ADU Building Plans

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ADU Building Plans

16 August 2022
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog


An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a secondary residence that is located on the same parcel of land as a primary residence. A mother-in-law suite or a caretaker's cottage are two types of accessory dwelling units. If increasing the living space supplied on your land is needed, considering the floor plans will be one of the first steps you should address.

An ADU Size

An accessory dwelling unit is typically smaller in size than a primary residence. This type of structure may be designated for one or more people to reside in. An ailing parent, for instance, may require moderate supervision. If living within the main home won't be ideal, plans may be made to construct a living unit that is detached from the home.

An ADU will typically contain a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Rooms can be similarly sized to ones that would be found in a small apartment or that are comparable to the dimensions within a small house. A college student, an aging relative, a groundskeeper, or a maid may benefit from living within a newly-constructed ADU.

The Construction And Layout

A structural engineer or an architectural design team can advise a client about durable building materials and layouts that will fit into a proposed construction budget. If uniformity is desired, a consumer may prefer that an ADU has a similar housing style to a primary residence. For instance, if a primary home is a bungalow and it features hardwood materials, it may be aesthetically pleasing to choose an ADU building style that is the same.

A property design that is consistent can increase the value of the land and buildings. The interior walls within an ADU will need to be able to structurally support the ceiling and rooftop materials. An engineer may offer several ways that a new ADU can be laid out. If an ADU is going to be on the small side, an open floor plan will optimize the amount of space within the ADU.

The construction plans should also involve deciding what type of layout will be used outdoors. If a family member will be residing in an ADU, sharing outdoor space may be preferred. The back door to an ADU can lead directly to a patio, a garden, a yard, or another outdoor feature that will be shared by the members of the primary residence and the ADU.

For more information on ADU floor plans, contact a professional near you.