In Western countries, particularly in the United States, such a concept as building an auxiliary, additional residential unit on the territory of the primary residential unit is widely spread. Following the issues in housing density after WWII, additional dwelling units became a signature feature for California. In essence, an ADU is another residential building situated next to the main house. There are certain peculiarities concerning the policies and procedures required for ADU construction, and they vary by state. Let us delve into the details.
In the following article, we will walk our readers through the main reasons to have an ADU built, consider how you can use your accessory unit, find out the types of them allowed in Sacramento, and answer the most frequently asked questions the residents have about the ADU. Read on to find more valuable information!
The Reasons to Build an Additional Dwelling Unit
Why build another house on the existing single-unit dwelling lot at all? There can be certain complications on the way: even an additional single-unit dwelling will take up space and might cause a lot of additional planning, costs, and more bills. However, there are multiple ways in which constructing an additional dwelling unit might turn out beneficial. ADUs can be constructed in conjunction with the main unit or at some distance from one.
Most often, such accessory dwelling units are used for the following purposes:
Guesthouse
If the guests often come to visit you and stay for quite a while, it will be more comfortable to house them in an ADU, with its own space for cooking, bedrooms, and sanitation system, that is, with all the vital things.
Place of Residence for Another Generation of the Family
Elderly members of the family can use your ADU for their needs. It can be difficult for them to live in other cities, far away from you, and they require continuous care on your part. Simultaneously, housing several generations under the same roof can cause discomfort to most of us: the youth want to have fun, the elderly want silence to prevail, etc. Because ADU's are commonly used as dwellings for elderly family members, in the USA, they are often referred to as a 'Granny Flat.' And they quite fit the name, being very comfortable for all the family.
Source of Passive Income (Rental Income)
If the additional house is well-located— for example, by a pond or a forest— and the ADU design follows the design guidelines applicable to the lot on which the ADU is located, it is quite possible to rent it out to those people who want to live and relax in tranquility. It will ensure your extra income monthly and allow your renters to dwell in peace.
Home office, Workshop, and Studio
Having an ADU is extremely convenient if the property owners work remotely. Such an additional building will allow you to work in a quiet environment, without being distracted by people you live with and household chores. You can cross the backyard and be already at the workplace: which is a really convenient option, let alone the change of air and scenery.
