An excellent place for an apartment building would be an Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs. It’s an area where people relax, rent out, or book reservations for their families or friends. People often use the additional living spaces offered by ADUs for various purposes. An ADU could be perfect for your backyard if you need extra living space but don’t want to live there full time. Due to their popularity Architectural firms as well as Structural design firms in CA are involved designing ADUs.
ADU Definition
An ADU is a secondary dwelling unit constructed within the confines of one’s primary house. They’re not usually available for sale individually, but they may be rented out or used to accommodate someone else. For instance, elderly persons who live alone might stay at these properties instead of moving into assisted living facilities.
An accessory dwelling unit is also called an in-law apartment, second dwelling unit, granny flat, or carriage-house. A single-family dwelling unit (ADU) features its kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. A detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) might be connected to the primary residence using an exterior wall, or it could be located within the property’s backyard. It usually uses the water and electricity connections from the primary building.
After WWII, most American residential neighborhoods were designed to limit both the number of people who could live there and the size of their homes. Recently, zoning laws have been changed so that homeowners who want an additional dwelling unit (ADU) can add one without lengthy approval processes. Zoning regulations usually limit the number and type of units allowed within an apartment building. They may also restrict their appearance by requiring certain features (such as balconies) to be included.
ADU Applications
RENTAL UNIT
Rental properties with attached garage spaces (ADU) make excellent investment opportunities. Homes for rent offer homeowners flexibility by providing them with additional income.
GUESTHOUSE
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) would be ideal if you enjoy entertaining guests and hosting them at your place. You can easily convert part of the home into guest quarters, such as a loft, a small separate living room with a dining area, or even a basement playroom.
GRANNY FLAT
Older people who need help taking care of themselves are increasingly turning to ADUs instead of nursing homes. ADU’s make it easy for people to keep loved ones nearby without moving them out of town.
PERSONAL SANCTUARY
Escape from where you live by building an affordable detached house. You may choose to use this room to practice your daily yoga or escape from the kids; however, you can always find peace within a short distance of your house.
HOME OFFICE
ADU also provides an excellent place for home office while still being well away from the noise and pollution of city life. This space allows you to work quickly and efficiently.
MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM
Multi-use properties (ADUs) offer several benefits for homeowners. A well-designed and built ADU can meet any need at any time during one’s lifetime. Use an ADU as a vacation getaway or rent out the extra space if need be. You’re free to choose any way you want to use your ADUs.
Final Thoughts
Many homeowners build ADUs (accessory dwelling units) for their use, but some rent them out instead. It may be a good idea for some landlords (but not others) depending on various factors, including local zoning ordinances, upfront costs, maintenance costs that vary by location, potential tax implications, and general trends in the rental and housing markets.
Before investing in an ADU, investors must first determine if they’re allowed to construct one. If someone sets up an ADU illegally, local authorities might punish them if they decide to sell their house later. If you’re building an unauthorized accessory dwelling unit (ADU), you could be fined for doing so. Landowners should check their local laws regarding land use and may want to talk to an attorney who specializes in real estate law.
Next, consider the costs involved. Where will the ADUs be located? Will they be attached to the owners’ homes, or detached from them, such as in the cases of carriage houses? You may want to consider whether any renovation plans require professional consultation by architects, structure engineers, or builders. In case you decide to make an ADU from scratch, the best option would be to hire an architectural firm that offers all required services that can help you with the architectural design, structural design and MEP design. A firm that can also help you with getting the permit.
In case you have architectural, structural, and MEP design requirements, or need to have an ADU for your home, feel free to contact us. We provide you with the full permit set design including architectural + structural + MEP + T24.
