ADUs: Unlock Property Potential

ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units, have become a popular housing option due to their sustainability and affordability. They offer a flexible and versatile solution that caters to a wide range of people, including new families, young professionals, and retirees. ADUs can count toward the State-Mandated RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Allocation) requirements, especially toward affordable housing goals. Folks who are looking for the comfort and accessibility of a home may look to an ADU for the suburban-life feel, without the higher price point of a traditional single-family home. Additionally, with the recent passage of California AB 1033 last October, ADUs can be sold separately, effectively making them a condo.

On the flipside, many homeowners are embracing the adaptability of ADUs as a way to also gain extra income. ADUs are typically built as an accessory structure on the property. Junior ADUs (JADU) can be built within the existing home, like repurposing a garage or within a basement. They can include on-suite private kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas. Homeowners can rent or sell this space without compromising the space of their own home and earn extra monthly or upfront income in the process.

WHA has entered the ADU design space with multiple projects including ADUs and JADUs. One project that captures the essence of the convenience and efficiency of ADUs is Tribute at Lyric, in Lone Tree, CO. Notice these ADUs have expanded beyond California; while ADUs are very popular in California, they’ve expanded, becoming a trend nationwide in places like Colorado, Oregon, and Florida.

This development offers the option of an ADU as a part of the customization process in choosing one of seven design options. ADU design is all about performance, adaptability, and efficiency. Given a smaller footprint and square footage, Tribute at Lyric’s ADU options offer clean, sophisticated, and streamlined design approaches. Space-saving storage and thoughtfully designed sleeping quarters allow for space to be maximized in the ADU, which is the strongest approach to creating a comfortable space for the resident to dwell.

Another successful example of an inventive ADU is found at Kerry Ranch, in Santa Rosa, CA. This project offers two plans that include an ADU over the garage with an additional separate entrance on the side of the home. This ADU, at a square footage of 568 square feet, doesn’t shy away from offering similar luxuries as the main house. A spacious open layout including a comfortable living space and private sleeping areas creates an opportunity for future residents to indulge in the privilege of single-family living at a fraction of the cost. This project also blends seamlessly with the overall layout of the home and creates a harmonious cohabitated structure while remaining as private as the owners/renters intend.

While these are just a couple projects from our portfolio, ADUs are on the rise throughout the nation. New California laws were recently passed to make the process faster and more convenient for property owners to build, sell, or rent their ADUs. Counties in California are adapting programs like pre-approved plans for homeowners to select, construction support, and funding opportunities if kept at an affordable rate. Although there are drawbacks like extensive building and zoning requirements and city-specific regulations that exist in this process, ADUs are overall a great investment for single-family property owners, regardless of their space plans.