What Are The Factors To Consider Before You Construct An ADU?

A guide on the aspects to ponder over as you construct an ADU within the plot.

There are some factors to consider as you plan to construct an ADU within the plot. You have accumulated some excess cash and with the authorities having eased the rules, permits for such construction, this is how the cash should be best put to use. As you build your ADU, there is an immediate enhancement in home resale value and one can also look to generate rental income from the unit. These structures are essential to accommodate a growing family. Are you facing a space crunch at home? A member of the family may have to look for rent elsewhere and that is not cheap. The ADU built on the plot should solve all these problems and you can plan for the construction. However, you need to consider some factors to before you build this unit. Let us discuss on these lines.

Some Important Issues To Consider Before The Construction

You will have to approach professional ADU builders for the core construction activity and it is never a DIY job. However, before even laying any brick, it is important to look into these issues for the construction to be proper and legal.

Know about the development standards

The authorities have laid down some development standards and you need to be aware. The builder will surely give you inputs, but here are the factors to focus upon.

• Your proposed ADU must fall within the density constraints of the district. It refers to the number of dwelling units allowed on your property.
• There are also guidelines for the height of the proposed ADU and one can discuss it with the builder.
• Are there any public utility easements running underground the plot? There are guidelines regarding the distances your ADU must be from the utility.

These are some important development standards, which you must consider and the ADU contractor whom you appoint will assist with technical inputs.

What precisely are you planning to construct?

As you intend to build an ADU, there are multiple options and you must be sure of what you plan to construct. Here is an insight into the possible ADU construction on the plot.

1. The best option is the detached ADU and it is a separate unit in the backyard. It will have its energy and utility lines. These plots are ideal to let out on rent. However, it is costly to construct and this is an aspect, which you must discuss with the ADU contractor.
2. An attached ADU is the other option and here the residential unit shares a wall with the main building. However, it has got a separate entrance and it is not possible to enter the ADU from the main building. This unit can also be rented out. Since, it is attached to the main building; you can consider extending the utility and energy lines from the main building to the ADU.
3. You can do a garage conversion into an ADU and that is only possible, if the vehicle is normally parked in the driveway. This one is primarily a conversion and costs less outflow of cash.
4. One can also convert unused parts of the home such as the attics into an ADU. This space lacks privacy and cannot be rented out, but it should help to solve space crunch issues in a home.

What is the purpose of the construction?

You could think a bit deeper and identify the reason for this construction. Are you eager to derive rental income from this space? If so then the internal home conversion will not serve the purpose and one must insist on ADU units, which have separate entrances and privacy issues addressed. The unit must have a separate entrance from the street. However, if you intend to allocate this space to old parents, then the features must be different. The space must have non-slip flooring and plenty of knobs, which should prevent a fall.

Do you need more parking?

You also need to understand the parking laws after the construction of this unit. You may not need parking, if the plot is within half a mile of a public transit system. These are the issues, which you need to consider before submitting a plan for the ADU construction. The contractor will offer technical inputs and it should be fine.

Conclusion

These are some issues, which you must consider before planning to construct an ADU. A professional will surely be involved in the construction. Look to discuss these above aspects with the professional for smooth construction.