6 Factors to Consider Before Building an ADU

Beginning in 2019, we saw a serious rise in the building of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) across America. For many homeowners, ADUs offer benefits that can’t be matched by any other renovation.

Building an ADU isn’t something you should dive into without a plan, however. It’s important that you understand exactly what you want from your ADU and the best way to go about building it before you begin the process.

Now that ADUs are becoming more commonplace for homeowners, we thought it was important to take the time to create an ADU building guide.

Read on to learn the six most important factors to consider before building an ADU so that you can ensure a smooth, informed, successful building process.

1. What Is Your ADU For?

First thing’s first: when a homeowner builds an ADU, it is typically built to serve a specific purpose. The purpose your ADU will fulfill will inform everything from where on your property it’s built to size and functionality.

To get a sense of how versatile an ADU can be, let’s take a look at common ADU uses. These include:

  • A backyard office
  • A permanent or semi-permanent apartment for a friend or family member
  • A guest house
  • An apartment for short-term rental to travelers
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Before moving on to the following steps, start by answering the question, what is your ADU for? From there, make a list of elements it will need to include to fulfill this purpose. ADUs will always require electricity, but depending on the purpose they are intended to serve, they may also require running water, gas, and more.

2. What Is Your Building Budget?

Now it’s time to establish your building budget. Your budget may relate directly to the way you’re going to use your ADU. For example, if you’re going to rent your ADU out to travelers, you may create a larger budget with the intention of seeing a solid return on investment.

If your budget is on the smaller side, there are a few money-saving solutions worth considering. The biggest way to save money while building an ADU is to opt for conversion, rather than a new build. In other words, you can turn a basement, garage, or attic space into an ADU for less money than you would spend building an add-on or a stand-alone ADU on your property.

3. What Are the Property Development Laws in Your Area?

Before you start building, you absolutely have to learn more about property development laws in your state, city, and municipality. In order to lawfully build an ADU, you will need to get the proper permits and licenses to do so. The easiest way to move through this process is to come up with a design that will easily receive approval from local authorities.

You may be surprised by the specificity of these laws. They may regulate things like:

  • How an ADU is accessed (whether independently or through your existing home)
  • How tall your ADU can be
  • How your ADU can be used (e.g. for long-term or short-term dwelling)
  • How many windows your ADU is required to have in order to be used for housing
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These are just a few examples of the many regulations your area may have when it comes to property development. One easy solution to this hurdle is to contract pre-approved ADUs that are designed with your area’s laws and regulations in mind.

4. How Will You Connect Utilities in Your ADU?

As we mentioned earlier, ADUs are always equipped with electricity, if not water, gas, and more. It’s important that you know how you will be able to connect utilities in your ADU.

Most of the utilities you use for your own home can be easily hooked up to an accessory dwelling unit. Typically, the only thing that will require special attention is your ADU’s sewage lines. Make sure that your current septic tank is equipped to handle additional sewage and work with a professional if an additional septic tank is required.

5. Who Will You Hire to Build Your ADU?

ADUs may be small, but in function, they’re not unlike a tiny house. If you don’t feel like you’re experienced enough to build a full-size house, it may not be in your best interest to build a tiny one.

It may seem like a money-saving tactic to build an ADU on your own, but it’s not going to save you much in the long run. Hire a professional building company, instead. This will protect your investment and ensure that your ADU is usable and sturdy from the get-go.

Finding the perfect builder for your ADU will come down to the factors we’ve already listed. Who has experience building the kind of ADU you have in mind? Who offers services that fit your budget?

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6. How Will You Make a Small Space Functional?

Once you’ve gone through the first five steps, it’s time to think about the end-game. Once your ADU is built and hooked up to the utilities, how will you make this small space functional?

ADUs are typically somewhere between 600 and 1,000 square feet. Come up with storage solutions and shop for multi-use furniture to make the most of your space. Interior design can be tweaked over time, but having a basic plan before you start shopping can save you time, effort, and money.

Go Through This Checklist Before Building an ADU

If you’re thinking of building an ADU, don’t dive in without a plan. Go through our six questions and make sure you have a solid answer for each of them. Once you’ve completed this checklist, you’re ready to start building your very own ADU.

If you want more home improvement and real estate tips, you’ve come to the right place. Take a look around for more guides and tips to create the perfect home on your budget.

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