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What Are the Different Types of ADUs?

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    Learn all bout the different types of ADUs you can build & the benefits of having a garage conversion ADU

     

    Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs for short, are small homes built on the same property as the primary residence. Usually consisting of one or two bedrooms and their own kitchen and bathroom, these cute little abodes can be used in many ways: home office space or guest house for visiting family and guests.

     

    In the early 20th century, ADUs were very popular, but their construction saw a steep decline after World War II. The families who previously lived in these small houses moved to the newly developed suburbs, which was much more convenient for them at the time. That is no longer the case.

     

    In the last five years, the United States has seen an increase in demand for affordable housing. This in turn led to an uptick in ADU construction.

     

    Homeowners and investors are beginning to see the advantages of living in their own home without the worry of approaching mortgage obligations or unanticipated utility costs. 

     

    Different types of ADUs

     

    ADUs can come in many shapes and sizes, and there is no single approach to ADUs that is right for you!  

     

    1)Detached ADUs

     

    Detached ADUs are backyard dwellings that are not joined to any other structures on the property. These are great for maintaining tenant privacy or maintaining an independent lifestyle for families living together in one property.

     

    Because these units are separate from the main house in their own open space, new construction tends to be easier, regardless of the quality or condition of the main house or garage. 

     

    2)Attached ADUs

     

    Attached ADUs are units attached to the main house or other structure. For the most part, homeowners looking for attached ADUs do so to maximize the coverage of their lot by eliminating any inconvenience between the ADU and the main house.

     

    Please note that attached ADUs may require fire-rated partitions between the ADU and the main single-family home, adding cost and increasing the possibility of needing to upgrade the adjoining wall to the main home and ADU. 

     

    3)Conversion ADUs

     

    Conversion ADUs are ADUs integrated into the existing home fabric to become an ADU. Most conversion ADUs are garage conversions, but other options could be to convert a basement, attic, or even an extra bedroom into an additional rental unit.

     

    These are typically very cost-effective ways to add ADU space to your home: With most two-car garages, you can add an ADU with 400 square feet of floor area for 60% of the cost. 

     

    4)JADU

     

    JADUs are smaller ADUs that have relaxed regulations and ordinances for bathrooms and kitchens, usually with a maximum of 500 square feet. JADUs must utilize existing space within the main structure of your home, so while attached garage conversions would qualify, detached garages typically won't!

     

    The key distinction between a conversion ADU and a JADU is that JADUs can have more functional kitchens (hotplate/microwave vs. stove/range) and can share bathrooms with the original house. We have seen very creative JADUs built from converted bonus rooms and guest spaces! 

     

    One of the best resources for homeowners looking for additional income is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) garage conversion.

     

    A garage conversion is one of the easiest solutions for adding space to a single-family or multi-family residential property. The strategy provides additional space for storage, housing, or even a place for recreation. However, you choose to use your converted garage space, it will increase your property value.

     

    If you're like many homeowners, you use a significant portion of your garage to store various items you use only semi-regularly while keeping your car in the driveway. If your garage has been so overwhelmed with bulky items that you haven't been able to get rid of them, you may have a very valuable resource right under your nose.

     

    Here are some advantages of doing an ADU garage conversion:

     

    1)An ADU garage conversion is the least disruptive build option

     

    Unlike an attached or detached ADU, garage conversions do not require the complete construction of a structure. If the integrity of the garage is solid, it can be easily and quickly converted.

     

    A garage conversion is generally the least expensive type of ADU. Best of all, a full garage conversion can be completed in about a month.

     

    2)An ADU garage conversion increases the value of your property

     

    ADU garage conversions have the best return on investment of any ADU. Because the initial expense is significantly lower than that of attached or separate ADUs, homeowners can expect to reap significantly higher returns because the increase in value is roughly equivalent to separate and attached ADUs. 

     

    3)An ADU garage conversion offers optimal living space

     

    If you are concerned about privacy, a garage conversion is your best option, especially if your garage is separate from the main residence.

     

    However, even if your garage is attached, garage units are generally solidly built so car sounds are silenced. If you plan to use your garage as an additional living space for rent, you won't have to worry about disruptions to your lifestyle or your tenant's lifestyle.

     Here are some of the reasons why you should consider undergoing a garage conversion if you have a garage space that is not being actively used. ADU Specialist Bay Area offers sustainable building services and support to homeowners adding ADUs to their single-family or multi-family lots.

    We at ADU Specialist Bay Area specialize in providing planning and construction services to single-family and multi-family homeowners who want to add an ADU to their lots. For ADU garage conversion Bay Area please contact us for more information about our services.