Do you need more liveable space on your property so you don’t have to upset your life? Are you hoping one of the benefits of ADUs will be the solution you’re looking for?
An ADU can provide homeowners with many benefits, from increased rental income to greater sustainability. In this blog post, we will explore the top 14 ways a well-built and properly designed ADU can truly upgrade your own property. From energy efficiency and additional living space all the way through to improved security and enhanced curb appeal.
By the end of this post, you’ll know how adding an ADU can help your family and your home.
The Benefits Of An Accessory Dwelling Unit
1. Increase Property Value
An accessory dwelling unit is a great way to increase your property value without spending too much money. According to United Dwelling, an ADU can increase your home’s value by up to 30% and even as high as 50%.
The cost of building an ADU is significantly lower than buying or constructing a new home, making it a wise investment for homeowners who are looking to add more value to their existing property. That being said, it’s important to remember that the exact amount of increased property value will depend on several factors, such as location, size, and the quality of construction.
2. Rental Unit For Extra Income
Having an accessory dwelling unit can provide homeowners with extra income from renting out the unit. This is especially beneficial for those looking for additional sources of income or those who need extra money for retirement. The best part is that it’s a way to earn passive income, which means getting money for doing little to no recurring work.
With an ADU, you can rent out the unit long-term or short-term, depending on your preference and how much time you’re willing to commit to managing the rental unit. Many people post their accessory dwelling units on Airbnb to find renters.
3. Affordable Housing For Senior Family Members
An ADU is a great solution if you’re looking to help elderly family members stay close while still having their own space. An accessory dwelling unit can be a separate living space that provides privacy and independence but also gives seniors easy access to the main house when they need assistance.
Additionally, by building an accessory dwelling unit on your same property rather than having them rent elsewhere, you can save money while ensuring they have the necessary support they need in their golden years.
4. Convenient Housing For Out-Of-Town Guests
An ADU also makes a great guest house that’s comfortable yet separate from your primary residence. This is especially useful if you frequently have overnight visitors coming from out of town, such as friends and extended family.
This can mean no more worrying about having enough room or being able to accommodate everyone. With an ADU, everyone can enjoy some extra space and privacy without having to worry about finding a hotel or other lodging arrangements.
5. Low-Cost Housing Option For Adult Children
One of the biggest benefits of an ADU is that it can be used to provide affordable housing for adult children who are still living at home. If your children are struggling to find their own place due to the current housing market, then an accessory dwelling unit could be the perfect solution.
Building an ADU allows parents to give their adult children the independence they crave (through having separate living spaces) while still keeping them close enough to offer support and guidance if needed. It also eliminates the stress of having to find and afford a place in town, which can be one major expense that young adults struggle with when starting out on their own.
6. Ultimate Home Office Space
For those who are self-employed or work from home, building an ADU provides the perfect opportunity to create a dedicated workspace away from the hustle and bustle of family life. An accessory dwelling unit makes it easy to keep work separate from home life by providing homeowners with their very own private office space where they can focus on work without any distractions.
7. Personal Workout Space
If you’re looking for an affordable way to add workout space to your home, then consider turning your ADU into a gym or yoga studio. Adding exercise equipment such as treadmills and weights will give you the option to work out without having to go to the gym or pay for expensive membership fees. Plus, since it’s in your own backyard, gym time won’t require any travel time, gas money, or awkwardly waiting around for a free machine!
8. Perfect Size For Smaller Households
ADUs are not just great for renters—they are also perfect for smaller households who want more room but don’t need all the bells and whistles that come with larger homes. An ADU provides just enough space for one or two people without taking up too much square footage in your yard. Plus, they often come with features such as small kitchens and bathrooms so that occupants have all their needs taken care of.
9. Environmentally-Friendly, Sustainable Buildings
An ADU can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and make your home more sustainable. According to an Oregon Department Of Environmental Quality report, “There is a strong decline in environmental impact as home size decreases. Compared to the medium size (2262 square foot) class considered, the extra‐small (1149 square foot) class shows a reduction in most environmental impact categories of nearly 40%.”
They are typically made from top-of-the-line materials, such as steel frames and insulated panels, which make them incredibly energy efficient while helping reduce waste during construction. The smaller size of the unit requires fewer construction materials, and modern building designs often incorporate sustainable elements like solar panels and green roofs.
This makes them ideal for eco-conscious homeowners who want their new living space to reflect their values without sacrificing comfort or style. Furthermore, since most modern designs require minimal maintenance over time, these structures will continue being energy efficient for years.
10. Can Be Compatible With Neighborhood Aesthetic
When considering any exterior renovations, it’s important to think about how the changes will affect the look and feel of the neighborhood. You don’t want to have to tear down your ADU because it conflicts with HOA rules.
Thankfully, many ADUs have been designed with this in mind and come in a variety of styles that can easily blend into almost any home style, from Victorian to Craftsman. This means no matter what type of house you live in, you can find an ADU design that is compatible with both your own taste and the aesthetic of your neighborhood. There are plenty of tips on how to design and build an ADU.
11. Accessory Dwelling Units Conserve Land
One of the biggest advantages of adding an ADU is that it conserves land. By expanding existing structures, homeowners can create additional living space without having to purchase or develop more land. This not only conserves resources but also helps preserve natural habitats and green spaces in the area.
Additionally, this can help reduce the strain on public utilities like water and sewer systems since they won’t have to be extended as much in order to accommodate new homes or buildings.
12. Additional Storage Space
Another advantage of adding an ADU is that it can provide additional storage space for homeowners who need it. For instance, if you’re looking for a place to store seasonal items like holiday decorations or outdoor furniture, an accessory dwelling unit could be the perfect solution. It’s also great for those who are downsizing but don’t want to part with certain items just yet, such as family heirlooms or keepsakes.
13. Home-Based Caregivers For Your Loved Ones
This extra space can provide a comfortable environment for caregivers to live while they take care of an elderly family member or someone with special needs. Having a caregiver on-site provides peace of mind, as well as much-needed support when it comes to day-to-day activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. It also allows your loved one to remain in their home while receiving personalized care and attention.
14. Age In Place
An ADU can be an ideal solution if you want to age in place instead of moving into a long-term care facility or assisted living community. With an accessory dwelling unit, you can stay close to family and friends without having to give up the independence of living in your own home.
Many ADUs come with features such as wheelchair accessibility, security systems, zero-step entrances, and even medical alert buttons — all designed with senior citizens in mind. These features allow seniors to age gracefully and safely within their own homes without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Upgrade Your Property With An ADU From Brucksch & Sons Contracting
An ADU is a great way to upgrade your property and increase its value. Not only will you be able to enjoy the benefits of having an extra space on your property, but you’ll also be increasing the resale value of your home.
If you’re interested in adding an ADU to your property, we’d love to help. We’re Brucksch & Sons Contracting, and we specialize in building beautiful and functional accessory dwelling units. To get started, simply fill out our contact form today. One of our friendly representatives will be in touch soon to discuss your project in detail. Thanks for considering us!
