Are you considering adding an ADU to your property lot? An ADU can be an excellent investment, and it can improve your ability to host family and friends when life calls on you to do so. But first, you will want to conduct a little research to make the most of your decision. You will want to determine which type of ADU is best suited for your home. A few factors will help you decide this, including your lot layout, home design, city regulations, financial needs, and of course, your personal preference! To help you navigate the decision of which type of ADU you may prefer, we have outlined the common kinds of ADUs in California, as well as the pros and cons of each option.

Detached ADU

To qualify as a detached ADU, the unit has to be decidedly separate from the primary residence. It also must be constructed as a self-sufficient living area. Per California regulations, that means that a detached ADU, just like the other types of ADUs, must include a bathroom, a kitchen, and a designated sleeping space. Here are a few examples of the kinds of structures that you might build or convert into a detached ADU:

1. A newly constructed unit in your yard,
2. A unit converted from your garage, or
3. A unit built above your garage.

Benefits of Detached ADUs

Every homeowner has different needs, but it’s worth noting that detached ADUs are the most common type of ADUs in Southern California, primarily because many feel that they offer the primary resident distance from guests and several other benefits that attached ADUs might lack.

• Since detached ADUs are separate from the primary home, construction will not impact residents’ daily lives as drastically.
• If you plan to use the ADU as a rental unit, you will likely want physical space and privacy between you and your tenant. The detached ADUs standalone nature affords you that option. Additionally, the entrance to a detached ADU can be completely independent from your home, allowing for more separation.
• Unlike many attached ADU setups, which can require some reconfiguration, detached ADUs don’t impact the layout of your home.
• A detached ADU shares no walls with the primary residence, which reduces the chance of noise conflict among residents.

Downsides of Detached ADUs

Detached ADUs are great, but they are not for everyone. Consider these drawbacks as well:

• Depending on the setup, the unit may require tenants or guests to cross the yard, which is not always desirable in colder and wetter months. However, designing a detached ADU with a back alley entrance, for example, can eliminate this issue.
• Building a separate unit may require sacrificing valuable yard space that might otherwise be used for gardening, patios, or for play spaces for children.

Attached ADU

An attached ADU is a unit that is added to the primary residence, typically requiring less construction or renovation. Unlike the standalone, detached ADU, an attached ADU is more like an extension of the home. An attached ADU can either be newly constructed or be converted from an existing space. Here are a few options homeowners can consider:

1. Extending the primary home, creating new living space in addition to the primary residence.
2. Renovating an attic or second-story addition.
3. Converting the basement into a residence.

Benefits of Attached ADUs

Many homeowners turn to an attached ADUs because they are drawn to their many benefits:

• Attached ADUs can save on backyard space; homeowners do not always have to sacrifice gardening or patio areas to build a standalone unit.
• If you are going to utilize the ADU for personal space, such as a guest house, granny flat, or private studio, an attached ADU provides easy access because it doesn’t require a guest to walk outside to access their separate dwelling.
• Change can be exciting! The potential relocation of bedrooms and repurposing of space around the primary residence provides homeowners the opportunity to reimagine their home.

Downsides of Attached ADUs

Of course, the attached ADU is not without its own downsides. Consider the following:

• Construction of the new space can possibly be more expensive and time-consuming. Since the ADU is attached, the construction process will also be more disruptive to daily life inside of the main home.
• Sharing a wall with the occupants in the ADU could be a nuisance if you rent out the space and find that the renters are not a good fit for your own lifestyle.
• If you are giving up a basement or attic space, losing the extra storage space that many families need could be a challenge.

When making the final decision about which kind of ADU to build, consider whether you would prefer to convert an existing space or build a brand-new area. Again, there are pros and cons to both:

Pros of Using Existing Space

• Conversions can be done quickly – Not only can the permitting process be expedited, but so can construction.
• Conversions offer the possibility of a larger ADU since the permit will be based on the existing space’s size. New construction, on the other hand, is restricted to a local size limit.
• Conversion of existing spaces generally costs less compared to new builds.
• Conversions ensure maximum yard space is preserved.

Pros of Building a New Unit

• Allows homeowners to design their ADU based on their preferences – no limitations created by existing property construction.
• Homeowners will have no need to give up their garage or storage space.
• Homeowners are more likely to enjoy increased privacy and space from guests and tenants.

Whether you choose to build or convert space into an attached or detached ADU, take advantage of one of our unmatched free consultations. As a full-service ADU consulting and construction company, we want you to know that we will be there during every step of the process, including design, permitting, and construction. However you wish to use your ADU, we here at Tandem ADU have the knowledge and experience necessary to make the process as simplified and stress-free as possible for you.