Eight factors to consider before building an ADU

With the housing crisis in many parts of the United States, the craving for ADU has become greater than ever. Many people are looking for ways to make passive income, while others are looking to enhance the value of their property. Somewhere in the middle are people looking to improve the quality of their homes by room additions or conversions for their office and alone time. No matter the need you have, it is evident that Additional Dwelling Units have become a trend that is not going anytime soon.

But before you get into the bandwagon of homeowners opting for ADU, there are a few things you need to consider. This article will look at eight factors necessary for homeowners to be aware of before building an ADU.

Easy Access

You need to look at how you can navigate your home if you are looking to build an accessory dwelling unit. Your number one priority is safety during emergencies. If there is no easy access, the whole family can be in danger, and no one wants that. Therefore, find a way to clear out any clutter from the passage.

Property Eligibility

Building an ADU involves a strict set of rules and regulations that must be followed for the project to take place. Hence, before you start building, you need to check whether your home complies with the development standards of the state and the neighborhood. There are different metrics to check your property Eligibility. One of those is density. This refers to the number of granny flats that you can have on your property. You need to clarify how many are allowed in your neighborhood. Your ADU project needs to fall within the density jurisdiction of the district you are in.

Another metric you need to consider is the ADU height. You have to be sure that the home addition does not exceed the stipulated height mandated by the district.

Setbacks are also another metric when considering property Eligibility. This pertains to the distance between the detached ADU and property lines in the case of fire emergencies. For people living in Los Angeles, it is expedient that 5 feet is the minimum rear setback.

Utilities are also part of the criteria for property Eligibility. You should ensure that the ADU does not hinder the use of certain services. In Los Angeles, the ADU needs to be 10 feet from the utility easement. If it exceeds this measurement, then an encroachment permit is needed.

Privacy

You need to think about privacy, especially if you are looking at renting the space out to people. Imagine trying to relax, and your tenant is in close view. It can be unsettling. Therefore, think about adding a back entrance for the Additional dwelling unit. Also, if you are thinking of having your parents or other family members, you can make the ADU face the backyard entrance to have three on privacy. In any case, you need to have an ADU contractor experienced in building these units to structure the best unit to suit your home.

Design

Different countries and cities have their rules and regulations regarding design. The laws that guide your area or district are why you need to follow the letter. Some areas will require ADUs to have the kitchen and bathrooms. However, you must understand the design of your building and the regulations that govern the area. Everything that needs to be installed in your ADU needs to be in the right measurement and accordance with the regulations.

ADU Contractor

Different ADU contractors can choose from, but the dilemma is not getting one but hiring an experienced company. You need an SDU contractor that is proficient in diverse ADU projects. People who are ready to dedicate themselves to ensuring that your dreams are actualized. Furthermore, in getting an ADU contractor, you need to ensure that they know the rules and regulations that govern building an ADU in your area. More importantly, they need to have a track record of successful projects; there is no way you will invest money into people not certified. Finally, get ADU contractors that are current with the latest technology and ADU trends.

Fire Regulations

By now, you would realize that it takes a whole lot to build an ADU, but you must think about all these things. Another factor that you must consider is fire regulations. Some areas mandate that a sprinkler be Installed in the Additional dwelling unit while other areas of it mandate it. However, it would help if you spoke to local fire officials on the rules and regulations guiding the use of sprinklers and other instructions. Although, if you do install a sprinkler in your ADU, you get to save money. But, installing sprinklers can come in handy during emergencies.

Space

Think about space when you want to build an additional dwelling unit. What kind of furniture are you looking to put in? How big are the appliances? Will there be extra space for storage? If you want to rent the granny flat out, you have to look at the space for the people looking to stay there. Ensure that there is enough space for people to do all they need to do. So, you must make room for space by going for smaller furniture and appliances to give room for people to live in the in-law unit properly.

Parking

It would be best if you spoke to officials in your area to know the regulations that govern parking in your jurisdiction. However, some areas will require you to provide off-street parking for the In-law units.

Conclusion

A lot goes into the building of an additional dwelling unit; it takes a great deal of strategic planning to get the result that you desire. But it would help if you had a professional ADU contractor solidly behind you. Many who are looking at building an ADU on their own can be a grueling process. Let the professionals help you with planning, permitting, and the execution of the entire process. They will be in the best position to negotiate and proffer the best solutions for your ADU project. Also, make inquiries on the rules and regulations that guide your area.