There is a growing demand nationwide to increase housing inventory, density, proximity, and availability, and the Accessory Dwelling Unit checks off all of these boxes. The general idea is to add another “home” to a property where a single-family home already exists. In some cases the ADU must be attached to the existing home, in other cases it must be detached. Depending on where you live, the ADU may be used as a leased rental unit or AirBNB, or may need to be occupied by the owner or owner’s relatives such as an “in-law” apartment. Typically the ADU will be limited in size to a percentage of the area of the existing house, or not greater than a maximum area determined by the municipality. Put quite simply, creating an ADU is like building a tiny house next to your house.

With this growing demand is an increased acceptance of the ADU in local municipal zoning codes as a logical solution to housing shortages, with little or no negative impact to the surrounding neighborhood and community.

While not all towns and cities make building or converting an existing structure to an ADU easy, they are becoming common and likely your town has an allowance or exception to create one. For properties that aren’t on public sewer and water, the first challenge is typically to assess the existing septic system, and plan for a new design that allows for greater volume. In urban settings, parking and setbacks can also be a challenge, but often worked through with clever planning.

The photo displayed here is of an ADU home run. The client had an existing structure somewhere between a carriage barn and a small garage that needed repair. We helped envision a bright, open, warm-feeling space with a full kitchen, living area, office and bathroom, that they could use as a remote workspace, or for guests to stay with their own ammenities, just a short walk to their front door.

Check out our full process here and learn more about our values here.