If you’re interested in building a secondary dwelling on your property, you may have stumbled across the term “casita.”
A casita is another term for a tiny home or accessory dwelling unit (often referred to as just an “ADU”). The word casita has Spanish origins and translates to “little house.” This term is most often heard in the American Southwest — like Austin, Texas.
Is a Casita Different from an ADU?
The area where the term casita does differ from ADU is that an ADU has a specific legal definition, while casita does not.
ADUs must have kitchens and bathrooms to be considered an accessory dwelling unit. If someone converts a shed into a cozy guest cottage with a bathroom but no kitchen, they could call it a casita, but technically it would not be an official accessory dwelling unit.
However, most often the terms casita, tiny home, and ADU are used interchangeably to describe a secondary living space on the same property as a main house.
Why Should I Build One?
Casitas have many benefits! Adding a casita to your property is a great way to expand your living space or open up a stream of income to support your family.
Host guests with ample space and privacy
A casita is the perfect space for guests! Adding an accessory dwelling unit provides flexibility for both short- and long-term guest stays by giving visitors their own space to settle in and unwind. Full kitchen facilities offer the ability to prep meals, giving guests a space that feels like home.
Care for loved ones with ease
Whether it’s for aging parents, recent graduates, or an adult kid that needs a soft landing, a casita is an efficient way to house your family members on your property while still giving them privacy, space, and independence.
Earn rental income
Depending on your municipality, casitas can be rented out, either as long-term rentals or short-term vacation rentals. Be sure to know your local regulations — in Austin, TX the short-term rental of an ADU is capped at 30 days per year.
Different Types of Casitas
Casitas come in all different shapes and sizes, meaning there’s one out there that will complement your home and meet your needs!
Detached
The most common kind of casita, this version shares no walls with the main dwelling and is an entirely separate unit. Great for renting out, hosting guests, or housing family long-term, detached casitas offer privacy and space as their two main benefits.
Attached
An attached casita is an extension of the primary dwelling, though it will have its own separate entrance and in some cases, are not accessible from the primary home. These benefit from increased energy efficiency in some cases, as they share a wall with the main house and can benefit from reduced energy consumption for power, cooling, and heating.
Garage Conversions
If you have an existing garage you don’t use, convert it into a casita to expand your living space! A garage conversion is often a popular choice for families with older children, as it can provide a haven for college-aged teens or recent grads to have their own space while still “living at home.”
Casita Floor Plans
From studios all the way to three bedrooms, casitas are flexible and customizable to suit your needs. Here are a few popular floorplans:
This studio offers an efficient use of space and is a popular choice for families looking to add a guest cottage or poolhouse to expand the livable space on their property.
A one-bedroom casita is the perfect size for aging-in-place, allowing you to keep a close eye on your loved one while they still have a space of their own.
Two-bedroom casitas are excellent for hosting guests long-term or for renting out, helping young professionals find an affordable place to live in a popular and vibrant city like Austin, Texas.
The largest selection, three-bedroom casitas provide a spacious way to house multiple generations on one property without feeling crowded or cramped. If you want to move grandparents and/or adult children onto your property, this floorplan allows you to make the most of your space.
View our entire catalog of ADU plans here.
Get Started with a Casita Consultation
Have you decided that a casita is the right choice for your property?
We provide a white glove service throughout Austin and surrounding areas, ensuring your casita build is stress-free and provides results that exceed your expectations.
We start with a site visit to evaluate your land, and then follow-up with a clear and detailed estimate. During the build, we handle everything, from permitting to scheduling deliveries to final inspections. And we stand by our craftsmanship with generous warranties.
Get in touch with Austin Tiny Homes and schedule your free site visit today.
Curious about our work? Explore our Mayfield Casita project to get a glimpse of how Austin Tiny Homes can bring your perfect tiny home to life in your backyard.
