ADU Plans

ADU Plans: Everything You Should Know

ADU plans are detailed designs for accessory dwelling units. Discover tips and resources to help you create your ideal space.

ADU plans are detailed drawings that lay out the design and specifics for building an Accessory Dwelling Unit on your property. If you’re looking to build an ADU, these plans are crucial because they cover everything you need to get permits and ensure your project follows local building codes.

What’s an ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU for short, is a smaller, separate living space on the same property as your main home. It can be either attached to the main house or completely separate. Learn more about detached ADUs.

ADUs offer complete independence, so they have everything you need for living, including a kitchen, bathroom, and space for sleeping, eating, and relaxing. An ADU, such as a backyard cottage or a basement apartment, gives you extra space while keeping the building on your property. Find out more about the different ADU types.

Why Planning Is Crucial for ADUs

A well-thought-out plan ensures your ADU fits your needs and follows local zoning laws and building codes. 

Here’s why getting ADU plans right matters:

• Makes the Most of Your Space: A well-planned design can make a small ADU feel spacious and functional.
• Helps to Manage Your Budget: Good planning helps you estimate costs more accurately so you’re prepared for expenses related to design, materials, and construction. Read our guide to understand ADU costs and get a clear picture of what to expect from your budget.
• Prevents Regulatory Issues: Knowing local rules and getting the right permits from the start can help you avoid expensive delays and problems. Here are the key ADU regulations and zoning requirements you need to understand before starting your build.
• Increases Property Value: A carefully planned ADU can boost your home’s value and appeal, making it a smart investment in the long run. Learn how an ADU increases property value.

Key Components of ADU Plans

When designing an ADU, it’s crucial to include a few key components in your plans. These elements will help ensure your space is functional, comfortable, and meets all the necessary regulations.

Here are the key pieces every ADU plan should cover:

Layout

The layout is your ADU’s blueprint, showing how the different areas connect and flow together. It maps out where each room, such as the kitchen, living area, and bathroom, will go. An open-concept design can make your ADU feel roomy, even if the square footage is tight. Also, a defined space can provide a cozy, private feel you might want in certain areas.

Room Dimensions

It’s important to get the right sizes for each room in your ADU. The bedroom should have enough space for a bed and some furniture, while the kitchen and bathroom should be big enough to be practical and comfortable. The living area should also have enough space for relaxation and entertaining.

Plumbing and Electrical Plans

Your ADU should have detailed plans for where fixtures, outlets, and switches will go. Proper plumbing ensures water flows where it needs to, and a good electrical plan ensures there’s enough power for lights and appliances. It’s usually a good idea to consult with professionals to ensure these technical parts of your ADU plan meet local building codes.

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor areas, such as the patio or balcony, extend the living area beyond the four walls and can really make your ADU feel more spacious and inviting. When designing these areas, remember to factor in privacy and ease of access. Find out more about ADU plans here.

ADU Floor Plan Examples

Looking at different floor plan examples can help you figure out how to make the most of your space. Here are some common options:

1-Bedroom ADU Floor Plans

If your space is tight, you should probably be looking at one-bedroom ADU plans. These plans usually combine the kitchen, living, and dining areas into one open space. This way, you can create a unit that feels larger and connected. Learn how to maximize space and comfort with these 1-bedroom ADU floor plans.

2-Bedroom ADU Floor Plans

If you need a bit more room, a two-bedroom ADU might be the way to go. These plans usually include a separate living room, a kitchenette, and two bedrooms that can share a bathroom or have their own en-suites. Discover popular 2-bedroom ADU floor plan designs.

2-Story ADU

A two-story ADU can give you plenty of living space without taking up too much ground area. With this setup, you might have a bedroom and bathroom upstairs, with a living area, kitchen, and possibly another bedroom or office downstairs. Find out the important factors to consider when building a 2-story ADU.

Above-Garage ADU

Another clever way to make the most of your space without taking up more land is to add an ADU above your garage. These plans usually include an open living area with a kitchenette, a cozy bedroom, and a bathroom that you can access using an exterior staircase. Learn more about above-garage ADUs, including designs, costs, and benefits.

2-Car Garage ADU Conversion

If you’ve got an existing garage, converting it into an ADU can be a budget-friendly way to add extra living space. Two-car garage ADU plans usually turn the garage into a cozy living space.

With these plans, you’ll often find an open layout that combines a small kitchenette with a dining nook. The bedroom is tucked away for privacy, and the bathroom is designed to make the best use of the space. Learn how a 2-car garage ADU conversion works.

500 Sq Ft ADU Plans

When you’re working with just 500 square feet, you’ll need creative floor plans to make the most out of the space. Open layouts, built-in storage, and multifunctional furniture are your best friends here to make every inch count. Check out this guide for more on 500 Sq Ft ADU plans.

1200 Sq Ft ADU

If you’re looking for more space, a 1200-square-foot ADU offers plenty of flexibility. You can have multiple bedrooms, a full-sized kitchen, separate living and dining areas, and maybe a laundry room or even a home office. Here’s a comprehensive guide on 1200 sq ft ADU costs.

