What Type of ADU Is Right for You?

Versatile Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) provide endless ways to modify your property. Each type offers a customizable solution for your life — whether you’d like to accommodate having family members live with you, want to make additional income from renting, or plan to create the home gym or office space of your dreams. Get inspired and discover which design best suits your needs with guidance from Valley Home Builders.

Different Types of ADUs

Each secondary living space offers the opportunity for a unique build. Factors that might inform your selection include intended purposes, sizing, shape, price and location. To get started with deciding how you want to modify your property, it is helpful to learn which of these common types of ADUs best serves your space:

• Conversion: This ADU converts an existing area in your home, like a garage, basement, attic or spare bedroom, into a guest space or rentable unit.
• Attached: This build adds additional living space to your main structure with walls adjoining your home. These popular accessory dwelling units are ideal when you want to maximize your lot coverage and create an in-law or rental unit that shares utilities directly.
• Detached: This design layout is a separate unit for creating more independence or privacy from those living in the main house. This type of unit often takes shape as a guest house or cottage in a backyard.

The 3 Most Popular Types of ADUs

In addition to providing you with more living space, an ADU offers a way to increase your property value. Learning more about the specific types of ADUs helps you identify how you can benefit the most from your build. Some of the most favorable designs include:

1. Attached ADU

An attached ADU can involve converting a preexisting space in your home or creating an addition to it. Each design contains a separate entryway from the main living unit and fire-rated separations in the adjoining walls. This favorable option supports many types of use, such as comfortable housing for guests and family members, a workspace, a gym or a studio.

2. Garage ADU

A living space on top of a garage or a garage conversion is another fairly common type of ADU. You could turn the garage into a mini-apartment, home office or mini-dwelling environment. Many homeowners create a separate entrance inside or outside the garage to offer privacy from the main house.

3. Backyard Cottage

With the look of a house on a smaller scale, a detached dwelling on your property provides a high degree of independence and has its own water, sewer, electrical and other components. Some areas require you to match the exterior aesthetic of the main home for a cohesive look throughout the neighborhood.

Start Designing Your Dream ADU

Building your dream ADU starts first and foremost with your inspiration. After deciding how you plan to use the space, you will need to research factors like cost, zoning rules and regulations. The experts at Valley Home Builders are here to guide you throughout the process and help every step of the way.

Call 408-248-8000 or connect with us online for a free consultation.