Also called a granny flat, secondary unit, backyard cottage or other names, an accessory dwelling unit is an independent housing unit on the same lot as a single-family house. People may use an ADU for anything from a guest house to an art studio and more. There are a few different types of ADUs.
The most common type that comes to mind when people think of ADUs is a detached unit, which is built after the main home and is completely separate from the house. Another type is attached to the main home but remains a separate dwelling with its own systems and bathroom.
A third type is a dwelling unit that is created by remodeling a portion of an existing house to have its own systems. Some people may also convert an existing detached structure on a property into an ADU. The key to remember is that a typical ADU is considered a standalone unit, whether it is part of the home or detached.
What Are the Benefits of ADUs?
The key benefits of ADUs are that they solve housing and space issues. As California’s housing availability and cost issues continue to grow, ADUs provide innovative solutions for homeowners to supply affordable housing. These are some additional benefits:
- Since ADUs do not require homeowners to buy more land, create major infrastructure or add new parking structures, they are affordable investments for California homeowners.
- ADUs provide affordable housing costs for the elderly, students, young adults or people who have financial difficulties.
- Because homeowners can rent out ADUs, they offer an extra source of income.
- Families who have adult children living under one roof can expand their options and enjoy some independence without living too far apart.
- People who want to keep their elderly parents out of a rest home, keep them nearby and offer them some independence can accomplish all these goals with an ADU.
- Since it is possible to build ADUs with cost-effective construction methods, the cost is much less than that of homes in multifamily infill buildings.
- Because ADUs offer sufficient living space that is comparable to apartments or condos, they are suitable for singles or small families.
- Families who want to hire live-in help can offer a private, separate space to give the helper some privacy.
- Today, there are more funding and financing options available for homeowners who want to add ADUs.
California cities are recognizing the many benefits of ADUs and how they can help offset living costs for both homeowners and ADU occupants. As a result, more counties and cities now have zoning regulations for low-density residential areas that allow property owners to create ADUs.
This simplifies some of the process, and our services help simplify the rest of it. We offer ADU designing, building and financing, making us a one-stop solution for everything you need to create your own ADU.
California cities are recognizing the many benefits of ADUs and how they can help offset living costs for both homeowners and ADU occupants. As a result, more counties and cities now have zoning regulations for low-density residential areas that allow property owners to create ADUs.
This simplifies some of the process, and our services help simplify the rest of it. We offer ADU designing, building and financing, making us a one-stop solution for everything you need to create your own ADU.
