Are you planning to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and torn between a traditional Craftsman and a sleek contemporary design? The choice is more than just aesthetics; it’s about blending with the local vibe and following the building requirements of your jurisdiction. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences to help you decide.

Look and Feel:

• Craftsman: Classic charm borrowed from history. Craftsman ADUs often feature a more traditional, cozy aesthetic that feels instantly welcoming.
• Contemporary: Think modern, minimalist, and full of light. Contemporary designs are all about clean lines, open spaces, and a vibe that’s fresh and current.

Maximizing Space and Light:

• Craftsman: A signature feature of Craftsman ADUs is the vaulted ceiling. This design choice doesn’t just add to the aesthetic; it also creates the perfect opportunity for adding a loft, giving you more usable space in a smaller footprint.
• Contemporary: Contemporary design principles focus on making spaces feel larger and more open through clever use of light. This is achieved by placing windows on every wall, using bright, light colors, and incorporating large windows to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living.

Location, Location, Location:

Your geographical location plays a huge role in which design works best. In historic districts, a Craftsman style ADU might be required to match the neighborhood’s character. However, in cities known for their modern architecture, a contemporary ADU will fit right in. The right design isn’t just about personal preference; it’s about creating a unit that complements its surroundings. And remember it’s imperative that you conduct your research. Become an expert in your local zoning.

“We’re building more Craftsman-style homes right now because many jurisdictions, especially in historic districts, require a certain standard that favors this architectural style.”

-Derek Sherrell, ADU Developer

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re drawn to the classic comfort of a Craftsman or the airy sophistication of a contemporary design, both styles offer unique benefits. The most important thing is to choose a design that meets your needs and a plan that brings your vision to life. Derek offers free CRAFTSMAN STYLE ADU plans here and CUSTOM CONTEMPORARY ADU plans here. As always, thanks for visiting.

Watch the full series: YouTube.com/ThatADUguy

In this week’s video, Derek Sherrell and Kyle Allred take you on a tour of Kyle’s brand-new 810 sq ft live/work space, thoughtfully designed to prioritize health and well-being while maximizing every inch of the space.

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The average person spends over 90% of their life indoors, so the quality of our indoor environment, in many ways, determines our overall health. In this video, we go over basic, more affordable than you think, ways to keep your indoor environment as healthy as possible

Indoor Air Quality
Number one is, of course, windows that can open up and allow fresh air in, as well as skylights that can open. A ventilation system, like one in the house, takes stale air from several locations and continually pumps fresh air into my office, bedroom, and living room.

I run a medical education channel where I interview different experts and do a lot of research on ways to optimize health. I work from home and live here, so we’ve added a lot of upgrades to make this an optimal indoor environment.

Here in Ashland, Oregon, we talk about the four traditional seasons, but we also have “smoke season,” where we get smoky air that’s not safe to breathe and can be toxic for sometimes more than a month at a time. With a new build like this, we wanted to create an indoor environment that’s safe. We have a combination of mini-split systems that don’t bring in outside air and can just be on recirculation mode to either heat or cool the house. But we also have an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) with an option to recirculate only. It just recirculates the indoor air through an MERV-13 filter, which is dense enough to effectively filter out smoke.

Other strategies include using good portable HEPA air cleaners or air purifiers around the home. I don’t know if you’ve heard of low-VOC or no-VOC paint, but there are a couple of different certifications for products like paint, furniture, and fabrics. One of them is GreenGuard, which does independent testing on products. This was important to me. For example, the couch has GreenGuard Gold certified fabric, which gives me peace of mind knowing it won’t emit a bunch of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Our target for air changes per hour was four. That’s the threshold for optimal cognition and mental performance, especially if you’re working from home. It also helps avoid that “sleepy feeling” we all know—like when you’re in a meeting, and all the windows and doors are closed, and you just start to nod off. Good air changes per hour help counteract that feeling.

Vaulted Ceilings and Skylights
Kyle, can you talk about how ceiling height affects your day-to-day mood and overall health?
This space feels really good, and I credit Derek for designing it well. Adding the skylights was an expense, but if it’s within your budget, I highly recommend it. Everyone I’ve had over to check out the house can’t believe it’s only about 800 square feet.

Natural Materials
We’re using a water-based product that’s low-VOC for the real hardwood flooring, as well as real wood, stone countertops, and slate floors. We’re trying to use natural products that have fewer VOCs than synthetic ones.

Soundproofing
There’s some road noise coming from the street, and someone else lives right next to me, so we went the extra mile to soundproof the walls. We used Rockwool insulation to dampen sound, plus two layers of drywall with a layer of Green Glue in between. We were careful not to make unnecessary punctures in the walls, and we added soundproofing putty to the outlets. We also invested in triple-paned windows, which have a better sound rating, so there’s visual privacy (since there’s a house right next to the window) and good sound privacy. I can’t hear my neighbors or street noise.

Blackout Curtains
Another thing Kyle wanted for the “sleeping cave” was light management. Some studies show that even the amount of light coming from typical appliances can disrupt your sleep and affect how much deep sleep or REM sleep you get. So, it’s a nice dark place to help optimize sleep.

Optimal Lighting
Light during the day is great, especially natural light—it helps keep us awake. But in the evening, once the sun sets, studies show that overhead light can suppress melatonin release, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. We’ve achieved optimal lighting in this house with lights below eye level, in the reddish spectrum. We also have lights in the kitchen that don’t come from overhead, which helps avoid suppressing melatonin release.

