ADUs are growing in popularity. Due to this, many people are beginning to think about building one of their own. That is why we put together a few tips and tricks on how to easily build your own ADU.
Do Your Research
Before you begin any project, you should always do your research first. The ADU Development Guidebook is a great place to learn the ins and outs of what ADUs are all about. With it, you can decide which type of ADU you want to build on your property.
There are six main types of ADUs for you to choose from:
- ADUs above a garage or workshop
- Attached ADUs that attach to the primary dwelling
- Basement conversion ADUs
- Detached ADUs that are stand-alone dwellings
- Garage conversion ADUs that are garages made into an ADU
- Internal ADUs that are a part of the interior of the primary home
Once you figure out which one will work best for your space and budget, you are ready to start the next step.
Budget Early
You should always set your budget first. By doing so, you are mapping out the entire process of building the ADU and figuring out exactly how much it is going to cost you. That way there are no moments in the development process where you are unsure of what to do next or the dreaded moments where you run out of money to finish the project.
Hire Professional ADU Contractor
Once you know your budget, you need to hire designers and contractors to figure out how the ADU is going to look and then actually build it. The trick here is to never go with the cheapest option. They are often cheap for a reason.
Be sure to hire people that have experience in building ADUs and references that you can look at and contact for referrals.
Don’t Forget About Permits
Another key aspect of building an ADU is the permits. Every state and county have their own set of guidelines when it comes to acquiring permits. Your designers or contractors may be able to help you figure out the necessary documents so that you only have to go through the permit acquisition process once.