Thinking about adding more space to your Austin, TX home? You may be considering your options, like adding onto your existing home or building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
ADUs have lots of benefits: increased living space, privacy for guests, accessible housing for aging loved ones, or rental income opportunities. However, many homeowners don’t know all the different types of ADUs, and how to choose which one will best serve their needs.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What types of ADUs are available
- The specific benefits of each ADU type
- How to add an ADU to your property
Read on to learn what you need to know about different ADU types.
What ADU Types Are There?
The design of the ADU is completely up to you — the sky is the limit when it comes to colors, finishes, furnishings, and more. But ADUs can be categorized into three main types: attached, detached, and conversions.
Attached ADUs
Attached ADUs are physically attached to the main dwelling. These can be “internal” ADUs, for instance, a walk-out basement that’s been transformed into its own bedroom suite, with a full bath and kitchenette with its own private entrance..
More frequently, an attached ADU is an addition on the main house, intended to be separate living quarters, just sharing a wall.
Detached ADUs
Detached ADUs are what you think of when you hear “tiny home”. These compact houses are found on the same property as the main dwelling, but completely separate — often with their own landscaping or private outdoor areas. While the tiny home moniker may be an accurate description for most detached ADUs, some can be quite spacious and have up to three bedrooms!
Garage Conversion ADUs
A garage conversion ADU most typically adds a living space over an existing garage. However, some garage conversions make the most of unused garage space and convert that into part of the tiny home’s interior as well.
What Types of ADUs Are The Best?
The type of ADU that’s right for you will depend on your desires and goals for the property. Need a private space for your recent college grad to call home? Or maybe you often have visitors and would prefer to give them additional room to feel at home.
Whatever your situation, there’s an accessory dwelling unit that fits your needs. Here are the options that are best…
… for increasing property value
While every ADU has the potential to increase your property values, detached ADUs are the most versatile and offer the biggest bang for your buck. A well-designed, high-quality ADU plan can increase your property value by 20-30%, with some particularly in-demand living areas that can see an increase of up to 50%! This is because a detached ADU adds flexible, multifunctional living space.
… for working from home
An attached ADU or detached studio is the right choice if you are simply looking for more living with a flexible purpose. If you want a private home office, a detached studio ADU will serve your needs nicely. Many creatives, designers, and photographers have their own detached ADU studios — it’s much easier to welcome clients onto your property if you have a clear, separate office.
… for housing loved ones or guests
Garage ADUs and detached ADUs are ideal as secondary housing spaces, whether it’s for an older adult in your family who needs an accessible place to stay, for in-laws when they come for an extended visit, or simply as a guest house whenever the need arises. These spaces are completely detached from the main house, offering privacy and the chance for occupants to make the space truly feel like home.
… for rental income
Detached or attached ADUs can both be excellent drivers of rental income. The biggest consideration for these is that you want them to have a completely separate entrance from the main house. If an attached ADU can be accessed from the main property, it’s essential that the doors can be locked from the tenant’s side. Achieving this privacy is important for a successful rental!
Learn More About ADUs in Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas is a very ADU-friendly city! If you are looking to build, there are restrictions on lot size, height, and setbacks that you should know, as well as information about permitting and zoning. However, most single-family residential communities and neighborhoods allow ADUs.
If you’re ready to have a discussion about adding an ADU to your property, get in touch with Austin Tiny Homes! We offer a white glove service to clients, managing every step of the process from initial site assessments to handing over your keys.
Our ADUs are specially designed to look right at home in any Austin neighborhood. Browse our plans here, or schedule your free consultation today.
