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With a severe housing shortage and rising costs of rent, homeownership is increasingly out of reach for many people. Yet larger homes are not always the answer. Many people want to stay in vibrant urban centers and walkable neighborhoods with convenient access to transportation, schools, shops and restaurants, and an ADU can be the perfect solution for these situations. An ADU - also called a secondary apartment or an in-law cottage - is essentially a second dwelling unit that’s built as an addition to an existing home. It’s a great opportunity to have your cake and eat it too! You get the affordability of renting without sacrificing privacy, space or location. In this article we’ll discuss 10 benefits of having an ADU, what they look like and how you can build one in your own home.
ADU’s come in many shapes and sizes
ADUs can be created out of almost any space in the home, even closets and attics. There are no building codes or set rules for how big they should be, and their configuration and size can be customized depending on family size and needs. For example, an ADU could be a separate apartment within the home. Or it could be a combination of a separate building and an attached room or space. There are many permutations of how to create an ADU, and what works best for one home may not work for another. The important thing is to discuss your options with an architect or designer to ensure your home can accommodate what you have in mind.
You can build an ADU for very little money
Depending on the type of ADU you build, it may cost very little to construct. For example, if you’re building a detached ADU, the most expensive part may be the foundation. That’s because the ground underneath needs to be prepared before it can support the weight of a new building. If you’re building an attached ADU, the cost will be even lower because you don’t have to dig footings for the foundation. You also don’t have to start from scratch. If you’re adding an ADU to your existing home, you can reuse the foundation and electrical, water and sewage systems already in place. The only materials you need to purchase are those specific to your new addition.
You’ll gain extra space & privacy in your home
One of the main benefits of having an ADU is that you get additional space in your home. Depending on your needs and the layout of your home, you can put this space to many different uses. You could create a large master bedroom. Or use it as an office. Or even create a home-based business. You can also use the space to create separate living quarters for family members who may need or want their own space, including senior citizens, children or caregivers. Having these various types of space can help make your home feel more spacious and private overall.
An ADU can be rented out to help with mortgage costs
By renting out your ADU, you can help offset the cost of your mortgage. And depending on where you live, you may even be able to make enough money to cover the mortgage. Renting out your ADU can be a good way to hedge against rising mortgage rates, while still living in the home you love. Obviously, it’s important to check the zoning regulations and get any necessary permits before you advertise your ADU for rent. You don’t want to get in trouble with the law! If you’re considering renting out your ADU, it’s worth noting that there’s often a long waitlist for rental properties in desirable areas. So if you’re hoping for a steady stream of income from your ADU, you may have to be patient!
You’ll reduce your carbon footprint
A smaller home can help you reduce your carbon footprint. And one way to do that is to add an ADU to your existing home. If you install solar panels or renewable energy systems, you could go off the grid altogether, but even if you keep the main house connected to the grid, ADUs can help homeowners reduce their carbon emissions. If the main house is larger, it will consume more energy than a smaller, attached ADU. So adding an ADU to your existing home could actually reduce your carbon footprint.
A bonus: By building an ADU, you can increase the value of your home!
Building an ADU could help increase the value of your home. If you build an attached ADU, you’ll have an additional bedroom or bathroom that can increase the value of your home. An ADU can be a great asset for resale. It’s a great way to make use of unused space in your home without making major renovations. It can also provide extra housing for family members or caregivers. If the ADU is located in a prime area, it could make your home more attractive to buyers. Remember, though, that having an ADU does not guarantee a home will sell faster or for more money. It’s important to do research into comparable sales in your area before you make any decisions about building an ADU.
Reserving an ADU is a great way to have a home care provider on site
If you’re looking for a way to keep living in your home as you get older, an ADU can be a great solution. It can provide a home for friends, relatives or paid caregivers. Having an ADU on your property could even be a great alternative to moving into a retirement home. Having someone on-site to help with daily tasks could be a welcome relief for friends and family members who don’t have the time or ability to assist with them. And it could be a great solution for seniors who want to stay active and independent, yet still be close to loved ones. If you’re considering building an ADU, it’s important to start early. Depending on the type of ADU you want to build, it could take anywhere from a few months to a few years to complete. For example, a traditional home addition would likely take about a year to complete, while building a modular ADU could take about a third of that time. The earlier you start, the sooner you can enjoy all the benefits of having an ADU.
Conclusion
ADUs can be a great way to expand your living space while also adding value to your property. Depending on your needs, they can be built as a separate apartment, an attached room or a combination of a separate building and an attached room. While they can cost very little to construct, they can take some time to be completed. While you’re waiting, there are numerous ways to make your existing home more welcoming. From decorating to decluttering, the following tips can help you create a welcoming space for yourself and your loved ones.
