Builders typically work with four core ADU configurations, each offering distinct advantages:
Detached ADU: The Standalone Statement
For those craving separation in style, the detached ADU is the gold standard. Picture a chic tiny home, a modern cottage, or even a swanky guesthouse, set apart from the main residence and brimming with possibility. These independent dwellings boast their own entrances, kitchens, bathrooms, and all the privacy in the world—ideal for extended family, rental income, or that creative studio you’ve always wanted. Building one? You’ll need both adequate yard space and the stamina to navigate a slightly lengthier construction process, but the upside in property value and flexibility is undeniable. Explore more options on how a ADU builder can customize these units at Small House Solutions.
Attached ADU: Smart Addition, Shared Walls
Not every property can handle an extra building—but an attached ADU cleverly sidesteps that issue. These units are affixed to the main home, sharing at least one wall. From side additions to over-the-garage apartments, attached ADUs offer a streamlined route to additional square footage and, usually, quicker construction. They’re especially popular for multi-generational living and often connect directly with existing utilities, making them a savvy, cost-effective choice for many homeowners
Garage Conversion ADU: Reinvented Utility
Think of garage conversions as the ultimate interior renovation flex. That underused or cluttered garage? It’s prime real estate for transformation into a cozy new living area, office, or rental. This type of ADU lets you work within the footprint you already have, keeping costs lower and timelines shorter. Builders relish the creative design challenge—can you fit a modern apartment above the garage, or carve out a ground-level suite? The possibilities are nearly endless and can dramatically increase your property’s functional value
Internal or Junior (JADU) ADU: Cleverly Within
Sometimes, brilliance lies in reimagining what’s already there. Internal ADUs occupy basements, attics, or even carve out new suites from your existing floor plan. Junior ADUs (JADUs) are a special category—smaller, usually under 500 square feet, often sharing a bathroom with the main home. Builders love these for their efficiency and short construction windows, making them a fantastic solution for families or young professionals seeking affordability with independence
