Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are on the rise across the country, but particularly in Florida. What are these and what makes them so popular? If you’re thinking about renovating your home, here’s what you should know about ADUs.
What Are ADUs
ADUs are an added space to a home that are either attached or detached. They are commonly referred to by other terms that reference their purpose, such as in-law suites, guest houses, pool houses, or even tiny houses. A popular insurance commercial recently introduced a new term of “she-shed.” Essentially, ADU refers to space that cannot be purchased separately from the main home but that serves an added purpose. They can be located in separate buildings on the property, as an add-on to the existing building, or even converted from existing space such as a room over a garage.
The image to the right is from a data mining exercise in a study by Freddie Mac to evaluate different terms used to market ADUs in listings for sale. As you can see, there’s quite a range of common terms for ADUs.
Benefits of ADUs
ADUs offer many benefits. For instance, they can provide privacy for extended family members living at the same property. This is particularly helpful when caring for aging elders who still want some level of independence. Some use ADUs to generate rental income. They make great entertaining space as a man cave, she shed, or even private pubs. With COVID and the work-from-home trend, ADUs can be used as a private home office or studio. With so many potential uses, it’s no wonder they are in-demand.
ADUs Are Popular in Florida
According to that same study by Freddie Mac, the prevalence of ADUs is growing every year. In fact, they are marketed in approximately 6.8% of homes listed for sale nowadays. That’s quite significant. Florida is among the states with the most ADUs. A majority of them are attached to existing buildings, which is a consistent trend along the Northeast (according to the referenced study).
Should Your Home Renovation Include an ADU?
So, all of this begs the question,.. should you include an ADU in your home renovation? They could certainly be a fun and interesting addition. Ultimately, it comes down to the goals of your renovation, your desired budget, and the space available on your property. Contact our team for a creative discussion about your home renovation plans and how an ADU might be included. Not only will you benefit from that added space while you own the home but it will also be a great selling feature in the future.
