Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) - The New Granny Flat
Is An ADU Right For You?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU for short, can not only give you added space for multi-generational living or office space, but it can also be used for rental income to help offset the expenses of home ownership, such as, maintenance, property taxes, mortgage and more.
Each city has its own specific permitting requirements and some cities will even subsidize some permitting fees to help offset some of the costs involved.
There are several types of ADU's and they come in various sizes usually between 150 and 1000 square feet.
Types of ADU's include:
-Detached new construction - Built in the backyard of an existing home and can be used as a rental, mother-in-law suite, or guest house for friends and family members.
-Junior ADU (JADU) - Created out of space within an existing single-family home. JADU s may be up to 500 square feet in size. A JADU is created by adding a small kitchen and exterior door to space in an existing single-family dwelling.
-Garage Conversion - A garage conversion turns a preexisting structure into a full-blown living space. This includes outfitting it with heating and cooling, insulation, as well as adding water for a bathroom and kitchen.
-ADU above existing garage - This would be if you have an attached garage and decide to build it up, you would be building an attached ADU. This could offer additional privacy with a separate entrance.
-Attic ADU conversion - An interior conversion that would be part of the original home but could have an exterior door for added privacy.
-Home addition - Home homeowners wish to create an addition that can serve as a separate living unit for either family or as a rental. Depending on the structure of the home, this may be built as a one or two-story pop out from one side of the house.
In order to be considered an ADU, Fannie Mae, a government mortgage entity, has a list of criteria for what must be included to consider something an ADU:
- It must be on the same lot as a larger residence.
- It must have space for living, sleeping, and cooking, plus a bathroom.
- There must be a private entrance.
- The kitchen must have counters, cabinets, sink, running water, and a stove or stove hookup.
Benefits of ADUs
- Affordable housing. Not only are ADUs smaller and therefore more affordable to build; oftentimes, they can also be built in existing spaces like a garage or basement. They also eliminate the need to pay for additional land. Plus, owners don’t need to install utility infrastructure, since it’s already in place and likely just needs to be extended from the main house.
- Convenience and flexibility. ADUs provide family members with independent living while still living near each other. It can be a good option for college students or young adults to save money, or for older relatives to age in place with family support nearby.
- Small environmental footprint. ADUs are small, so both building and living in one puts out a much smaller environmental footprint. The construction of an ADU requires fewer materials, typically, and living in one often requires less energy to heat and cool the unit.
- Rental income for property owners. Depending on local regulations, ADUs may be used as either short-term or long-term rentals. A short-term vacation rental may bring in higher rates, assuming the area is strong in tourism, but requires more maintenance and upkeep. A long-term rental allows for a steadier stream of income all year long.
Permits Simplified
Remodels and Renovations
Remodels and Renovations
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Remodels and Renovations
Remodels and Renovations
Remodels and Renovations
Still in love with your home, but feel like it's a little outdated? Need a more functional kitchen for the chef of the house? Let's talk about a remodel.
Repair Expertise
Remodels and Renovations
Repair Expertise
Every house needs some repairs at some point. From wood rot to storm damage, home repairs need to be handled in such a way that they do not cover up related problems.