Benefits of Pre-Approved ADU Plans

Pre-approved ADU plans come with plenty of advantages for you as a homeowner looking to add an accessory dwelling unit to your property. Here are some important perks of choosing pre-approved ADU plans:

• Time Savings: One of the best things about pre-approved plans is the time you save. The design is already done, so you won’t have to spend time finding an architect.
• Compliance with Local Codes: With pre-approved plans, you are sure they meet local building codes. This means fewer headaches during the permitting process, unlike custom designs that might run into issues.
• Faster Approval Process: Since local authorities have already reviewed these plans, you can skip a lot of the usual back-and-forth in the permitting process. That means you can start your ADU project sooner.
• Cost Savings: Pre-approved plans are often more budget-friendly than custom designs. You’ll save on architect fees, and the quicker review process can lower your permit costs, too.
• Proven Designs: These plans have been tried and tested, so you know they work. Plus, you’ll get a clear picture of what your finished ADU will look like, so there are fewer surprises. See our collection of pre-approved ADU plans.

How to Finance Your ADU Project

With the right plan in hand, the next step is figuring out how to fund your accessory dwelling unit. Here’s a quick rundown of some popular ways to finance your ADU project.

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan allows you to borrow money based on the equity you have in your home. It’s a popular choice because the interest rate is usually lower compared to many unsecured loans. Plus, if you use the funds to build an addition to your home, like an ADU, the interest might even be tax-deductible.

Pros:

• Generally cheaper than personal loans
• Offers a large amount upfront for construction

Cons:

• Your home is collateral, so you risk foreclosure if you can’t pay it back
• You need good credit and equity

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC lets you borrow as needed against the equity you’ve built in your home. This can be super useful for covering construction costs as they arise. See how HELOCs.

Pros:

• You get to withdraw funds as needed
• Pay interest only on the borrowed amount

Cons:

• Variable interest rates mean payments can increase if rates rise
• Same collateral risk as a home equity loan

Personal Loan

You might want to consider a personal loan if you don’t want to tap into your home equity. This type of loan is unsecured, meaning you won’t need to put your home up as collateral.

Pros:

• No risk to your home
• Faster application process

Cons:

• Comes with higher interest rates compared to secured loans
• Usually has lower borrowing limits

Cash-Out Refinance

With a cash-out refinance, you replace your existing mortgage with a new one for a higher amount and take the difference in cash. Learn more about cash-out refinance.

Pros:

• Offers larger amount for your project
• Potentially lower mortgage rates

Cons:

• Refinancing can take time
• May incur additional fees

Government Grants and Incentives

Check if there are any local government grants or incentives available for building ADUs. Some states, like California, offer financial help for creating affordable housing, so it’s worth looking into what’s available in your area.

Pros:

• Financial assistance can help reduce costs
• Programs often focus on affordable units

Cons:

• Not all areas offer grants
• Must meet specific criteria to qualify

Why a RenoFi Loan Is Best for ADUs

RenoFi is the smartest choice when it comes to financing an ADU project. Adding an ADU can significantly increase the value of your property, and it also has the potential to create future cash flows if you decide to rent it out. Learn more about renting out your ADU.

Regardless of the perks, building an ADU is quite expensive and often requires financing. One challenge with traditional home equity loans is that they require a significant amount of equity in your home. If you don’t have enough equity built up, these loans might not be an option for funding your ADU project. That’s where RenoFi comes in as the perfect solution.

RenoFi leverages the After Renovation Value of your property, which means it uses the increased value of your home once the ADU is complete. This approach effectively boosts your available equity, so it increases your borrowing power.

For example, let’s say your home is currently valued at $500,000 with a mortgage balance of $400,000. If you plan to add an ADU and expect your home’s value to rise to $640,000, your current loan-to-value ratio (LTV) is 80%. Most traditional home equity loans cap at this ratio, leaving you with no borrowing power based on your current equity.

In contrast, RenoFi can go up to 150% LTV of your current value or 90% of your after-renovation value, whichever is lower. In this scenario, while a standard home equity loan would offer no additional borrowing power, a RenoFi loan allows you to borrow up to $176,000 by considering the future value of your home. See how much you can borrow .

Get Started on Your ADU Project Today

ADU plans are a must-have if you’re looking to add an accessory dwelling unit to your home. Picking the right plan for your project can eliminate a lot of headaches during the approval and construction process.

Beyond plans and designs, financing can be a significant hurdle for many homeowners. Luckily, RenoFi loans offer some of the best rates available. And the best part? You don’t need a lot of equity to qualify!

Additionally, our RenoFi loans are the smartest way to finance a home renovation project. Unlike traditional loans, which are based on your current home value or require you to refinance your primary mortgage and give up your low rate, RenoFi loans are based on the after-renovation value of your home. This allows you to borrow, on average, 11x more, get a low monthly payment, and keep your low rate on your first mortgage.

If you need help funding your ADU project, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. We’ll be glad to provide you with financing options that best suit your needs.