Is An Accessory Dwelling Right For You?
If you’ve been looking to add more livable space to your home, one option to consider is an Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU.
What are ADUs?
Also sometimes known as mother-in-law units, granny flats, or backyard cottages, ADUs are separate structures built on the property. They typically include a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and private entrance, although features may vary depending on the planned use. They are sometimes converted garages or pool houses but are more often new construction. They can come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding between building an ADU or constructing a traditional addition. A professional remodeler like ELM Construction can walk you through these and other considerations.
Know how you will use it
The most important question to answer is how you intend to use it. ADUs can be used in a number of ways, including a home office, fitness studio, a guest house or a rental unit.
We shared tips on Remodeling For Your Dream Home Office last month. Our No. 1 piece of advice was an area separate from the home. Clearly, an ADU meets that requirement. On the other hand, if you have children at home that need supervision, this could prove to be less of a benefit.
For living quarters, a separate space like an ADU offers a good mix of being near the home, but also ensuring privacy. This can be a great way to handle room for a parent who may not be able to handle living completely on their own (hence the “granny flat” name).
ADUs can also be a source of income when they’re used to create rental units, whether for a long-term tenant or short-term renters like an Airbnb.
Check with local codes
Rules for ADUs vary from municipality to municipality. Different cities may have different rules about how you can use the space, how big the unit can be and how far structures must be from the property line, among other restrictions.
Make sure you are working with a reputable, licensed contractor who knows and follows the permitting and zoning regulations in your community.
Can your property handle it?
Besides ensuring you have the necessary space to meet local zoning requirements, it is also important to ascertain if your utility infrastructure can handle the extra load. Typically, ADUs can tap into the existing water, sewer and power, but your contractor can make sure you have the capacity that will be required for the new unit.
Keep financials in mind
Constructing an ADU will usually cost more than a traditional addition, but that’s not always the case. It is also important to remember that adding a new structure to your property will result in increased property taxes and insurance costs, especially if it is a rental unit.
Ready to plan your ADU, addition, or any other remodeling project? Contact ELM today to discuss your remodeling needs!
