ADUs, or accessory dwelling units, are extra living spaces that can be built on your property. Depending on the available area and the clients’ needs, an ADU apartment can be converted from existing facilities or created wholly new. An ADU serves the function of creating a living space in addition to the main house.
An ADU building is a self-contained, fully functional living space with access to the rest of the property (optional) and its utilities. If they choose, someone may live there with the same degree of freedom from the main house as if they were next-door neighbors. If you’re still wondering what an ADU is and want to learn more, read on.
What Is an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)?
Unlike small houses, ADUs are small and compact (but not microscopic), making them a better choice for singles, families, and couples searching for a small and inexpensive abode. An ADU may be a more appealing option for downsizing homeowners than moving into an apartment or an age-restricted area. Accessory homes can serve as a home for a paid caretaker too.
Although we see a lot of individuals converting less expensive garages, most people prefer independent expansions that are built specifically for their needs and provide additional living space. Imagine creating a house from scratch. It would involve a lot of time, money, and effort that one may or may not be willing to spare. Garage conversions, on the other hand, necessitate a considerable upgrade. A transformation like this may involve significant electrical work and installing new systems, such as plumbing. You may want to consider an architect before going for such transitions.
Why Are ADUs Becoming so Popular?
The possibility of having an additional backyard accessory dwelling unit that can be utilized as a home office, a family hangout zone, or a separate living area for a family member has made ADUs a reality in real estate and highly popular.
The general public has been interested in small, functional, and adaptable dwelling units for a few years, and with the pandemic, that desire has reached new heights. After hunkering down and working from home, we’re all attempting to fit a lot more functions into our homes.
Even as the employment market improves and the economy grows, a housing and homelessness issue has afflicted a significant section of the population. This is due to a variety of reasons.
As a result of the economic boom, many states have seen an influx of workers. Because the housing supply hasn’t kept up with demand, rent and home prices have risen, and many of these same workers and natives can no longer afford decent housing.
ADUs have grown in popularity in recent years. That’s primarily due to the affordable housing dilemma, which has resulted in rising homelessness, a chronic lack of new buildings, and the country’s highest poverty rate. The economic repercussions of the coronavirus may drive many people over the brink into unacceptable housing conditions, especially if they are already in a crisis. That’s where ADUs come in.
An ADU can provide renters with a cost-effective method to live in single-family communities while simultaneously providing homeowners with rental income. An ADU can be used to house a paid caretaker or allow family members to live on the same property but have separate living spaces.
Benefits of Having an ADU
A few more advantages that ADU owners might experience are discussed here:
- An ADU can give homeowners rental income while also providing renters with a cost-effective way to live in single-family areas.
- An ADU allows family members to live on the same property but have separate living quarters.
- An ADU is similar to having a tiny apartment in your backyard. It’s a self-contained, fully functional living place with utilities and access to the rest of the property.
An Acceptance of ADUs in the USA
California and Vermont, for example, have begun to recognize the several advantages of ADUs, including their efficient use of residential areas, contribution to the affordable housing pool, and availability of additional income for property owners.
These forces have recently crystallized in a city like Los Angeles, resulting in legislation that allows ADUs on lands designated for single-family secondary dwelling requirements.
Designing Your ADUs: Are ADUs a Good Investment?
Because ADUs are often smaller, you can use a lot of recycled, repurposed, and salvaged materials. It not only makes your ADU appear cool and unique, but it also prevents the creation of the same quantity of new materials.
You can awake your inner designer to give your ADUs a unique yet elegant look. The interior can feature designed ceilings, which provide visual interest and a sculptural dimension to the spaces without overpowering the small scale of the building. Throughout the ADU, you can add touches of bold color that will pop against bright white walls, with trim around doors or a feature wall painted with a lighter color.
When the sun shines in from the skylights above, you can use colors that are reflected and diffused throughout the space, giving rooms a sun-kissed golden or pink hue but still ensuring that the intimate space doesn’t feel overwhelmed by color.
Analyze the cost thoroughly before deciding on conversion so that you don’t hurt your pocket later.
Summing Up
ADUs offer a fresh beginning with a modern lifestyle. If you live in a standard home, things tend to start piling up. So, you have to consider donating or selling some of your belongings if you want to live in a 2000 sq. ft ADU. This step also allows you to take a closer look at your belongings and determine what truly matters to you versus what you have because it’s always been there, or because it simply looked good when you bought it.
Design Everest is a leading construction services provider in California. It offers an array of affordable ADU engineering and architectural services. Contact us today to get a free quote and consultation.
