Photo Courtesy of Landmark Builders


By Nissa Hallquist


In-law quarters, granny flats, guesthouses. Whatever you may call them, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are swiftly becoming the wave of the future when it comes to living where and how you want.


Basically, an ADU is supplementary private quarters that is either attached to a main house or a separate outbuilding on the same property. There are plenty of reasons why someone would consider adding-on or converting a part of their home or building a separate structure on their property as an ADU:


An ADU is the ideal solution for when you want older parents to live nearby should a medical emergency arise. But they still have independence with their own private space.


The privacy factor applies for any other long or short-term guests, as well. You may want them around to visit, but it's nice for everyone to have their own private quarters to retreat to as needed.


An ADU can be a great way to create some additional income. Or perhaps you're getting ready to retire. Instead of downsizing, you can convert part of your home into an ADU and rent it out. One way you can do so is as a short-term rental through one of the popular rental websites--Airbnb, VRBO--which also offer you the flexibility of using your ADU yourself when and if you want.


Or you could conceivably rent it out as a residence. As living costs have gone up, the amount of affordable housing in the area has gone down. Rather than spend a lot on a home, many younger adults are opting for smaller, less expensive housing that gives them both the funds and access to the experiences they want (restaurants, travel, etc.). An ADU in the right location is the perfect situation for them.


If an ADU sounds good to you, it will certainly sound good to poten- tial buyers if you ever decide to sell your home. When you do, you can capitalize on all the added advantages covered above.


It sounds great, right? However, according to Sacramento NARI President Kevin Nunn, many homeowners in California--and espe- cially in Sacramento--are under the mistaken impression that, unless their property is zoned for two residences, they cannot add an ADU. But rest assured, this is not true.


It's true that some local municipalities have resisted the ADU move- ment, and have therefore tried to limit homeowners' ability to create ADUs (dictating minimum parking requirements, easement restric- tions and so forth). However, in an effort to address the current low cost housing shortage, recent state laws have limited or, in many cases, completely eliminated these restrictions. With that done, Nunn figures that upwards of 95% of homeowners in the Sacramento area can now legally create an ADU on their property.


So, an ADU just may be the right way for you to earn a little extra money, gain equity and enable yourself to live exactly where you want--at home.


This guide was created to keep consumers informed, and to help them find their local NARI professionals. For more information about new builds and remodeling you can ask any of the NARI Professionals listed in the NARI Directory on pages 26-29. All NARI designers and contractors are always up to date on the latest and best products for all areas of your home. You can also visit the local NARI Greater Sacramento website at www.narisacto.org.


NARI 2025 | WWW.NARISACTO.ORG 9


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