A second home on the same property as the main house is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Due to the housing crisis and the great demand for cheap housing in California, ADUs are growing in popularity in the Bay Area, notably in Silicon Valley.
The opportunity for investment and additional income from renting the unit is one of the critical advantages of ADUs for homeowners. Due to the Bay Area's high cost of living and shortage of affordable housing, rental properties are in high demand, making ADUs a significant asset for homeowners. ADUs also give homeowners more choices regarding housing options for themselves or family members and can raise the value of a property.
Cities incentivize homeowners to construct ADUs by reducing red tape and expediting the application process. This is because ADUs can alleviate the housing problem by boosting the number of housing options while avoiding the need for a new buildings.
Additionally, ADUs give homeowners a means to make extra money, which can help them maintain their houses despite rising property taxes and other costs. Due to the increasing demand for affordable housing, the opportunity for investment and additional income, and the support of communities, ADUs have become quite popular in the Bay Area. However, ADU construction can provide several difficulties for homeowners, including zoning and building code constraints, funding, and the approval procedure.
ADUs can be an excellent investment for Bay Area homeowners in the long run, helping to solve the housing shortage and generating extra revenue. First, however, the benefits and difficulties of constructing an ADU must be understood by homeowners, who should consult with local authorities and experts throughout the process as ADU's popularity grows.
Other names are known ADUs in the market besides "Accessory Dwelling Unit." These comprise: A small, independent dwelling constructed within or next to the primary residence is referred to as a "granny flat." For older family members or visitors, it is frequently used as a living area.
The phrase "in-law unit" describes an ADU that is specifically intended for elderly family members or grown children who may need to live independently but are still close to the primary residence.This phrase frequently refers to an ADU housed inside the primary residence, such as a basement or attic.
The phrase "backyard cottage" refers to an ADU situated in the primary property's backyard, generally in a detached building like a cottage, studio, or garage conversion.Small, condensed dwellings that can be constructed as ADUs are referred to as tiny homes.
Carriage house: This word refers to an ADU that is often a modest outbuilding or a garage that has been converted and is located behind the primary dwelling.
It's important to remember that the terminology used to describe ADUs may change based on the locale, the surroundings of the particular building, and the zoning and building regulations of each city.