Did you know that the average house in the United States now costs over $350,000? Although this has served as an obstacle for many people who are looking to purchase their first home, it has also become a great opportunity for real estate investors.
One of the greatest attributes of owning a home is the capability to make additions as you see fit. However, not every addition has to be connected to your home.
Building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a common project for many homeowners, but not everybody understands what they need to know before they try and build an ADU house.
So, we have put together a guide to help you overcome pitfalls that property owners frequently encounter. Let’s take a closer look.
1. The Unit Must Be Habitable
The most important factor to remember when building an ADU is that the unit must be habitable.
This means that the unit must have all of the amenities that a regular home would have, including but not limited to: a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living area. If you don’t meet these requirements, you could run into legal issues later on.
2. The Unit Can Be Attached or Detached From the Main Home
The ADU that you build doesn’t always have to be detached from your home. You can also construct one that is attached to your house.
This means that you can build an ADU house in your backyard or garage, or you can attach it to your existing home as an addition.
Keep this in mind when planning your project so that you can have an accurate perception of its details, such as cost, timeline, etc.
3. You May Need a Permit to Build an ADU
Depending on your municipality, you may need a permit to build an ADU. This is simply something you may have to deal with.
The good news is that these requirements are likely easy to accommodate. So, you shouldn’t have to worry about being unable to reach your goals due to local regulations.
4. The Size of the Unit Is Typically Restricted
There are typically restrictions on the size of an ADU. This is because an ADU is meant to be a smaller living space than a regular home.
The size restrictions will vary depending on the area in which you live. Although it can be tempting to construct the ADU anyway, it is never recommended to do so without educating yourself on local laws.
This will help ensure the process goes as smoothly as it should.
5. You May Need to Pay Impact Fees
In some cases, you may need to pay impact fees when you build an ADU.
These fees help to offset the cost of infrastructure improvements that may be necessary to accommodate the new unit. Again, be sure to get in touch with your local government for specific regulations.
How Can I Get Started?
If you’re interested in building an ADU house, consult your local government to see what the specific requirements are in your area. Once you have a better understanding of the process, you can begin to plan and design your new space.
If you need help getting started, contact a professional contractor who specializes in ADU construction.
Can I Rent Out an ADU?
In most cases, you can rent out an ADU. However, there may be some restrictions in your municipality that you need to be aware of.
If you are able to do so, though, it can be a great way to offset the cost of building an ADU. in some cases, this can prove to be a substantial revenue stream as long as you manage it appropriately.
How Do I Decide if I Should Build a Detached or Attached Dwelling?
This will depend on personal preference.
Many people build detached ADUs because they offer more privacy. Others prefer attached units because they are typically easier and less expensive to construct.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you!
Just make sure you put enough thought into the choice you make so that you don’t regret your decision later on.
What Should I Look For in a Professional to Work With?
Looking into their past reputation can go a long way.
See what past customers have had to say and consider their experiences. Consider how enjoyable it was to work with them and what their results were.
You also can’t neglect their level of experience.
Working with inexperienced firms is essentially rolling the dice. Hiring a qualified professional is the only way to avoid obstacles you would have encountered.
Be wary of businesses that have not worked with people like you before. Working with the wrong person can cause problems in the future. Inquire about how they bill their clients.
You will be able to fine-tune your budget from here. You should also consider how communicative they are. Being able to get support when you need it is something you can’t overlook.
Building an ADU House Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Building an ADU house is a great way to add value to your property and provide additional living space for your family or guests. Just be sure to do your research and understand the process before you get started. With a little planning, you can build the perfect accessory dwelling unit for your needs.
Want to learn more about what we can do? Be sure to reach out to us today and see how we can help you.
