Create Added Income & Personal Option with an ADU Build
I think almost everyone is thinking of ways to increase income these days while saving money. Building an ADU or Accessory Dwelling Unit in your backyard or on your property is great for added income, and it can offset your mortgage expense. Most counties around the United States have softened requirements and time needed in the ADU permit process.
We discuss the benefits of building an ADU, and how to streamline the ADU building process so that time is reduced both in building and the permit process. One of the first decisions you will make is whether you want a contractor to build your ADU or if you want to build your ADU as an owner/builder. There are benefits to both choices.
When a contractor builds your ADU, your time is freed up for other projects and leisure activities. The cost is more, but maybe for your family, the cost-benefit ratios weigh out. If you have a lot of building experience, you might want to take on the building of your ADU yourself. Owner builder lets you build at your speed, around your schedule, and schedule building around your budget constraints.
The Many Benefits of Building an ADU
Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU, can boost your property value and can provide a steady stream of rental income. An ADU also offers a flexible, private space for multi-generational living, and a flexible usage space of a home office, art studio, or private guest cottage.
- Increased Property Value: Adding livable square footage to your property greatly increases your home equity and overall resale value of your home.
- Added Income: Renting your ADU may provide a reliable cash flow to help pay down your mortgage quicker, pay for college, or add to a retirement account.
- Multigenerational Living Space: Building an ADU allows for a separate, independent living space for extended family, adult children, or caregivers as you age.
- Flexible Space: When your ADU isn't rented, the space can serve as a home office, art studio, or private guest house for friends or family.
- Retirement Housing: Seniors may want to downsize and rent out their primary residence for retirement income while living in their ADU.
- Lower Construction Costs: Building an ADU is often less expensive than buying a new home or expanding your existing home, as it avoids land costs and utility setup.
- Sustainable Living: Because an ADU has a smaller footprint, ADUs use less energy for heating and cooling compared to a full-sized single-family home.
- ADU Grants: Some states, such as California, are giving homeowners up to $40,000 in free money to offset the cost of building an ADU. Check with your state to see what programs are available.
Fast Track Your ADU Building Process
Many counties throughout the United States have set in place quicker permit processes for ADUs since there is a shortage of affordable rental properties. Building an ADU the easy way means bypassing custom plans with an architect and contractor delays by using pre-approved plans or opting for a modular/prefabricated builds.
The Fastest Process-Pre-Approved & Prefabricated Plans
- Pre-Approved City or County Plans: Many cities and counties offer catalogs of pre-reviewed building plans. Because city and county planners have already vetted these layouts for zoning compliance, you save thousands in design fees, months of permit wait time, and overall, less stress in the building process.
- Opting for Modular or Prefab ADUs: Prefabricated or modular ADUs are built in a factory and shipped to your property, requiring only assembly and utility hookups. This method minimizes disruption of your schedule and construction debris. Pre-fabricated ADUs are available on Amazon to many online sources. There are even beautiful dome structures that are fire-resistant and wind- resistant.
Streamline Your Step-by-Step Building Process
- Check Zoning: Visit your city or county planning department to confirm your lot qualifies for building an ADU, regarding size, setbacks, and parking regulations.
- Select Your Builder: Hire a design-build company or buy from a company that builds prefabricated ADUs that specializes in your specific area. They will oversee the site evaluations, utility hookups, and permit submission process for you.
- Owner/Builder Option: If you have the time and expertise, you may decide you want to be the owner builder on your ADU project. If you want to streamline the process, buying a prefabricated or modular ADU is the simplest choice. If you have the building and design expertise and want to start from scratch, be sure to in touch with your county or city beforehand for guidance along the way.
- Prepare the Building Site: Before starting the building of your ADU, be sure that your backyard or property has easy access to existing plumbing, electrical, and sewer or septic lines to reduce foundation and trenching costs.
- Check Health Department Records: If you live in the county and you are on a septic system, be sure to check how many bedrooms and baths your property was perked for. If you have already used the allotment with your main home, check to see if you can upgrade your system to allow for an ADU.
Shed Windows and More has many small appliances that are a great choice for ADUs, which make the best use of smaller spaces. Our selection of windows and doors can enhance the look of your ADU, and we have many options for you to choose from. If you want a local contractor in the South Carolina area to build your ADU, be sure to take a look at Custom Shed Builders. They not only build all types of sheds and garages, but also ADUs.