About Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s)
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) also know as Granny Flats, In-Law Apartments, are separate living spaces that can be constructed in, connected to, or detached from a single-family house. An ADU lets home owners create cash flow through rental income; provide low cost housing for their relatives or compatible parties. The ADU rental income can be used for monthly bills, real estate taxes and mortgages.
Many positive trends originate on the West Coast and the acceptance, wide use of ADU’s is no exception. Years ago, Portland, Oregon eased their zoning laws, allowing homeowners to add units on their property with few strings attached. California and Washington joined the “Back Door Revolution”. A phrase coined by Kol Peterson, advocate from Portland who helped New Hampshire business leaders convince our legislators to enact the progressive ADU law RSA 674:71.
The past 100 years of housing development patterns have made New England more of a “Side Yard Opportunity.” Existing garages or land to build an ADU is likely on either side of house, not in an alley behind it. Using years of real estate development experience, Accessory Dwelling Advisors can quickly evaluate the homeowner’s best options. Working together, we determine a course of action that fits the client’s lifestyle and budget. Converting an attic or basement into separate living quarters is the least expensive way to build an ADU compared to a new construction, detached cottage.
Three important ADU options to consider:
- Modular Construction: Many attached additions and all detached ADU’s can be built in a factory, saving time, money.
- Universal Design: When incorporated from the beginning, the extra cost of a Handicap Accessible ADU is minimal.
- Eco-friendly “Green”: There are many Green options for an ADU, from extra insulation to solar powered HVAC systems.
Additional Information on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s)
Secondary suites, accessory dwelling units, carriage homes, in-law apartments are names for the same thing, a ADU. In some cases the ADU is located in the basement or attic/2nd floor, is attached to the principal dwelling or in an entirely different space, located above a garage or in the backyard on the same property.
A ADU is considered “secondary” or “accessory” to the primary residence on the parcel. It normally has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom and living area. There are three types of accessory units: interior, attached and detached. Examples of these accessory units include:
- A suite above or in a attached or detached garage (a “garage apartment”)
- A suite above the main floor of a single-detached dwelling (a “attic suite”)
- A suite below the main floor of a single-detached dwelling (a “basement suite”)
- A suite attached to a single-detached dwelling at grade (a “side yard apartment”)
- A suite detached from the principal dwelling (a “carriage house” or “cottage”)
Mother-in-law apartment
A mother-in-law apartment is a small apartment accessory to a primary residence. Alternative names include “granny flat”, “granny suite”, “in-law suite”, and “accessory apartment”. Such apartments are frequently used to accommodate an elderly relative who is incapable of independent living, but does not want a nursing home environment or similar facility. The apartment may or may not have a communicating door to the main house, but virtually always has a separate entrance and is usually not part of the original design.
