If you’re thinking of adding an additional dwelling unit to your property – like an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU – now might be a good time to do it. Not only are there more than a million ADUs in existence nationwide, but the market is only going to continue to grow. Here are five reasons why now might be a great time to build an ADU in your backyard:
1. The Real Estate Market Is Hitting Up
The real estate market is heating up all over the country, and that includes the suburbs. According to Zillow, the median sales price for homes in the suburbs was $236,000 in January 2018, up from $225,000 a year earlier. That’s great news if you’re looking for a suburban property – and it means that there’s plenty of opportunity for developers who are looking to build new ADUs.
2. Regulations Are Tightening Up
There have been a lot of changes in the regulations around accessory dwelling units in recent years – especially since Trump took office. Back in 2016, HUD issued guidelines that recommended that municipalities reasons to build an ADU as a way of meeting housing needs while also reducing climate change emissions. While some of these guidelines have been softened since then, the fact remains that ADUs are becoming more and more popular, which is good news for homeowners who want to add an additional dwelling unit to their property.
3. Homeowners Are More inclined To Add An ADU Than Ever Before
It’s not just the real estate market that’s hitting up – homeowners are also becoming more inclined to add an ADU to their property. According to a study by Just Communities, almost two-thirds of homeowners in the United States are interested in adding an ADU to their property at some point in the future. That indicates that there’s a lot of demand out there for this type of dwelling unit, which means that developers can make a lot of money by building them.
4. There Are A Lot Of Opportunities To Find Land In The Suburbs
If you’re looking for land to build your ADU on, you might be surprised to learn that there are actually a lot of opportunities available in the suburbs. In fact, according to Zillow, almost half of all new ADUs are built in suburban areas – which means that there’s plenty of opportunity for developers.
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The benefits of having an ADU in your backyard
An ADU is an addition to your home that can provide you with a lot of the benefits of owning a home, without having to spend extra money. Here are just a few of the reasons why it’s a good idea to build an ADU in your backyard:
-You can save on your mortgage: One of the biggest benefits of owning an ADU is that you can save on your mortgage. Since ADUs are considered second homes, they typically have lower mortgages rates than regular homes. This means you could potentially save hundreds of dollars each month on your mortgage.
-You can get more space for your money: Another big benefit of ADUs is that they offer more space for your money than regular homes. Since ADUs are typically smaller than regular homes, they usually cost less to build and maintain. This means you could potentially get more space in your home for the same amount of money.
-You can have more flexibility with your schedule: One big advantage of having an ADU is that you can have more flexibility with your schedule. Since ADUs are smaller than regular homes, they’re often easier to move around if you need to take care of business or go on vacation. This means you could potentially have more freedom in your life and spend more time doing things you enjoy.
The different types of ADUs
An ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, is a small, self-contained home that can be built on your property. ADUs are popular in areas with limited space, as they can provide extra living space without taking up a lot of yard or roof space.
There are a few different types of ADUs: detached, attached, and in-law. Detached ADUs are the most common type, and they’re similar to traditional homes in layout. Attached ADUs are built next to another structure (like a house), and they share a wall with the main house. In-law units aren’t attached to any other buildings, but they’re usually located near other homes.
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to build an ADU. First, make sure you have enough room on your property. An ADU is sized like a traditional home – it’s about 2,000 square feet (200 square meters). Second, decide what type of dwelling you want it to be – detached, attached, or in-law. Finally, figure out how much money you want to spend on the project – an average ADU costs is different.
How to build an ADU
Why ADUs are great investments in your backyard can be a great idea for many reasons. First, it can provide you with additional living space and allow you to save money on rent. Second, ADUs are typically more energy efficient than traditional homes and can be easier to maintain. And finally, ADUs can provide you with a unique environment that is separate from the main house.
The steps in completing an ADU
Building an ADU in your backyard is a great idea if you are looking to have more space in your home, or if you are considering downsizing. An ADU is a small, standalone dwelling that can be used for a variety of purposes, including as a home office, guest room, or play area for your children. Here are some steps to completing an ADU:
1. First, decide what kind of dwelling you want to build. There are three main types of ADUs: traditional single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes. You will need to decide which type of ADU best meets your needs.
2. Next, figure out the size and shape of the unit. You will need to estimate the size of the unit and the dimensions of the exterior walls and roof. You can use online calculators or measure the size and shape of existing buildings in your area.
3. Once you have estimated the dimensions of the unit, you will need to find a site for it. The ideal site would be on a level ground with easy access to utilities, parking space, and outdoor space. If you cannot find a suitable site, consider building it on an existing foundation.
4. Once you have found a suitable site, you will need to prepare the ground and build the exterior walls. You will need to hire a professional contractor to do this work.
5. Once the exterior walls are complete, you can install the roof and finish the unit. You will need to hire a professional contractor to do this work as well.
Conclusion
Although building an ADU in your backyard might seem like a daunting task, it can actually be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your backyard ADU is everything you’ve always wanted it to be. Hopefully, this article has helped you decide whether or not building an ADU in your backyard is the right decision for you. Good luck!
