Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, have been around for a long time under other names like garage apartments and granny flats. Regardless of what you call them, the plans are very helpful for people who need additional living space on their property. Cities used to be wary of additional living structures but have lately embraced them after seeing how these buildings could help provide more housing and allow family members to live together without worrying about clashing as housemates. If you want to have an ADU in your yard, you can more than likely do so as long as you get the right permits. But you'll also want to think very carefully about what type of ADU you really want.

The Reason for the ADU 

First, you already have an idea of why you want the ADU, right? Otherwise, you wouldn't be getting one. That reason, though, is a major determining factor when looking at plans. If you want the ADU for a home office space, you're most likely not going to need a full kitchen in the ADU. You might want a small coffee- and snack-related space, but you won't need a four-burner stove. You might not even need a bathroom. If you want the ADU for a short-term vacation rental space, you might want a small kitchenette plus materials that are very easy to clean. If you're planning to move someone in long-term, such as your parents or a renter, you'll want a full kitchen and full bathroom plus adequate space for bookshelves and more.

The Style of the ADU

You can find ADU plans in just about every style, and you can even have one custom-designed for you. Do you want a stylish, contemporary look for a vacation unit that you're charging a lot for? Do you want a basic design that blends in with the neighborhood? Keep in mind that styles change, so the boxy, asymmetrical look that you see in so many buildings now may be out of favor in a couple of years. At the same time, plain units may not be to your taste, either. You'll look at what's available and what customization can be done.

Choosing or Creating a Plan

And then there's how you get your plan. There are builders who offer what are essentially ADU kits where you choose an existing plan, and the builders bring in prefab sections. You can also have an existing plan built from scratch, or work with a designer to create a plan that is totally original. Many people find it easier to go with a plan that is already designed and that the builders can install in a relatively short amount of time.

Building an ADU is a positive step, and with the right plans and builders, it's a positive experience. Start looking through ADU plans now because there are so many that you'll want to take your time and browse.