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What is an ADU?

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Go to Chapter 2

Chapter 01: What is an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)?

ADU stands for accessory dwelling unit, but it can go by many other names, such as mother-in-law unit, granny flat, guest house, pool house, casita, etc. They are built attached to a main house, or they could be stand-alone units.

Sizes of ADUs can vary, but they are typically the size of a small apartment or cottage with their own entrance, kitchen, and sometimes even laundry facilities. 

Many times the term ADU is used interchangeably with the term "tiny house". But tiny house really describes a smaller, more mobile cousin of the ADU. And while they both may fall in similar genres of architecture, it is important to note their key differences.

Typically, when referring to an ADU versus a tiny house, the main difference is that an ADU resides on a permanent foundation and is not designed to be mobile, whereas a tiny house is designed to be easily relocated. A tiny house may even be attached to wheels, or reside on a trailer.

The experience of living in an ADU is one of a higher level of permanency. Certainly it's size is much more accommodating to long term living. An ADU can be designed with fewer restrictions than a dwelling that must never be wider than a street lane. 

And while tiny houses are certainly a fad to watch on HGTV, the more realistic route for many homeowners is to construct an ADU which compliments the existing home's architecture.

ADUs are rapidly gaining popularity here in California, where housing is in high demand and the supply of affordable housing is severely limited.  This makes ADUs an incredible investment opportunity, which we will discuss in the next chapter.
Back to Beginning
Go to Chapter 2
  • Introduction
  • Chapter 1: What is an ADU?
  • Chapter 2: Are Accessory Dwelling Units a Good Investment?
  • Chapter 3: How to Build a Mother-In-Law House
  • Chapter 4: Why Build an ADU?
  • Chapter 5: Top 3 Ways to Finance Your ADU
  • Chapter 6: Do Cheap Pre Fab Homes Really Pencil Out?
  • Chapter 7: Can ADU Housing Solve the Current Crisis in California?
  • Chapter 8: Mother-In-Law Apartment Floorplans and Design
  • Chapter 9: How to Choose a Small Home Builder
  • Chapter 10: Cost to Build a Cottage in the Backyard
  • Chapter 11: East Bay & Contra Costa County California ADU City Requirements
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The 2019 Guide to Building an ADU in California
​(Including Financing Options)

For homeowners who want to make the smartest investment when building a backyard cottage, granny flat, accessory dwelling unit, or garage apartment.
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Chapter 01

What is an ADU?​
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Chapter 02

Are Accessory Dwelling Units a Good Investment?
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Chapter 03

How to Build a Mother-In-Law House
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Chapter 04

Why Build an ADU?
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Chapter 05

Top 3 Ways to Finance Your ADU Renovation Loan, FHA 203K, & HELOC
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Chapter 06

Do Cheap Pre Fab Homes Really Pencil Out?
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Chapter 07

Can ADU Housing Solve the Current Crisis in California?
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Chapter 08

Mother-In-Law Apartment Floorplans, & Design
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Chapter 09

How to Choose a Small Home Builder
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Chapter 10

Cost to Build a Cottage in the Backyard
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Chapter 11

East Bay & Contra Costa County ADU Requirements

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2019 Guide to Building an ADU
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Disclosure: Konhoff Company is not a licensed contractor. Konhoff Company does not contract to perform, hire others to perform, or perform itself any actual construction work.
​ADU Financing is offered by Freedomstar Financial, Inc. NMLS # 1439059.

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  • Accessory Dwelling Units
    • ADUs
    • ADU Financing
    • Get Started
  • Multi-Family
    • Multi-family Land Acquisition
    • Multi-family Value Add
    • Single Family Homes
  • About
  • Blog