Is Building an ADU Worth It? Here’s What to Consider

If you’ve ever thought about adding extra living space to your property, you’ve probably come across
accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. These can be fully detached structures, an attached in-law suite, or
even a converted garage, basement, or attic within your home. ADUs are incredibly flexible, so you
could use one as a rental for additional income, a private area for guests to stay, or a home office or
workshop that’s separate from the bustle of your main living areas. They can be a great addition with a
good ROI, but they’re not for everyone. Before you start imagining all the possibilities, think through the
costs, benefits, and potential challenges of adding an ADU.

The Benefits of ADUs

The chance to earn some passive income is one of the biggest perks of ADUs. If you have a fully
equipped, self-contained unit, you can rent it out to help cover your mortgage, property taxes, or fund
home projects. They can also add value to your property, so you’ll get a higher sale price if you list your
home in the future.
Aside from the financial aspect, ADUs also give you increased square footage. Whether it’s used by aging
parents who want some independence, adult kids moving back for a while, or frequent guests, a
separate unit gives everyone privacy without having to move or completely redo your main house. Some
people even turn theirs into a home office, art studio, or gym, which gives the property much more
functionality while keeping the main living areas uncluttered.

The Designs, Layouts, and Sizes of ADUs

When it comes to design, ADUs have a lot of diversity. You could build an attached ADU merged into
your home, tuck a detached ADU into a corner of your yard, or turn a dusty attic into a converted ADU.
No matter what space you have to work with, there’s a type of ADU that works for you.
Sizes and layouts vary too, ranging all the way from a simple studio to a full one-bedroom unit with its
own kitchen and bathroom. The choices you make here will naturally affect the cost, so you’ll want to
find a balance between what you actually need versus what might push your budget higher.

The Costs of Adding an ADU

Speaking of cost, this is usually the biggest deciding factor in whether an ADU is worth it. Building one
isn’t cheap, especially once you add up construction, permits, utility connections, and any zoning
restrictions. On average, people spend $40,000 to $360,000 on an ADU, depending on the size,
materials, and location.
Detached ADUs usually have the highest upfront costs, but they also tend to deliver the best long-term
value, either in terms of rent money, increased property value, or just having more usable space.
Attached or converted units are generally cheaper to build, but they might not deliver the same returns.
It’s also important to consider cleanup as part of your project expenses. Even a relatively small ADU can
leave you with a pile of bulky waste that’s hard to manage, so renting a dumpster from a service like Waste Removal USA is often the easiest, most affordable way to handle it. Factor waste removal into
your budget from the start, so you aren’t frantically trying to get all the leftovers gone once construction
wraps up.

Conclusion

Whether an ADU is worth it really varies from person to person. If you’re after extra flexibility, potential
rental income, or added property value, an ADU can be a smart move. Just make sure you’re ready for
the work and the costs involved, and weigh whether the long-term benefits