Accessory dwelling units ADUs, Prefab ADU
The accessory dwelling unit is a simple but well-thought solution for a single-family home. ADUs have been known by many names: granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units, and more. ADUs have grown exponentially in number as more cities, counties, and homeowners become interested in ADUs as one solution to increasing the supply of affordable housing. There are many options and styles that can become an inseparable part of your home by extending the area and not only! Let’s discuss the advantages of ADUs, how they got so popular and the main ADU builders you can rely on. Let’s get you started!
What Is An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone (detached) single-family home. You might encounter to cases where ADUs are attached to the main house. ADUs have been known by many different names throughout the country, some of them include accessory apartments, secondary suites, and granny flats. Granny flats, really? Well yes, the name comes from the fact that many ADUs were used to house elderly family members that wanted to live closer to the rest of the family. As ADUs in single-family zones are welcomed by many communities, other locals may worry that allowing them will change the character of their neighborhoods or put too much strain on the infrastructure already in place.
Any infrastructure such as the following can be considered an ADU:
- A tiny house (on a foundation) in the backyard
- An apartment over the garage
- A basement apartment
Regardless of its physical form (backyard cottage, basement apartment, etc.), legally an ADU is part of the same property as the main home. The owner of the ADU is the owner of the main home. They can serve as an excellent option for a movie area, room for parties, or just an additional space for guests or perhaps an office area! Some people use ADU as an additional income as they give it out
Types of ADU homes
There are 2 main types of ADU constructions. Each type represents different features that are typical to it. Let’s discuss them!
Standard ADU
Standard ADUs involves the creation of a new independent living unit a with separate exterior entrance from a primary single- or multifamily dwelling. There are three ways that standard ADUs can be created on a property:
- Conversion: Convert part of the existing home, garage or accessory structure
- New Construction – Attached: Build a new addition to the existing home or attached garage
- New Construction – Detached: Build a new, free-standing dwelling unit on the property or build an addition to an existing detached garage or accessory structure.
Junior ADU
Junior ADUs or JADUs involves the creation of a new living unit, maximum of 500 square feet, converted from within the walls of a single-family dwelling, including attached garages and other nonliving spaces. JADUs has an efficient kitchen and a separate exterior entrance.
ADU Kit builders
Thousands of construction companies build accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Many offer turnkey solutions, doing everything from the plan and permit submissions to the handover. Finding a company that sells ADU kits is one way to build your own ADU. The concept of kit homes is not new. For many years, businesses have marketed them as an affordable home option.ADU kits range from those that include just the basic structure to those that include everything. Some even come with foundation materials and hardware for doors and windows. They may include plumbing and electrical fittings. Most have detailed instructions that a keen DIY enthusiast will be able to follow. Find your ADU Kit builder now at the Homes Direct!
Standard Accessory Dwelling Units' Features
Trying to understand which ADU will be suitable for you or your family member? A standard accessory dwelling is broadly known and many people choose this type. Even though the main construction features can differ from state to state but here are the main features of a standard ADU!
The minimum size is calculated to be 150 sf but the maximum size is not set to go. The maximum height for a detached ADU is 20 feet when located outside of the required setbacks for the zone.
Requirements for classifying an ADU
The construction method of an ADU can be site- or factory-built, including modular, and single- or multi-width HUD Code manufactured homes that are legally classified as real property. If an ADU is present, the primary dwelling must be site-built or modular homes. Here are some main requirements for classification of an ADU.
Requirements
Only one ADU is permitted on the parcel of the primary one-unit dwelling.
ADUs are not permitted with a two- to the four-unit dwelling.
The ADU must
1) be subordinate in size to the primary dwelling
2) have the following separate features from the primary dwelling:
- means of ingress/egress,
- kitchen,
- sleeping area,
- bathing area,
- bathroom facilities.
The ADU may, but is not required to, include access to the primary dwelling. However, it is not considered an ADU if it can only be accessed through the primary dwelling or the area is open to the primary dwelling with no expectation of privacy.
The kitchen must, at a minimum, contain the following:
1) cabinets,
2) a countertop,
3) a sink with running water.
4) a stove or stove hookup (hotplates, microwaves, or toaster ovens are not acceptable stove substitutes).
Main Benefits of the Accessory Dwelling
Homeowners and investors are beginning to see the advantages of owning their own homes and not having to worry about impending mortgage payments or additional energy expenses. When it comes to ADU, it can offer a lot more advantages than you would think. Let’s go over some of them:
ADUs are an affordable type of home to construct in the States because they do not require paying for land or major new infrastructure
ADUs can provide a source of income for homeowners
ADUs are built with cost-effective wood frame construction
ADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy
ADUs can serve as nice living spaces or guest rooms