What is an accessory dwelling unit?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a housing structure built in the same property where the primary house is located. Have you purchased a new home and you would like to make some room for a private space where you could work or study? Do you have some space in your backyard where you could build a small livable place to offer accommodation to guests coming into town? If so, you have come to the right place. In this article we will talk about the advantages of building an ADU and the many reasons why more and more land owners are deciding to invest in this type of residences.
First things first: what to evaluate if you want to build an ADU
- Analyze if there is enough space in your property to build a new housing structure. Building a new place could sound exciting. Have in mind that without careful planning you could end up losing some privacy or even your outdoor space. Is that something you would like to sacrifice?
- Select a reliable team of architects.Make sure you reach out to specialists in the field who could assess on the options of ADU that best suit your needs and expectations. It’s important that you find a team who can understand and materialize your ideas exactly as you have imagined. Not sure where to start? Meet our team of trusted experts!
- Think of what type of ADU is more convenient for your current situation. Are you thinking of increasing your living space to better accommodate your growing family? Or are you looking to extend your home to generate extra income? These questions would help you decide if you should go with an internal, an attached or a more private, detached ADU.
Types of Accessory Dwelling Units
Attached
A new room is built sharing at least one wall with the primary house. It could be constructed right next to an existing room or it could be built on the roof.
Detached
An independent standalone place separated from your primary property. It could be a small cottage or a luxury shack located in your back garden.
Conversion
Your basement or garage could be redesigned and turned into habitable and comfortable housing units.
Steps to build an ADU
- First schedule a meeting with an architect of your preference that has experience working with ADUs. It could be a renowned firm you already know or you can decide whom to contact based on the architectural style you envision for your ADU. You could choose minimalist, contemporary, industrial or more classic design styles. Work with them, and design the project plans for the ADU of your dreams.
- What is your budget? Evaluate the financing options available to you that best adapts to your current economic situation. Request information about them and check if you are eligible. Once you have made a decision, apply for it. You won’t regret it! You can check this with banks, mortgage lenders, credit unions, government agencies/programs, and private lenders.
- Make sure you have permission to proceed with the construction. Before getting started, make sure you contact your local building department to learn about the permits you must comply with according to local requirements.
- Time to get started! Constructors can finally start preparing the area for building. Once this is completed, the next step would be focusing on installing utilities: water supply, and gas and electricity lines.
- Finally, it’s time to initiate the construction phase!
Benefits
Spending money on renovating your home is always a good investment. It not only adds value to your property but it also offers flexible living spaces for the whole family. In this era of rapid technology developments, more and more remote job opportunities are arising and consequently, more and more people are looking forward to moving to more comfortable places that allow them to set up spacious and functional work stations without invading other spaces at home. Building an ADU increases your property value and houses with accessory dwelling units are the most attractive and preferred options for potential and nowaway buyers. Residencies with ADU are definitely leading the market!
If you are thinking of providing housing and generating an extra income, having a secondary housing unit in your backyard that is completely separated from your own place would be a great option.These structures are designed to occupy little space but still offer convenient accommodation and facilities for one or even two people without affecting your privacy. If you live in a touristic city or even in the countryside away from the city hassle, this type of housing could be the perfect option for young travellers. The advantage is huge: you will not only be saving some money but at the same time you will be meeting new people and hosting a wide number of visitors from all over the world. You can even advertise your new home in safe online marketplaces and increase the chances that more and more people will choose it over time.
Some Challenges
- There are zoning ordinances that must be respected.
- Not so many architects have experience designing ADUs. They prefer to work on more standard architectural planning for big, residential houses.
- Usually ADUs occupy a small piece of land and must follow very detailed regulations. Not all specialists want to get involved in these time consuming processes.
- If the ADU will be rented, it should meet some rental terms.
- Builders could face some construction challenges. Sometimes, the land area is not flat for which it might require extra efforts in planning excavation and even land leveling.
- If there is not enough space in the primary house, not in the outdoor area (backyard) it could be hard to find easy access for the new building.
Still doubtful to start this new architectural project and expand your home? Feel free to contact us! Our specialized team of architects will be more than pleased to explore the many options we have available for you!
