ADUs can provide rental income, or home for family member
(August 5, 2024) — Many homeowners are obsessed with the Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU, because it means more living space.
This might translate to an extension of the residence, accommodations for a family member or making the most of your property by adding a small house to be used for rental income.
By definition, an ADU is a secondary housing unit constructed on a single-family residential lot. It can be detached, attached or a garage conversion. The location of the ADU will ultimately depend on the size and layout of the property and existing residence, and how the owners will use this new structure.
The detached ADU is just that: a standalone structure located somewhere on a residential property. An attached ADU means blending a new structure with an existing structure. It’s completely separate from the primary residence, with its own entrance and living quarters, but it shares a wall or two.
Converting a garage into an ADU is another option that can be useful if the lot is small or if adding another structure would not be aesthetically part of the overall design plan.
Some homeowners build an ADU because they want more living space. Detached or attached, an ADU has many uses: a home office, home gym, guest house, pool house a great room for family and friends to gather.
When it comes to adding more living space, the design options are endless. The small house could be an extension of the architecture of the main residence, with a decorative path connecting the two homes.
Even though the ADU is detached, the property as a whole looks coordinated. The separate unit will blend with the existing residence. Working with an architect will guarantee that the flow and design looks balanced with the existing structure.
An ADU is a perfect addition to a property if your extended family members need affordable housing. An ADU gives an aging parent or family member the privacy and independence they had at their former residence while allowing other family members to be just a few steps away if an emergency occurs or medical attention is required.
For the young adult who just graduated from college or is in between jobs, the ADU provides a short- or long-term living situation.
Using the ADU for rental income is another reason they have become so popular. It could be a short-term rental, like an Airbnb or VRBO accommodation, or something more long term where the renter needs a smaller residence due to either the cost of living or their lifestyle. Regardless of the rental situation, income is a great reason to consider adding an ADU to a residential lot.
The ADU is an interesting concept that more and more homeowners are considering because of the increased space for living and the long-term housing benefits. Working with a contractor, and potentially an architect and engineer, will help you determine the best location for an ADU on your property.
Jennifer Leischer
Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton, CA. Combining a public relations degree from California State University, Chico, with further studies in design and interior architecture at the University of California, Berkeley, Jennifer began her career as an interior designer in 1998, working for various firms in San Francisco and Orinda, and Denver, Colorado. She describes every designing moment, throughout her career, as a wonderful tutorial about the importance of relationships, open communication, and getting down to the basics of functional, yet stylish, living spaces.