You may have heard about the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) trend if you’ve explored the housing market. Many people prefer these living spaces over traditional homes. Here’s what buyers should know about them and what these residences could mean for your future. You might be able to live the rest of your life on the property you’ve called home for so long.
1. They Have Many Names
An ADU is a typical renovation project for single-family homes and large properties. People may refer to it as an in-law suite, casita, granny flat or laneway house. Modern homeowners also call them tiny homes, although they don’t have to be small. They always have modern features of a full-sized house so occupants of any age can live self-sufficiently while remaining close to loved ones.
The actual name for an ADU can sound like a construction term devoid of personality or celebration. As you learn more about these living arrangements, you can determine the name you prefer for a unit that keeps family close and encourages long-term autonomy. For example, an in-law suite may feel like a better name if you’re looking into ADUs for spouse’s parents.
2. They’re Easy to Personalize
Housing market experts estimate that retired couples find a 1,500-square-foot home so they have space for themselves without paying for rooms they’ll never use. A tiny house can be an excellent solution with room for renovations because it fits on most existing properties.
You could also consider building a mother-in-law suite for yourself or your loved ones. They’re an apartment-sized dwelling attached to a family’s home, so the occupant has everything they need to be independent while living close to loved ones. It could feature a small kitchen and even a living room. It depends on what the future occupant needs to continue their preferred lifestyle.
3. They Help People Stay at Home
Most people eventually have to downsize by moving into a new house. They have to leave years or decades of family memories behind because their knees can’t handle the stairways or they can’t afford it anymore. ADUs allow people to downsize in place and retire happily because they can continue living on the same property. In fact, senior care is a big reason for building ADUs — 84% of people over 50 would add one to care for their loved ones, according to survey data.
Interested clients may order a new building for their property that’s separate from their home. Their children or grandchildren can then take ownership of their house while the grandparents or in-laws live in separate living quarters.
4. They’re a Long-Running Concept
ADUs have existed throughout history. Families in the 19th century would build carriage houses for young people seeking independence or couples who wanted to live with their grandchildren. The end of World War II prompted a mass migration to the suburbs, which increased the construction of single-family homes and ADUs to accommodate multigeneration households.
Don’t worry if you think ADUs are a short-term fad. They’ll continue to be a solution for large households and couples because they allow people to live exactly where they want. It’s also an economical solution for anyone who can’t afford to move to a new place in a costly housing market.
5. They Change in Each Location
The only thing standing between you and an ADU are local regulations. There isn’t a law banning them from any particular state, but you will have to contend with building and zoning codes applicable to your neighborhood or town. Check with your city’s municipal clerk’s office for specific details after deciding on ADU factors like:
- If it will be attached or separate from your home
- Its square footage and height
- How it will connect to water and sewage lines
You may also find that occupancy rules require you to live in one of the two buildings on your property. A quick phone call will solve these questions and determine if you can have your dream ADU where you currently reside.
6. They Are More Affordable
Houses cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, which many people can’t afford. Most of the time, ADUs will be much more affordable because they’re smaller and typically feature a single floor.
Someone who lives in Portland, Oregon, could build an ADU for an average of $194,000 compared to the average home price of $542,000 in that city. That’s a significant price drop that would drastically reduce the monthly payments for any living space. Contacting local contractors for quotes is the best way to determine how much you would have to pay for your ADU. It will change depending on where you live and the current cost for building materials.
Learn More About the ADU Trend
These are just a few things buyers should know about the ADU trend before deciding if it’s the right living arrangement for themselves or their loved ones. It’s a popular solution that will become an even more viable option as the housing bubble expands, so weigh your options and get quotes to make the best decision for your needs.
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