Uses For Accessory Dwelling Units

Whether you’re looking for a way to make some extra income or want a private place to host visitors or work on a hobby, an Accessory Dwelling Unit may be just what you need. ADUs are separate units built near (or sometimes attached to) an existing home. They give homeowners the option to create a whole new living space without having to significantly remodel their existing home. Keep reading to learn about what an ADU is and all the possibilities one has to offer.

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a type of mini-housing, typically contained and attached to an existing residence or property. ADUs are a desirable alternative for those who wish to increase their home’s value and convenience, as they allow homeowners the capacity to add extra space without constructing an entirely new, full-sized house.

ADUs come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from tiny apartments built over garages or backyards to larger structures like detached guest houses. Regardless of size, ADUs are supposed to contain rooms like a kitchen and bathroom, along with HVAC, making it a lot like the normal process of new construction.

When designing your ADU, consider the size of your lot and any local permits that may be required. The size of your lot will dictate how large of a structure you can build—it may not make sense financially or logistically if you don’t have enough space available for a good-sized unit.

Uses for Accessory Dwelling Units

A well-planned ADU can be a great way to maximize your space and enjoy multiple benefits. Here are some ideas for what your ADU can be used for:

• Office/Work Space: An ADU can be the perfect solution if you require a private workspace for yourself or your children. It also provides privacy if that’s something you desire when working on projects at home. This can come in handy for remote work, or if you have a hobby (like art) that you’d prefer to do somewhere quiet.

• Gym: This space can also be utilized for exercising. The ADU can be filled with equipment like weights or a treadmill, everything you need to work out without going to a gym. You can also lay out yoga mats and get your stretches in. Because ADUs are required to have bathrooms, it’s easy to shower after you’re done.

• Living Space: This could come in handy if family members are visiting and need somewhere comfortable to stay while they’re in town. Or maybe you have friends who would love a weekend getaway but don’t have anywhere else to go—they’ll appreciate having access to their own private quarters during their stay. For a long-term option, you can build as an in-law unit.

• Rental Property: Instead of letting friends or family stay in the ADU, there’s also the option of renting it out to tenants. Homeowners can decide whether they’d like it to be a short-term or long-term rental, depending on their income goals and how often they want to be looking for new tenants.

Benefits of Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit

Constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your land can be a great way to boost the worth of your residence and create additional income from renting. As mentioned above, they can be utilized in a variety of ways.

The first benefit of adding an ADU is the potential for increased property value. A well-designed ADU adds square footage to your property without taking away from the existing structure. This makes it especially appealing to potential buyers who are looking for more room but don’t want to buy a larger house outright.

Another major advantage of having an ADU is rental income. If you opt to rent out the unit for either a long or short period—depending on local regulations—it’s possible to generate a healthy passive income. This type of passive income stream could even help offset some of the costs associated with maintaining and improving your primary residence over time.

Plus, DIYers who relish projects around their homes will find that building an ADU offers plenty of opportunities for expressing creativity. Homeowners can customize the space to suit their own tastes while staying within budget constraints, from selecting materials to fit both aesthetic goals and budgetary restrictions all the way down to customizing fixtures such as cabinetry hardware.

Add More Space With an ADU

Constructing an accessory dwelling unit for your home can be a great way to raise its value while providing additional living space. Whether it’s used as an office, workout room, or additional living area, this addition is sure to add convenience and comfort for homeowners. With so many potential uses and benefits, investing in an accessory dwelling unit could be just what you need.