Accessory Dwelling (ADU)

You can rent it out

This is possibly the only type of home that will not only bring something extra when you sell the property, but it can also bring an extra income while you still live there.

An option for students and singles looking for a place of their own, your ADU can bring in a constant stream of income by renting it out.

Thing to have in mind: You must live on the property in order to rent it out.

Get in touch today for a free chat with one of our experts, and let’s talk about that dream project!

You can offer it on a B&B basis

Besides month-to-month renting, you can choose to rent your ADU for the night as a bed & breakfast type of dwelling.

This works great if your custom home is located near places where large social events (football, sports, conventions, etc) take place.

A great guest house

The initial purpose of accessory dwelling units was that of a guesthouse. No wonder, since an ADU offers complete privacy, as well having everything you need within reach.

Even more, since this type of home improvement comes with its own entrance, it also offers your guests the freedom to come and go as they please.

A way to keep your family close

In case you want your family members to be close to you for long periods of time –parents, for instance– an ADU will keep them close to you, without feeling that they’re all over your head.

An alternative to moving houses

If the lack of space is the primary reason you’re planning to relocate, an ADU can offer the extra space you need, so you can keep staying in the place you love and know.

Depending on house prices in your area, it can also prove a cheaper option than selling your custom home and moving into a new one.

Plenty of options for interior design

Don’t think that the small space necessarily translates to the ADU feeling crowded. There are plenty of ways to gain space, or create the illusion of space: from raising the ceiling, to extendable furniture, or a Murphy bed that can be folded during the day.

With a bit of imagination and a clever interior design, an ADU can feel just as spacious as a normal household, while offering the same level of pleasant aesthetics and homely comfort.

Now, let’s look at where you can place an accessory dwelling unit:

As a detached construction

Also known as a backyard cottage, or a granny flat, this type of ADU offers the great advantage that there’s no need for a home of your current house while building it.

Suitable for yards with generous space, you will need to check the current rules and regulations in your area to see if you’re allowed to build one.

A garage conversion ADU

Works great if you plan to use your garage for other purposes than parking your car.

Even more, garage conversions are easier to do than other home projects, since no load bearing walls are involved, so you can save on time and budget.

A basement ADU

If your basement has the space for it, a basement ADU can be just as comfy as the custom home above, and it can even have natural lighting coming in through sun wells if you extend the basement a couple of feet into the garden.

One thing to remember for this type of home improvement is maintaining an optimum air quality, as well as making sure the walls are waterproof.

An addition ADU

Known also as a bump-out ADU, the dwelling is attached to the side of the house, and usually communicates with the main house through a hallway or a door.

Still, a bump-out ADU has its own outside entrance, being able to offer similar levels of privacy and freedom as a fully-detached accessory dwelling unit.

What to have in mind before building an ADU:

• zoning permits and regulations
• age and size of your current custom home
• minimum and maximum height requirements
• water availability
• septic system (if it can allow the new addition)
• HVAC needs

As you see, accessory dwelling units are complicated, time-consuming constructions, but propose advantages no other home can offer.

In order to get the best out of your ADU project, the best would be to search for a professional home renovation company to get it right from the start.

As one of the leading home improvements companies on the West Coast, SOD Home Group will make sure that your accessory dwelling unit will offer the looks, comfort, and usability you are looking for.

Even more, we guarantee to finish the project on time and on budget for a carefree experience.