October 30, 2021
How to strategically build an ADU for less.
With the housing market in flux, more and more people are turning to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a viable option for their living space. An ADU is a separate living area that is attached to a single-family home. Building an ADU can be expensive, but there are ways to save money and build one on a budget. Let’s take a closer look at some of the steps you should take if you want to build an ADU for less.
The first step in building an ADU is to do your research. Know what regulations apply to your area and understand what type of zoning restrictions might be in place for building an ADU. You also need to consider the size of the unit you want to build, how much it will cost, where the money will come from, and how long it will take to build. Doing your due diligence up front can save you time, money, and headaches later down the line.
The design of your ADU will have a huge impact on its cost. If you choose something overly fancy with lots of bells and whistles, you’ll find yourself spending way more than necessary. Instead, opt for a simpler design with fewer features and amenities. This will help keep costs down significantly without compromising on quality or functionality.
When it comes to materials, many people automatically assume that they need to buy the best and most expensive products available. But this isn't always necessary—especially when building an ADU. By being flexible with your materials, you can save a lot of money while still using quality components. For example, instead of buying hardware or plumbing fixtures that are brand new, you could buy them used or at a discount. This could save you hundreds of dollars.
It can be tempting to try and cut costs by doing the work yourself or by hiring someone who doesn’t have experience with building an ADU, but this could end up costing you more in the long run if something goes wrong with your project or if it takes longer than expected because someone isn’t familiar with certain aspects of construction work associated with this type of dwelling unit. Ultimately, it pays off in the end when you hire experienced contractors who know exactly what they are doing and have references that back up their workmanship capabilities.
Another great way to cut costs is by finding free labor. Ask your friends and family if they have any experience in construction and if they don't mind helping out with your project. Most people are more than happy to lend a hand in exchange for good company, food, or drinks! Another option is to look for volunteer opportunities in your area where people can help build homes for those in need; this not only helps you get free labor but also gives back to your community!
If you're feeling especially ambitious, you may even want to take on some of the work yourself! Doing some of the smaller tasks, such as painting, installing fixtures and hardware, or laying stone pathways, can save you a lot of money while still giving you a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Plus, taking on some of these projects will give you a better understanding of how your ADU was constructed, which could come in handy down the road if there are any issues that need fixing (and let’s face it—there always are).
Summary: Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit can seem like a daunting task, especially when considering cost, but there are ways that you can make it happen without breaking the bank by doing your research ahead of time, purchasing used materials, and hiring experienced contractors wisely who know what they're doing without going over budget! With proper planning and execution, anyone can build their own economical ADU in no time at all!
