What Is An ADU?
ADUs, or accessory dwelling units, more commonly known as in-law suites, carriage houses, or cottages, are small, self-contained living spaces that are built on the same property as a single-family home. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
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Providing extra space for extended family
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Generating rental income, or
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Used as a home office or studio
ADUs are increasingly being recognized for their important role in serving Idaho’s housing needs.
In a survey conducted by AARP in 2021, respondents said they would build an ADU in order to:
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Provide a home for a loved one in need of care (86%)
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Provide housing for relatives or friends (86%)
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Have a space for guests (82%)
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Create a place for a caregiver to stay (74%)
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Increase the value of their home (69%)
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Feel safer by having someone living nearby (67%)
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Earn extra income from renting to a tenant (63%)
ADUs come in all shapes and sizes, and can be built as a stand-alone unit or as an addition to or renovation of an existing home or garage.
ADUs have been a part of the American tradition since our country’s founding. They fell out of favor with the advent of zoning codes, which popularized single family homes during the suburban sprawl post World War II. Their reputation was also associated with overcrowded and unsanitary alleyways before cities were equipped with modern plumbing.
Today this lost treasure is being rediscovered, as homeowners and renters are gaining all the benefits without the historical drawbacks.
ADUs solve another problem; housing stock isn’t keeping up with our changing demographics. Across the United States there’s a growing gap between available housing and how people actually want to live. According to AARP, 28% of the population is single people living alone. Yet almost 90% of new housing units being built are two or more bedrooms. ADUs have the greatest potential to quickly and affordably solve our need for smaller homes.
There are a few common problems that homeowners may face when considering building an ADU. Alley Homes eliminates the pain points by guiding you through every step of the process.
Cost
Building an ADU can be a significant financial investment. We work with homeowners to design a cost-effective ADU that meets their needs and budget.
Zoning and Permit Issues
ADUs, like all construction projects, are subject to zoning and permitting regulations, which can be complex and time-consuming to navigate. We help homeowners understand and comply with these regulations to ensure a smooth building process.
Design and Layout
Designing an ADU that meets the homeowner's needs and fits in with the surrounding property can be challenging. We provide design expertise and assistance to help homeowners plan an ADU that meets their needs and preferences.
Construction and Building
Building an ADU requires a variety of specialized skills and expertise. Alley Homes provides all of the necessary services and resources, from design and planning to construction and finishing touches.
Maintenance and Repair
An ADU will require ongoing maintenance and may need repairs from time to time. We can provide ongoing maintenance and repair services, as well as tenant and property management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my property zoned for an ADU?
If you live in the Treasure Valley (Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, Star, Middleton) the simple answer is: yes! With very few exceptions, all residential zones allow the placement of an accessory or secondary dwelling unit. However, each municipality has its own set of rules.
How much does it cost to build an ADU?
The cost of building an ADU can vary widely depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the unit, the materials used, and the local cost of labor. In Boise the range averages from around $175,000-$250,000. Read our Pricing page for a more comprehensive breakdown.
Learn more about Alley Homes’ process, and how we make it easy to start living the way you want.
Schedule your free consultation and property assessment, or contact us for any questions.