5 Ideas For Building An ADU

Are you interested in building a secondary dwelling unit on your property? Would you like to know more about the process and what it entails? If so, keep reading! This article will discuss five ideas for building an ADU. These ideas are not exhaustive but they may provide some insight into the process of planning an ADU for your property. 

A secondary dwelling unit can be a great way to make use of extra space on your lot or generate extra income from renting out part of your home. They’re also great if you need caregiving assistance as well as affordable housing options in general. The best thing is that there are many different types of ADUs that can meet everyone’s needs and preferences- whether it’s a mother-in-law ADU, ADUs for the elderly, or ADUs that are used for rentals.

1. Knowing The Purpose Of Your ADU Will Help You In The Designing Process

Many ADU owners are not aware of all the benefits associated with having an ADU.

There can be many reasons why you should build an accessory dwelling unit, but it is important to know your reason for building one before starting any construction or renovation work on your property. This will ensure that you get exactly what you need and provide a great experience overall while working toward this goal. Here are some ideas for ways in which ADUs benefit their homeowners:

  • An ADU provides additional space where family members can reside if needed without interfering with others currently living in the main home
  • For individuals who rent out part of their homes through Airbnb or similar services, adding another unit gives them more flexibility when hosting guests
  • A mother-in-law ADU is a great option for young families who are looking for additional space to accommodate their aging parents
  • ADUs provide housing solutions in areas where there may be limited options or high costs associated with existing rentals
  • ADUs help generate income from unused spaces within the owner’s property, which can make it easier to afford monthly mortgage payments and other expenses related to maintaining a home. An ADU also provides homeowners more flexibility when they need temporary assistance paying bills while saving up money before going back to work after an injury, illness, retirement, etc.

By knowing why you want this extra unit, it will give you better direction on what features your accessory dwelling unit should include depending on how you plan on using the space. There are many ADU ideas to consider, which you can likely come up with on your own. 

However, if you need some inspiration for accessory dwelling unit ideas or want help putting the pieces together so that everything comes together perfectly in terms of functionality and design, contact a local contractor who can answer any questions you have about ADUs.

2. Make Sure You Have Enough Space To Build Your ADU

It is important to make sure that you have enough space in your backyard, front yard, or some other area of your property for building an ADU. This will allow you to maximize the possible return on investment from it. 

If you are renting out a room for example, and aren’t able to provide your tenants with adequate facilities they may end up moving elsewhere – which means no longer bringing money into your home.

3. Research On Different Types Of Accessory Dwelling Units

Basement Accessory Dwelling Units

ADUs can be found in many different styles and designs, including basement ADUs. Basement ADUs are becoming more popular across the nation due to their affordability when compared with other types of ADU design options. A basement ADU is a great idea for someone looking to build something new or even if they just want an ADU on their property that isn’t visible from the street.

There are several advantages that come along with building a basement accessory dwelling unit or BASDU for short- not only is this type of living space perfect for homeowners looking to grow families but they’re great for renters who may need an extra room from time to time!

The biggest benefit of building a basement ADU over other ADUs is that you have complete control over what kind of space it becomes when not in use. You may also be able to add things like home bars, game rooms, etc., which would make them ideal spaces for family gatherings during holidays!

Studio Apartment ADU

If your property has enough space in the backyard or somewhere else in your home, build a studio apartment complete with its own kitchenette and bathroom. It will be perfect for parents who visit often because they’ll have their own place without encroaching upon yours! You could also turn the studio into extra storage if you don’t want to rent it out to strangers just yet.

Garden ADU

ADU garden units can be an excellent way to build affordable housing while also growing your own food and regenerating the soil. Some people like “bump-out” areas, which stick out at angles with windows inside them—perfect spaces for window seats or gardening plots! 

Attic ADU

Attic ADUs are a great way to add a little extra living space. They can be used for vacation rentals, in-law apartments, and even businesses that have an office component. One of the benefits is they keep you from having to purchase or build additional real estate on your property, which makes them cost-effective.

Another benefit of attic ADU ideas is their accessibility, they’re already finished! There’s no need for construction crews to come in and tear up any part of your home—so if you want more room while still keeping some privacy by not going through major renovations, this could be a good option for you.

Granny Flats

ADUs for the elderly is a great way to create freedom and independence. It may be an excellent option for older people who would like to continue living in their own homes but need some extra assistance, such as with cooking or housekeeping services.

This type of ADU provides safety features such as emergency call buttons too if needed, making them perfect for any caregiver situation or just someone looking for more space and amenities at home without having to move into assisted living housing down the road.

    Discovery Bay Side Driveway

    4. Think Carefully When Choosing The Materials You’ll Use For Your ADU

    It’s because they have the potential to affect your ADU in several ways. Your ADU is not just a home, it’s also an investment for you and your family over time. For example, if you decide to build with lower-quality materials, this might lead to expensive repair costs down the line when there are problems that need fixing like leaking roofs or plumbing issues that can be caused by using inferior building materials.

    Not only will these repairs cost more than necessary but they might cause delays too! There’s nothing worse than living in an ADU with constant construction work going on around them while still managing their lives at home so make sure you do things right on the get-go.

    5. Choose Concrete Foundations

    Concrete foundations are what most ADU builders use for several reasons. First, concrete is great because it’s sturdy and very durable. It can handle lots of weight without problems like other types of foundation systems might encounter where they could buckle or crack under pressure. 

    The second reason why you should go with a concrete foundation system for your ADU is that it provides the best drainage options – this means less maintenance over time which will save money in the long run!

    As you can see, there are many different types of ADUs. It’s important to find the one that suits your needs best and has the least amount of impact on the surrounding property. If you think this is something for you but don’t know where to start, call us today!

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    Spaulding Concrete has been the SF Bay Area’s top foundation builders for over 30 years.  We’re here to fix your home’s foundation, no matter what problem may exist. We have the specialized equipment, services and professional experience that you need to make permanent improvements to your building’s foundation. To get you started on the right foot, we would be happy to give you a free quote for the repair of the foundation. When you reach out by phone or email we will have one of our foundation experts answer any questions you have and explain how we can restore integrity and structural stability to your home or company building permanently. Successful concrete projects require careful planning and thorough preparation. Spaulding Concrete reviews the site and designs to ensure that the concrete and base structure follows the criteria for the planned use and that the layout and finishes are suitable for the project. The qualified concrete experts at Spaulding Concrete will be on schedule, on budget and meet or exceed standards by careful planning, professional execution, and strict quality control.

    To schedule your free quote, contact us today! We are proud to serve Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood and the surrounding areas.