FAQ

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is an additional living space on your property that can be used for a variety of purposes. An ADU provides the perfect solution for people in need of additional space. Whether it’s to accommodate a bigger family or to generate some extra income by renting, it’s a great choice for many homeowners.

Before you can build an ADU, you need to know where it can be placed on your property. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about where to put an ADU and what rules and regulations apply.

Where can I Place an ADU?

When selecting a spot for an ADU, there are some important factors to consider, such as the size & shape of the space, access to utilities, legal & zoning restrictions, and so forth. Making sure that all these elements are taken into account is essential in order to ensure a smooth process. Location is key if you want to make sure that the ADU is in the best possible spot for both aesthetics and practicality. Generally, the best place to place an ADU is on the property line.

When an ADU is on the property line, it can provide privacy and separation from neighboring homes. If you are unsure if you want a detached ADU, it is usually best to have one placed on the lot line or driveway side of your home to avoid noise issues with connected homes nearby.

Should I Add Custom Features to my ADU?

A smart way to increase the worth of your property is by customizing an accessory dwelling unit. This can make your accommodation stand out amongst the competition. With the right custom features, you can create an ADU that fits your lifestyle and adds character to your home.

But what custom features are considered trendy? And how do you go about customizing your ADU? With the right customization, you can maximize the impact of your ADU and create a product that stands out amongst its competitors. Taking into account current trends and consumer preferences can go a long way toward crafting an effective and successful ADU.

Here’s what you should definitely consider when customizing a new ADU:

  • The first custom feature is an outdoor patio. Patios are becoming more and more popular in today’s market because the outdoor patio offers great opportunities to create a unique space for entertaining or simply enjoying the outdoors.
  • The second custom feature is a private entry. To maximize impact, your ADUs should have a private entry from your home so that you don’t have to share your living space with anyone else or disrupt anyone else’s privacy with yours.
  • The third custom feature is an outdoor entertainment area and backyard decking or porch planter area for extra outdoor enjoyment and relaxation areas.
  • Finally, the fourth custom feature is glass walls in the main living areas of an ADU. The latter is particularly important because it offers visual privacy and ownership while still leaving room for enjoying the view.

How to Finance ADU Construction?

Financing an Accessory Dwelling Unit construction can be a challenge. But with the right knowledge and resources, you can find ways to fund your ADU project. There are a variety of options available to finance your ADU construction, such as loans, grants, and other forms of financing. The most common of them all is a mortgage. Homeowners typically go with it because of its long-term stability. But other types of financing are common as well.

Are ADUs built on a Foundation or on Wheels?

While there are multiple ways to build an ADU, the most common approach is to build it on a foundation, this method of construction has many advantages over building it on wheels or a trailer.

At ADU MAXX Company, we specialize in building ADUs on foundations. We believe that this provides our clients with the best possible outcome when it comes to the stability and durability of the structure.

How large can Additional Dwelling Units by ADU MAXX get?

ADU MAXX is committed to offering the largest additional dwelling units in the area. Our ADUs are designed with a focus on maximizing space and efficiency while ensuring that they are properly sized for both safety and convenience. 

We understand how important it is to build ADUs that are not only the proper size but also of the highest quality. This is why we strive to provide our customers with the largest ADUs available so that they can have more living space without compromising on quality or safety.

With our commitment to building properly-sized ADUs, you can be sure that you will be getting a unit that meets all your needs without taking up too much space.

How many ADUs can I Build in my Backyard?

Installing an accessory dwelling unit in your Backyard is a superb choice for raising the value of your house and gaining extra living space. However, homeowners should base their judgment on their individual needs and preferences when deciding how many ADUs to build in their Backyard.

Generally, homeowners build just one ADU in their Backyard as it provides enough additional living space without overburdening the property with too much construction work. It is important to consider legal restrictions when deciding how many ADUs to build.

However, at times, homeowners decide to build two or even three ADUs. The reason for such a decision is usually related to the family’s needs. Although it is not typically required, a detached ADU usually follows the house in its layout and design, with some exceptions.

Common features in these units are a patio entry door, a covered patio, and an attached garage. A detached ADU generally requires less construction work than an attached unit because of its lower height and smaller footprint. 

However, this type of unit can be more expensive to build than an attached unit due to its new construction costs that go beyond any prefabricated materials or cabinetry found in other home renovations.

How to be Smart about Building Multiple ADUs?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit provides you with an extra space that can be utilized as a studio, office, or even an additional living area. However, the number of ADUs you can build in your Backyard will depend on several factors, such as local zoning regulations, the size of the lot, and budget.

Why is one ADU sometimes not enough for homeowners, and what different kinds of ADUs do we advise to build here in ADU MAXX? We will also provide tips on how to maximize the potential of an ADU by strategically planning the layout and design.

Here’s a list of tips on how to plan the construction of multiple ADUs:

  1. When you wish to place more than one ADU on your property, the key is to define the functions of each one. This is crucial because it is easier to achieve the desired effect of each one if they have a specific function.
  2. If you have access to septic, consider using it with multiple ADUs.
  3. To ensure maximum energy efficiency with solar panels and heat pumps, make sure to design your ADU in a way that allows for easy attachment or detachment from the main house. This will provide the best benefit when utilizing these measures.
  4. Consider utilizing state or federal financial incentives for your construction.
  5. Consider whether or not any interior alterations will be necessary for an ADU before embarking on the project.
  6. If a detached ADU is constructed, consider the possibility of converting it into a two-car garage for easier car storage.
  7. If possible, locate the ADU on a separate level from the main house
  8. Investing in lightweight, cost-effective materials such as wood or metal for ADU construction is a smart decision. Not only will it be easier to assemble, but the finished product will be more reliable and longer-lasting than those crafted from poor-quality material.

What Additional Dwelling Units by ADU MAXX usually Include?

According to our company’s architectural standards, ADUs will typically include a bathroom, kitchen, and at least one bedroom. The exterior of an ADU is usually much smaller than that of a conventional house but may have a larger garage or parking area. 

However, many people are using storage spaces as extra bedrooms by creating off-street garages for cars or adding home offices on the main floor for work opportunities—all without paying commercial or income property taxes. In most cities, this gets them significant tax savings over conventional houses.