Four Things to Know Before Starting Your Shedquarters Project

Accessory Dwelling Units Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, are a new buzzword in the housing world even though the concept is nothing new. Sometimes called “mother-in-law apartments” or “granny flats,” ADUs are self-contained residential units located on the same lot as an existing single-family home. According to the Municipal Research and Services Center, ADUs have all the basic facilities needed for day-to-day living, such as a kitchen, sleeping area and a bathroom, but are generally smaller than the main residence. An ADU may be created as a separate unit within an existing home (such as an attic), as an addition to the home (a separate unit with separate entrance), or as a separate structure on the same lot (such as a converted garage or new build). Other terms include “accessory apartment,” “accessory living unit,” “secondary unit,” or “junior dwelling unit.”

Accessory Structure An accessory structure, or detached room, is exactly what it sounds like — a room completely disconnected from the existing house. The room may contain a small kitchenette and a bathroom, but it is not built as a fully-functional separate apartment. Accessory structures have numerous slang names you may be familiar with, including “man caves,” “she-sheds,” “shedominiums,” “barndominium,” etc.

The most important thing to note is that your client’s needs will likely change over time. While they may be looking to create extra space now while cooped up during quarantine, talk to your clients about the long-term investment opportunities. A yoga studio could become a private room for adult children in the future. A home office could someday evolve into a short-term rental property.

Having this conversation before you design and build can open up additional sales opportunities for you, while also helping your client think beyond their short-term needs.

According to buildinganadu.com, there are many reasons why municipalities may want to spur ADU development, including economic, environmental and social benefits. ADUs provide greater density in established communities, utilizing existing governmental infrastructure (eg. roads, sewers, schools). ADUs can also provide housing with a relatively small environmental footprint. In a building lifecycle, smaller residential spaces use less energy in construction, deconstruction and habitation. Perhaps most important to city officials, ADUs can provide more affordable housing options in residential neighborhoods without dramatically changing a neighborhood’s character. Some municipalities may even incentivize ADU housing if rented to low-income individuals.

Despite new programs and incentives, the regulations for ADUs and detached sheds can be complex. Check with the city first, as well as applicable homeowners associations, on zoning and permitting requirements. You will likely be limited by size, including possible height and road-visibility limits. Shared utilities with an adjacent structure may be required, and the homeowner may have to live on-site. Surrounding properties, including the primary home, might need to be brought up to code before a new structure is built, and landscaping is another consideration — including possible tree preservation requirements.

Now that you know the basics of accessory construction vernacular, use cases, regulations and potential partnership opportunities, there is no time like the present to capitalize on the growing enthusiasm of this emerging trend. For more information about opportunities in residential construction, visit https://www.thinkwood.com/wood-at-home.