Accessory dwelling units – otherwise known as ADUs, mother-in-law units, guest houses, or backyard cottages – are units that typically include their own bedroom, bathroom and kitchen area that are built on the same property as a larger main home.
Made popular in the late 20th century, there are a lot of reasons why building an ADU, either from a prefab model or as a customized unit can be a fantastic decision for you and your family.
If you are thinking about Building a Custom ADU, here are some great reasons why it’s a great decision!
Low-cost housing for family members or caretakers
An accessory dwelling unit can end up being the perfect solution for an elderly family member who you want to be able to live nearby. They can maintain their sense of total independence while also having help nearby should they need it.
It is also a great option if you are looking to bring in a live-in nanny, but don’t currently have room in your main home to house them.
Space for hosting guests
If you’ve got a big extended family or large group of friends who love to visit you throughout the year, having an ADU is a great way to keep them close while not allowing them to invade your personal living space. Setting them up in a custom ADU is a great way to play the host while not having to sacrifice your couch and downstairs bathroom for a week or long weekend.
Passive income
If you live in an area that is often frequented by tourists – such as a beach town or mountain village – building an ADU can be a great way to make passive income by renting out your space to incoming travelers.
Since ADUs typically have their own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living space, you can rent it out as its own space and charge more cash than you would be able to if you were just renting out a room in your home.
Renting out these areas can help you pay for living expenses, pay off debt, or simply add to your savings.
Increase property value
Building an ADU will almost certainly increase the resale value of your property. This is obviously especially true if it is a custom and well-built ADU that adds to the aesthetic and utility of the space.
Based on a study by the National Association of Realtors or NAR, a majority of potential homeowners said they would be willing to pay more money for a home with an accessory dwelling unit already on the property.
They’re incredibly versatile
ADUs don’t only have to be for guests, either. If you work from home, you can turn your ADU into an at-home office. If you are a fitness nut, you can turn your ADU into a fully functional at-home gym. If you’re an artist, you can use your ADU as a studio. The possibilities are endless and stretch as far as your imagination!
