Accessory dwelling units are secondary, separate, dwellings on one larger property. Your custom-built home may have a separate in-law suite as an accessory dwelling unit. In general, the accessory dwelling unit will use the same utility connections of the larger home, but for building code purposes, is considered a separate space.
If you want to make the most of this space, choosing its amenities is key. Typically, these spaces have their own kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. The other amenities and features are up to you. Whoever you plan to have in the unit, you should cater to their needs. If you might be renting the space, you should consider the most in-demand features in your market.
If you’re looking for someone to help you with your custom ADU design and build, Fernandez Designs is here to help. Call us any time for a consultation on custom ADU design and construction in San Jose, or anywhere throughout the South Bay.
1. Separate Hot Tub Space
You may not want to share your pool space, especially if you might rent out your second space to a relative stranger, but that doesn’t mean they have to stay dry. Adding a separate hot tub for your ADU can be a big help if you’re trying to rent out your unit in particular. Have a fence or a secure trellis or gazebo to section off the space that is for the second dwellers on the property. This way you both have private, defined space, that you can use simultaneously and not disturb one another. Afterall, pools are most popular on the hottest days.
2. Accessibility Ramps and Features
Those who are creating an in-laws suite can greatly benefit by including accessibility ramps and other features to make an older guest more comfortable. Even if your parents don’t currently need these features, it is so much easier to have your builder add them in now than down the line. That way, the design can accommodate these features inherently, and you don’t have to sacrifice quality or square footage for them in the future. Features you might consider include:
Front ramp
Stair lift, or a bungalow design
Wider doors to fit wheelchairs and mobility devices
Non-slip surfaces, especially in the bathroom
Extra lighting fixtures to provide better visibility
A great builder will able to take into account the specific accessibility needs of your senior loved one and design the space just for them.
3. Separate Laundry
In many accessory dwelling units, a separate laundry isn’t a given. Sometimes there isn’t enough space. However, if you can make this one a priority, you’ll appreciate it. This way you won’t be competing for use of your laundry space, and it can be placed wherever in the home you want it, instead of where it is within easy access of whoever is living in the second space. With new stacking washing and dryers, and even minutes versions, most people can find the room for a separate laundry.
4. Walk-In Closets
Space may be at a premium in your accessory dwelling. However, elderly people often find it challenging to downsize, after accumulating many cherished items over the course of a full life. Storage, especially bedroom storage, should be a priority if you can afford to make some room. Built-in cabinets are particularly useful to help people make the most of the space. If you simply fill it with closet rods, half of the closet is essentially empty.
Even if your future tenant will not be downsizing, renters will also appreciate the extra space that a walk-in closet provides, and the functionality of a built-in cabinet unit.
5. Vaulted Ceilings and Lofts
Frequently, accessory dwelling units are bungalows. It just makes sense to create an accessible space for older people and to keep the costs of the second structure lower. However, bungalows are often cramped. There are a few features that you can use to open the up and make them more comfortable spaces. That includes vaulted ceilings, lofts and more.
Vaulted ceilings are wise to make the living space feel larger. High ceilings can also be a great feature for interior design purposes. Consider exposed rafters or textured or colorful ceilings to draw the eye upwards.
Lofts are great to add additional space. When lofts are dedicated to storage, they can reduce the clutter in the other spaces, and therefore make the rest of the home feel larger. Even if your parents have mobility issues and can’t often access the storage space, they can choose to put items there that they rarely need. It’s certainly more convenient than an off-site storage unit.
6. Separate Parking
While you might think, at first, that you’d like an extra-large driveway to accommodate the extra vehicle, or two, from the accessory dwelling unit, that may not be enough. If you or your family member have more than two vehicles, than the double-wide driveway isn’t enough. You still have to arrange who leaves when, or risk blocking each other in. And, when you don’t share a space, it’s more annoying to grab someone else’s keys. You may be locked out of the accessory dwelling unit, or your tenant may be locked out of your home, just when you want to leave. It’s therefore a wise idea to have a totally separate driveway for your accessory dwelling unit. That way you can all come and go as you please.
7. Soaker Tub and Walk-In Shower
Rentals and suites with high-end bathroom features are in very high demand. But which high end bathroom features are right for you? That depends. If you intend on having seniors live in the suite, then a walk-in shower is a great idea. They reduce falls for seniors and make it much easier to get in and out of the shower without assistance, sometimes even with a mobility device. If your future tenant won’t be a senior, a soaker tub is a popular feature that you might consider instead. These deep tubs are great for relaxation, and they are in high demand in many markets.
Another luxurious plumbing addition worth considering is a tankless water heater. These water heaters allow nonstop hot water for as long as you want it, which can make showering and bathing much more comfortable. Just make sure that you don’t end up paying more in utility bills.
What if you can’t decide which features you should include in your accessory home? You home designer and builder should be able to help you narrow down your choices to the best amenities for you.