That one place we tend to return every day after work is home, and it is one goal in life to have a place of our own to which we can call home. And everyone needs something beautiful to be called home. There are a lot of things that can be over here the designs, the architect, the furniture you have, or the space you need in the rooms. But for some, owning or renting their own space can be beyond their means, either because of financial constraints or health reasons. That’s where the ADU comes in.

What is an accessory dwelling unit? 

Accessory dwelling units are liveable spaces built on a property in addition to a single-family home. They typically include things like mother in law houses and pool houses, but can also included fully or partially attached suites. They usually include a bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchenette, but can include a more substantial kitchen, additional living spaces, or even their own yards. 

Why are you building a ADU?

Accessory dwelling units are becoming more popular for a variety of reasons. In the US, most new ADUs are split between families who want to provide for elders while giving them their own space, and families who want to create an additional revenue stream on their property.

Your purpose for building an ADU should dictate a big part of the design. For example, if the space is for your mother in law, it’s easy to taylor the design and amenities to her tastes. But if the plan is to rent your ADU to increase your cash flow, then it could be worth adding some unique amenities to your accessory dwelling unit. That can help it stand out in a crowded rental market, allow you to demand a higher price for a relatively small up-front investment, and even help dictate what kind of tenant you attract.  

Things to consider in an ADU

There are a lot of things that should be considered in an Accessory Dwelling unit like: –

1. Space: – It is important to allocate sufficient space because only then the plan can work at your will. Less space or too much space can often lead to something that can be utilized for some other things.
2. Type: – Decide what type of ADU you want. It can be possible to retrofit another room or garage into an ADU depending on where you live, but laws change from place to place. Be sure to check with your local zoning department to learn more about your options. 
3. Design: – something everything is done correctly but then it is the design that we think might be the best but doesn’t work out because it ruins everything. Choose a design from a professional because there are a lot of things to consider in design because of the space and the style of the Accessory Dwelling unit you want it to be. Things like the height, ventilation, etc can impact a lot.

Why choose professionals

It may sound trivial to convert your old garage into an accessory dwelling unit, but if it’s obvious that the project was DIYed over a long weekend, you won’t be able to charge nearly as much for the space. Conversely, if the ADU is intended for an elder or loved one, that’s an even better reason to do the job right.

One of the biggest issues with building an ADU is making sure it follows all local laws and regulations. Many places still don’t have zoning laws that are explicitly for ADUs, but they may have them for mother in law houses and similar structures. Therefore, navigating the law can be a little challenging, and planning your building timeline, materials, and building plans around that can add another layer of complexity. Therefore, it’s always worth checking with local home builders and remodeling companies to see what they can offer. Any up-and-up developer will be familiar with all local zoning and construction laws, which can significantly decrease the development time.