Rents are high in the USA, with many households paying more than 50% of their income toward this expense.
If you’ve got a family member that’s desperately searching for somewhere to stay that suits their budget, there’s a way you can help. One way is to let them move in with you, but that’s not without its drawbacks.
Do you want to avoid eroding your family ties due to space issues? You should consider the benefits of accessory dwelling units as an alternative source of accommodation.
Keep reading to find out what you stand to gain.
What Are Accessory Dwelling Units?
Some people call ADUs (accessory dwelling units) granny flats, garden cottages, tiny houses, or in-law suites. The term usually refers to any small dwelling separate from the main home on a single property.
You can also build an ADU for purposes other than accommodation. These include:
- As a home gym
- For extra office space
- As a hobby room or artist’s studio
The official definition of these buildings varies from town to town, but there are two main types of ADUs, as follows:
Attached ADUs
An attached ADU joins your home at some point. These include basements, attics, and garages. Any time you amend one of these rooms beyond their original purpose, they’re redefined as an ADU.
Detached ADUs
These are stand-alone units and ideal for families who value their privacy. In some towns, you can also rent these buildings out by contacting Airbnb management who will provide you with the safe and comfortable space.
It’s easy to see how this extra space can bring several benefits to homeowners across the country.
ADU’s Are an Affordable Housing Option
ADUs can provide an affordable solution for those looking for affordable accommodation. They’re small and share a property with other people.
That means rental prices are lower than that of a large free-standing home. ADU’s are cheaper to build than a full-size house, so you don’t need to charge exorbitant rentals to pay for their construction.
You Can Earn Extra Income With an ADU
From the above, it’s obvious that earning some extra income is a valuable benefit of building an ADU. Not only can you rent it out to long-term tenants, but there’s also the option to earn money from vacationers visiting your area.
Not all states allow this option. So, always check the rules in your area relating to room additions before you start planning your ADU construction.
ADUs Increase Independence
If you have a child that’s just left school, an ADU can help them find their feet in the world one step at a time. They’ll enjoy the freedom to come and go, pay their own bills, and venture out into the workplace with family support nearby.
Are you building an ADU for an elderly family member?
They’ll enjoy the independence and privacy that a separate unit allows, but you can still keep them safe and healthy. For many, this is a preferable, and cheaper, alternative to a retirement community or nursing home.
An ADU’s an attractive option for older kids who’ve left home to start their own families, too. They’re excellent starter homes for young families and come with the added benefit of a babysitter on tap.
If you want to spend more time with your family, or even want extra space so they can visit more often, and ADU is the way to go.
Environmental Benefits of ADUs
When you build an ADU on an existing property, you’re providing an extra housing option for an individual or family. This has a knock-on effect that reduces the number of new homes built further down the chain.
Fewer construction projects mean developers take less land out of the natural order of things for human habitation. In this way, you help prevent the destruction of plants, disruption of waterways, and animal displacement that large housing developments can cause.
If you build your ADU with the latest energy-saving extras, like energy-efficient appliances, it also contributes to lower carbon emissions.
Their small size means ADUs are more sustainable than larger single-family residences. They use fewer resources during construction, and it takes less energy to heat and cool these small spaces.
Accessory Dwelling Units Increase Property Value
Constructing an accessory dwelling unit might work out cheaper than building a full-size house, but it’s still an expensive undertaking. Apart from construction costs, you’ll also need to pay for building permits.
The good news is that any home improvement project that increases the livable floor space of your home automatically increases its value. That means it’s relatively easy to get finance for these types of home improvements too.
What’s more, prospective homebuyers know the benefits of these dwellings, which makes it easier to sell a home with an accessory dwelling unit. According to experienced realtors, most prospective buyers will pay more for homes with an ADU.
As work-from-home initiatives become the norm across the world, many home buyers want extra space to use as a home office where they can work uninterrupted.
Home Improvements Always Add Value to Your Life
Even if you never intend to sell your house, your heirs will benefit from the added value that an ADU brings. Plus, you’ll enjoy all the benefits mentioned above during your lifetime.
Extra rooms are always a bonus, whether you intend to welcome tenants, vacationers, or family members into your space, and accessory dwelling units make it all possible.
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