If you have ever thought about adding extra space for yourself or your loved one, there are many considerations you might take into mind. You could opt for building on another bedroom, or you could choose to renovate your garage. However, a trending choice people are switching to is building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). These dwellings can provide a lot of room and be made up in a plethora of ways.

However, before you jump on the opportunity, there are a few things you need to know regarding ADUs so that you can ensure they are right for your property. Continue reading to learn all about style, financing, and ADU construction. If an ADU seems to be right up your alley, you can contact Acton ADU to assist you with projects being done in California or simply for extra answers to unresolved queries,

What Even is an ADU?

Before you can even begin working on a home improvement project, you need to understand what you are getting into. An ADU is a living unit that is built on residential property. Often, it is used to host a smaller home. Many people use them for their aging loved ones as an alternative to nursing homes. Others may want to rent them out to make extra money.

But these are not the only two uses that ADUs have. Any extra space needed can be fulfilled through this type of project. You can keep an ADU in, and if you have had the idea to include any of the following to your home in the past:

  • Libraries: When you are a big bookworm, you are bound to have a lot of books. You can create your reading nook using your new dwelling. Because it is not inside your main home, you will get the peace and quiet you need to be at ease and attentive to what you are reading.
  • Home Gyms: Not everyone wants to spend money on a gym membership, but this does not mean you need to give up your workout life! Because ADUs can be built with open designs, you can make room for all the necessary equipment to best stay fit.
  • Art Studios: Creative types need an area to focus on their craft. An ADU can be the perfect unit for them. Build in plenty of storage space to hold everything from paint to brushes, so you do not need to spend time hunting certain colors or materials. These dwellings can also be beneficial for those who run photography studios.
  • Home Offices: As more and more people begin to work from home, they must have the right place to complete their work. To make your main home continue to feel like a home and less like a workplace, you can add on an ADU for a change of scenery and fewer distractions.

While these are some of the more popular options out there, ADUs can be altered in any way that you want. Once your idea is set, you can start searching for a reliable contractor to help you finish the job.

ADU Sizing

Along with having an idea of what you want out of your unit, you need to consider the size of the dwelling. Even though everyone talks about bigger being better, that might only sometimes be a factual statement. Your property can only hold so much before it begins to appear crowded.

Along with that, going too extensive with your ADU might mean additional space that is optional. This will cause you to save money. To keep this from happening, you need to work closely with an ADU contractor like Acton ADU so they can give you tips on what size will work best for you.

Financing

Just like any other type of construction or home improvement project, erecting an ADU will be an investment. While you might think this will be steep and drain your bank account, a few financing options might be available to help you. Those who work with Acton ADU have the choice to use 30-year fixed loans, move liquid assets, or even use the money made from selling other housing.

It is always important to have an idea of what costs will run up to before you sign any project. You do not want to be surprised by the final total and learn that it is not as affordable as you were hoping. Try to set a budget with your contractor, as this will also help with figuring out materials and interior amenities.

Legalities

Many places have regulations on what can and cannot be done to properties within their region. This includes building on additions. If you begin to construct a dwelling without their permission, it can lead you to run into woes such as warnings or very heavy fines.

To avoid situations like this, you need to do your research. This can be completed using the internet, but it would also be beneficial to talk to an official in person. This will help you get the most accurate answer. You may also need to talk to your local Homeowners’ Association (HOA) for further allowances.

In California, many regions do allow ADUs, only with a few small alterations to keep in mind. Because they work within over 40 areas of the state, Acton ADU is aware of each area’s zoning laws so that they can quickly tell you what you can and can’t do when you are working on your blueprints.

Contractors

ADUs can be big jobs, which means they are definitely meant to be something other than DIY projects. You will need to seek the best team of builders to get the ADU done correctly and to your satisfaction. You also need to make sure that they are fully insured and licensed.

When searching reviews online, take a look at previous projects to see if it fits your standards. You should also seek out their warranties and methods, so you can understand what you are getting into. Even if they are reputable sources, their work might not fit the style you are looking for.

Thankfully, Acton ADU has several different ADU floorplans for their clients to choose from. This is because they know no two people will have the same dwelling dreams and want to make sure everyone is aided accordingly. To make matters even better, they will tell you from the beginning if there are any limits you need to be aware of.

Projects by Acton ADU are completed in a timely manner, and you are always kept in the loop. Each step of the job is laid out to you, along with price breakdowns and what materials are being used. They know this ADU is yours and want you to feel like part of the process, too. You can visit www.actonadu.com to see all of the areas they serve so you can see if they’ll be helpful for you.

ADUs can be a big decision to make, but they provide plenty of benefits. All you have to do is be aware of what you want and whether or not it is a feasible project for your current living situation. With a little studying on your end, you can get Acton ADU to help you add to your property in style.