Have you seen accessory dwelling units popping out of your neighborhood, and you wonder how you can have your own? You can build a customized ADU to accommodate a home office or as an additional living space in your home.
An ADU can be added to an existing structure, such as a gazebo or a detached garage. Various ADU designs can work for your home and help maximize your home’s space to the tune of 1,000 square feet. Below are things you need to know about an ADU before building one.
An ADU Should Be Habitable
An ADU should be specifically designed to be habitable. This may be detached or attached and can have separate utilities from the main house. The ADU should have a functional kitchen and bathroom.
An ADU is a Good Investment
Building an ADU can help in countering housing shortages in your region. For regions where housing is becoming harder to find, you may rent your ADU for additional income. Consider how long you will be renting the space before renting out the ADU. Find out your family’s long-term plans and decide if renting an ADU is a better option for your family.
An ADU Has Similar Benefits To A Home Addition
Before you build an ADU, you need to compare it with an addition to see the best suitable one for your home.
- Clean slate:If you are looking forward to creating a home office separate from your home or you want more space where you can entertain your friends, an ADU will work for you. This may also be ideal for families with kids. You can search for various ADU designs and choose one that will not disrupt your home design.
- Accessibility:Building an ADU will give you a unique private space while a home addition is added to the existing home structure. If you are looking for a private space for your office operations, an ADU can be easily accessible from the rest of the home.
- Home value:Building an ADU will increase the amount of your living space as you gain square footage. In most cases, an ADU increases the value of your home. Consulting with a professional can help you explore both options to determine if increasing your home value should be your priority.
Gives Family Comfort And Privacy
Hosting guests or family may be exciting, but you and the guests require some privacy when you need to relax. This may also be perfect if your children want to move back after completing their college education and want to enjoy a little independence in a separate space.
Staying at the ADU means that guests or children will enjoy their private space without disrupting the flow of the main home when entering their space, since it has a separate entrance from the main house. The utilities available in an ADU will give the children and guests a separation barrier, promoting comfort and privacy. Staying in an ADU is similar to having your hotel suite.