We recently covered the most popular type of ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) additions for homeowners, but if you’ve found yourself thinking, “ADUs sound great, but I feel uneasy about having extra people within my home,” then you may want to look into a DADU addition instead. If you’re new to the ADU/DADU world, DADU stands for detached accessory dwelling unit, which is the sister build to ADU units. Like any home renovation or construction project, DADU additions require a lot of thought, planning, and preparation. Plus, there are a lot of options to choose from!
We’re here to help you make the right choice for your home, whether it’s an ADU, DADU, or a simple renovation. Let’s dive into the most popular DADU options for homeowners, as well as their pros and cons, to help you choose the right fit.
1. Backyard Cottage
Also known as a granny flat or in-law suite, this type of DADU is a standalone structure usually built in the backyard of the main house. For property owners with sufficient yard space, it can be a great option.
Pros:
- Complete Privacy: Both the main house and DADU occupants will have their own space.
- Versatile Usage: A backyard cottage can be used for plenty of things, such as a rental unit, guest house, or home office.
- Increased Property Value: A backyard addition can add significant value to your property, attracting potential buyers.
Cons:
- Higher Construction Costs: You’re building a brand-new structure from scratch, which can get expensive.
- Zoning and Permitting Challenges: Certain areas have more stringent zoning regulations and permit requirements for a separate structure.
- Reduction of Yard Space: DADU builds can be quite significant, taking up space in your yard.
2. Prefab Units
Prefabricated units are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their convenience and efficiency. This type of DADU is built off-site and then transported to your property.
Pros:
- Quick Construction: Prefabs are generally fast to build and install compared to traditional, on-site construction.
- Cost-Effective: This type of DADU can be less expensive than building from scratch.
- High-Quality Construction: Because they’re built in a controlled environment, prefabs are often built to high standards.
Cons:
- Transportation Limitations: Your size and design options may be limited by transportation restrictions, and transportation can also become costly.
- Permit and Zoning Issues: Despite being built elsewhere, prefabs are still subject to local zoning laws and building codes.
- Limited Customization: Prefabs often offer fewer customization options compared to traditional builds.
3. Tiny Homes
Tiny houses are small, standalone units that can be placed on a property. They generally offer everything a regular home does, just on a smaller scale! These compact homes are often built on trailers for mobility but can also be built directly onto your property.
Pros:
- Affordable: typically cheaper to build and maintain than a full-sized addition.
- Minimalist Living: This style of DADU encourages a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle and often contains green features.
- Flexibility: Thanks to the possibility of being mobile, Tiny Homes offers versatile living options.
Cons:
- Limited Space: The small living area might not suit everyone’s needs.
- Zoning Restrictions: Depending on how you plan to use your DADU, not all areas permit tiny houses as permanent residences.
- Utility Connections: Tiny Homes may require special arrangements for utilities and sewage.
Is A DADU For You?
There is a long list of pros and cons to adding an ADU or DADU to your property, and deciding which is right for you can be a big undertaking. Due to their standalone nature, DADU additions can often be more expensive than ADUs, but they also come with additional privacy for the occupants.
Knowing what you want out of your addition, your budget, local regulations, and more will help you decide. However, no matter how you look at it, the process from beginning to end is lengthy, complicated, and time-consuming.
We’re here to ensure you have everything you need before spending significant time or money on the process. With 30 years of experience in the mortgage and real estate space and ADU Specialist-certified team members alongside trusted Project Management Partners, your entire journey will be exciting, enjoyable, and within your budget.
Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey? Book your free consultation with eBuilt today.
