ADUs, short for accessory dwelling units, are the key solution here. These small outbuildings go by various names like back houses, granny flats, garage apartments, or mother-in-law suites. They are independent living spaces complete with kitchens and bathrooms. You can either attach them to your main house or have them stand freely on your property. ADUs serve multiple purposes, from yoga studios and extra bedrooms to full home offices.
Typically ranging from 600 to 1,200 square feet, the size of an average ADU can vary based on state and municipal regulations. These charming secondary residences have gained popularity as a practical alternative in high-demand areas like Metro Texas and across the nation. The ADU trend is on the rise, supported by local governments easing restrictions to encourage homeowners to build and rent out these units.
According to Kol Peterson, creator of the “Building an ADU” online guide and author of the “Backdoor Revolution,” there are an estimated 25,000 to 100,000 permitted ADUs, along with several million unpermitted ones across the country.
While ADUs aren’t a new concept, their prominence has surged recently due to mounting housing pressures in many metropolitan areas.