As cities continue to grow, housing shortages and affordability challenges have become increasingly prevalent. In response to this issue, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have gained popularity as a practical and cost-effective solution to increase housing options.
ADUs are a type of secondary housing unit that can be built on a single-family property. These units can come in different sizes and shapes and can be designed to meet various housing needs.
In this article, we will explore the different types of ADUs available and how they can serve as viable solutions to housing challenges.
There are more than two dozen variations of ADU, however, we will tell you about the most popular and functional options, the demand for which never drops.
An ADU that is detached from the main house is a separate living structure on the same property. This kind of accessory dwelling unit provides a higher degree of privacy and isolation from the primary residence. It is versatile enough to be designed in various styles and sizes, from a small dwelling unit to a larger two-story house. Detached ADUs are ideal for those who need an independent space for accommodating guests, running a home office, or generating rental income.
This project differs in that it is the most affordable way to expand the living space and get extra square feet for any purpose. This becomes possible because, for the construction of the attached ADU, you do not need to erect a separate building, since this unit has a common foundation, wall, and roof with the main house. On par with this, the attached ADU can bring you many advantages, starting from the fact that here you can gather a large family and arrange parties and ending with the opportunity of obtaining passive income.
Most garages are semi-abandoned spaces in which unnecessary junk can accumulate and be stored for decades. The garage conversion project will allow you to use these square feet more practically because after completing the construction process you will become the owner of a new technological space. A feature of a garage conversion is its versatility. Here you can equip a home gym, a small hobby workshop, any additional room, a recreation area, and much more.
A very similar project to the previous position, with the only difference being that the basement is an even more functional place. Judge for yourself, you can create a home library or a family archive here, equip a spacious office if you work remotely, or become the owner of a very cozy home theater with a small fireplace or an improvised waterfall from ceiling to floor. The choice of configurations is unlimited and this is not an exaggeration.
A Junior ADU, also called a JADU, is a compact ADU that is constructed within the existing space of a single-family house. This form of accessory dwelling unit usually entails converting an existing room, such as a bedroom or garage. A JADU is restricted in size to 500 square feet and has a separate entrance. It is intended for short-term rentals or as a living space for family members. This form of ADU is an excellent way to generate rental income or create additional housing for family members while staying within a limited footprint.
To sum up, when contemplating the addition of housing options to your property, there are several ADU types to consider. A detached ADU provides the highest level of privacy and separation from the primary residence, while an attached ADU is a suitable alternative for individuals who need a distinct area for guests or rental income. For homeowners who possess unused garages, a garage conversion ADU is a perfect choice. In comparison, a basement ADU is an excellent option for those who have a partially finished or underutilized basement.
Lastly, a Junior ADU is a small ADU that is created within the existing space of a single-family home, with the specific purpose of providing short-term rental or extra living space for family members. With such a diverse range of ADU options, there is undoubtedly an ADU type that meets your housing needs.
ADU is a very profitable investment that can bring the homeowner a lot of material and emotional benefits. Regardless of the type of ADU, you will get access to these privileges.
We highlight the following most attractive advantages:
On the whole, as you can see, there is a very good reason to invest in the construction of ADU. After that, an endless range of amenities will instantly open up in front of you, which will improve the quality of life for all family members, allow you to have fun, and easily solve any household tasks.
