for a Family Member

Aging relatives can be a problem when their housing issues become a factor. The development of an ADU at the property of a family member is recommended for several reasons. Deciding to place an elderly relative in a care facility leads to a loss of self-confidence and increasing concern about aging, Senior Advice reports. Choosing to convert a garage into an ADU is a proven method of providing care for an aging relative without losing their independence. Providing an ADU for an elderly relative provides an effective way of avoiding the problems associated with losing their independence.

3. A Higher Resale Value

The resale value of a home with an ADU may not be the concern of the property owner. Even if the owner is not considering selling their property soon, an ADU is an effective way of adding value. An ADU will provide the opportunity for rental income for a property owner, which adds value to the property when listed on the real estate market.

4. Adding Living Space

Just because an Accessory Dwelling Unit was designed to house a person or family, it can be adapted for different use. Architectural Digest reports the uses of an ADU are many, including:

• Art studio
• Home office
• Yoga studio

5. Provide Independence for a Teenager

A concern most parents have is for the safety and welfare of their children when they first leave home. Whether a teenager is going to college or looking for a job, an ADU can offer a solution to parental worries. Completing a garage conversion allows a teenager to enjoy a sense of independence from their family while remaining close to their family. Many parents have chosen this as an option for providing a safe environment for college-bound teenagers as they take their first steps towards independence.

6. Create a Rental Opportunity

There are several reasons why converting a garage can be a positive option for property owners. Among these is the ability to add extra income through the renting of the garage conversion. In major metropolitan areas, the amount of affordable housing remains an issue, with rental opportunities for low-income families and single people scarce. Providing a safe environment that fits into local building codes is the first step towards making money from a rental ADU.

7. Preserve an Architectural Feature

The age of a property can affect the approach taken to adding an ADU to a home. The architectural integrity of a property does not provide the chance to construct a new accessory dwelling unit. The conversion of a garage is an approach taken by property owners who do not want to impact the design of an older home. A garage that is decades old can provide the basis of an ADU that does not change the style of the property.

8. A High Return on Investment

In the real estate industry, ROI is an important way of judging the success of an ADU. The ability to improve the overall value of a property and receive rental income makes this one of the most popular trends of the 21st-century. There are several reasons why the ADU has become one of the most important factors in city planning in metropolitan areas. The ability to provide a safe home for a family member while retaining the living space of both parties remains vital to seniors and young people. The conversion of a garage into an ADU can change the value of a property positively and add rental income for a family.