ADU units are changing backyards across America, giving homeowners creative solutions for extra space or rental income. These accessory dwelling units are a smart way to boost your property’s value while meeting housing needs. Curious if an ADU could work for you? Let’s dive in and explore this popular housing trend!
What Are ADU Units?
An ADU unit, or accessory dwelling unit, is a secondary housing structure built on the same lot as a primary residence. These independent living spaces include essential amenities like kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas. ADU homes can be attached to your main house, converted from existing structures like garages, or built as standalone units in your backyard.
While some regions have restrictions limiting the practice, ADU homes have been growing in popularity in recent years. In 2016, fewer than 1,300 permits were issued for an ADU unit in the US. By 2021, that number had already skyrocketed to over 23,000, and interest continues to grow.
How ADUs Differ from Traditional Sheds
While both ADU homes and sheds occupy backyard space, their purposes and features are pretty different. Traditional sheds serve as storage solutions, typically lacking utilities or climate control systems. They’re designed to house lawn equipment, holiday decorations, or seasonal items.
ADU units function as complete living environments, and include plumbing, electrical systems, heating, and cooling. These spaces are designed for human occupancy, whether temporary or permanent. Unlike storage sheds, ADU homes must meet residential building codes and safety standards.
Legal Considerations for ADU Units
When planning to build an ADU unit, you should understand the legal considerations involved. These regulations can vary widely depending on your location, so thorough research and consultation with local authorities are a must. Here are some of the key legal factors to consider:
- Zoning Regulations: Most jurisdictions allow ADUs only on single-family residential properties, though specific rules vary by location.
- Size Restrictions: Many jurisdictions impose size limits on ADUs, often tied to the size of the primary home or the lot itself.
- Design and Aesthetic Compliance: Some areas, especially those governed by homeowner associations (HOAs), may have strict requirements regarding the design and aesthetic consistency of ADUs.
- Rental Use Restrictions: While ADUs can be an excellent source of rental income, some regions may limit their use for short-term rentals, such as those offered through vacation rental platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.
- Building Codes and Safety Standards: ADUs must meet all relevant building codes, including fire, plumbing, electrical, and safety standards, to ensure they are suitable for residential use.
Understanding these considerations early in the process will help ensure a smoother process for your ADU construction.
What Are ADU Homes Really Used For?
ADU homes are incredibly versatile, fitting a variety of family needs and financial goals. Here are some great ways people use them:
- Multi-Generational Living
ADUs are perfect for keeping loved ones close while maintaining independence. Aging parents can live nearby but still have their own space, and young adults can use them as a stepping stone before moving out on their own. - Rental Income
Turn your ADU into an income generator! Renting it out to long-term tenants can help cover construction costs, chip away at your mortgage, or fund other financial goals. - Guest Accommodations
Hosting friends or family? ADUs offer more privacy and comfort than a regular guest room, giving visitors a cozy, fully equipped space to enjoy their stay, especially for visits that might stretch longer than a few days. - Home Office or Creative Studio
Need a quiet, dedicated workspace? ADUs are an ideal spot for a home office or studio in the backyard, helping you stay productive while maintaining a separation and balance between work and home life.
With so many possibilities, the flexibility of ADUs makes them a great addition to any property!
The Difference Between an ADU and Tiny Home
ADU and tiny homes have many similarities, but there are key differences to note. ADUs require a main house to be built, since it’s considered a “secondary unit”. Oftentimes, this means it’s connected to the main house’s utilities.
Tiny homes, on the other hand, can be mobile and don’t require a main house as they often use off-grid solutions. Moreso, they are much smaller, hence the term ‘tiny’.
The biggest difference, though, is that tiny homes tend to be much more affordable due to their minimalist nature and not needing as many permits as ADUs.
Ready to Build Your Custom Tiny Home?
ADU units and tiny homes offer remarkable flexibility for expanding your living space and increasing property value. Whether you’re considering multi-generational housing, rental income, or simply need more room, these structures provide practical solutions.
Solitude Custom Sheds specializes in creating custom backyard structures that are more than simple sheds. From initial design consultation to final installation, we’re here to help build the addition to your home that you’ve always wanted, to be used in any way your imagination can come up with.Get in touch with Solitude Custom Sheds today for a free design consultation! Let’s work together to create a custom-built structure that works perfectly for you.
