ADU. Accessory Dwelling Unit. You may have heard them described as a granny flat, a guest house, or even a casita (I like this one!) Do you want one of these? You might want to consider it!
Depending on where you live, this is a great option to bring in a little rental income or house an aging parent or not-quite-launched child. They can also accommodate an AirBnb. Depending on your location, that can be quite lucrative. I’m in sunny SoCal, and they’re all the rage here.
Today we’ll review some talking points of what to include as you plan to add one to YOUR life. Let’s dig in!
Step #1: Consider Essential Amenities
What sets an ADU apart from a guest house/guest room is the ability to be a stand-alone unit. It needs to contain a bathroom and a kitchen. These don’t need to be enormous, but the scale should be commensurate with the size of the unit.
For example, the kitchen can be smaller if the unit can accommodate just a single or a couple. To help maximize the space, you can purchase apartment-sized appliances. Include:
- Refrigerator
- Freestanding range
- Compact dishwasher
If you’re setting this up for AirBnb renters, include small appliances and utensils. You can download our handy AirBnb Shopping Guide here if you want to go that route.
Step #2: Plan the Location of the New Place
So where are you going to put this thing??? The most common place is the garage. Especially if you have a garage that is not easily accessible for your car, like many older homes, this is an excellent, cost-saving option, as you’re starting with an existing structure.
You can add a new building if you’ve got the space. However, this will cost more, so consult with a contractor first to see about things like plumbing and electrical access.
If you have a basement, this is also a great option. You’ll need the unit to have windows for fresh air and daylight and separate outside access with an exterior egress.
Those basement windows will not fill the exterior egress requirement as the window must be openable in the event of a fire or other emergency. An easy solution is installing a window well.
Step #3: Draw Up Your Plans with a Design Team
You’ll need to have the plans drawn up first. This will allow you to get multiple bids. Or, if you know what contractor you’re using already, you’ll need these for the contractor to get the quotes and the permits. You’ll want this permitted so you can avoid any problems.
The more detailed the preparation, the better the results with the fewest number of surprises!
If you would like some support creating that perfect ADU for your loved one, we are here to help. Reach out, and let’s get to know each other.
xoxo,
Pamela