Modern Electrical
This is Kyle’s cool little gear garage. Tell us what we’ve got here.
So, I don’t know much about electrical stuff, but this is called a transfer switch. If the power goes out, I can use an electric vehicle that’s set up for this or a generator. I can plug it in outside and run the whole house off a generator or a battery. I also plan to add solar panels in the future, so I could potentially run the house off solar power.

Siding and Design
It’s a small house—800 square feet. I wanted to spend most of my time towards the back, away from the street. It’s an unorthodox entry, where you walk past the back of the house down a pathway, and you get a nice view of a public park that will hopefully never be developed. The front door ties into this idea of a smaller footprint house, with a nice big deck and a big outdoor space where I can spend a lot of time.

Outdoor Health Center
An inexpensive outdoor cold plunge can be a lot of fun, and we also have a sauna and an outdoor shower—pretty simple. There was a chain-link fence between my neighbor and me, but we put up a 7-foot-tall roll of bamboo fencing with zip ties to give us some privacy.

Smaller Footprint
The final hack for a healthier home just might be living in a smaller house. What do you think, Kyle?
I agree. Building a smaller house freed up some of my budget to add things I really wanted, like the sauna, a nice big deck, skylights, and other finishes. A smaller footprint makes it much more affordable. I’m also an aspiring minimalist. I enjoy my time at home more when things are orderly and not cluttered. For people living in small spaces or even a van, you really have to pare down what you need and organize it well. It’s forced me to do that, which is good from an environmental standpoint, too. Fewer materials and resources are used.

Thank you so much for subscribing, liking, and sharing this video—it really does help!

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Designing for small living spaces requires creativity and practicality. The challenge of crafting a functional and aesthetically pleasing living space within a limited square footage has led to the emergence of innovative design principles that you can leverage to make your Tiny Home or ADU feel remarkably spacious. Here are a few ways to employ them, tailored specifically for house-hackers, DIY builders, and real estate visionaries with a passion for turning small spaces into income generators

Open Concept, FTW

The concept of open layouts is a small space designer’s best friend. One layout Derek has perfected over time consists of a simple rectangle with an open floor plan designed to maximize natural light and elevate the overall ambiance. A single wall galley kitchen where cooking, plumbing, and mechanical infrastructure gets strategically located along a single wall (a cost savings measure) is set opposite to a bedroom that can be closed off using a pocket door. Pocket doors allow for privacy when needed, but when open, they improve sightlines and create the feeling of spaciousness by allowing sunshine to pour in from all sides.

Vaulted Ceilings: Elevating Space

Vaulted ceilings are a key architectural feature that can instantly transform a cramped interior into an expansive haven. By emphasizing vertical space, vaulted ceilings draw the eye upward, creating a sense of openness and grandeur. The upward sweep of the ceiling not only adds visual interest but also enhances natural light distribution. This effect is particularly impactful in small living spaces, where every inch matters. The additional height also allows for creative storage solutions, such as lofted storage areas, optimizing the use of space while maintaining an airy atmosphere. Derek is a huge fan of the storage loft, a necessity for him in each project and always accompanied by a quick and easy-to-build DIY ladder. Watch: How To Build A Custom Loft Ladder For Your A Frame Cabin, Tiny House or ADU.

Color Palette and Tiny Home Vibes: The right colors can transform your ADU into a cozy retreat 

Choosing the right color palette is fundamental in small space design. Light, neutral hues, such as soft whites, pale creams, and gentle greys, play a pivotal role in creating an illusion of expansiveness. These colors reflect natural and artificial light, brightening the space and erasing the boundaries between walls. A light palette not only visually enlarges the area but also imparts an elegant and timeless ambiance. Integrate subtle variations in shades to add depth and prevent monotony, keeping the interior engaging and inviting.

Strategic Windows: Framing Space

Windows are more than mere openings; they are strategic design elements that can dramatically impact the perception of space. Integrating windows on every wall floods the interior with abundant natural light, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and casting away shadows that can make a room feel closed-in. Moreover, thoughtfully positioned windows create a visual connection with the outdoors, seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor spaces. You can also consider incorporating a sliding patio door. The wide patio door not only enhances the view but also tricks the eye into perceiving the interior as larger than it actually is.

As the ADU trend continues to spread from Oregon and California out across the US and abroad, it’s crucial to wield these design principles with precision to create living spaces that defy their physical limitations. Vaulted ceilings, light palettes, and windows that open up the interior are instrumental in making a small living space feel expansive and inviting. By embracing open-concept layouts, you can craft a home that embodies both comfort and style. So, whether you’re a seasoned builder or a passionate DIY enthusiast, these principles offer a blueprint for embracing the ADU movement and designing small living spaces that truly shine.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), also known as a “granny flat,” “in-law suite,” or “secondary suite,” is a self-contained living space that is either attached to or located on the same property as a primary residential unit. ADUs are smaller, secondary living units that typically have their own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping areas. They can take various forms, such as a converted garage, a separate structure in the backyard, or an addition to an existing house.

ADUs are often used to provide additional living space for family members, guests, or as a rental property to generate extra income. They have gained popularity as a solution to address housing shortages and provide affordable housing options in urban areas. ADUs can offer a flexible living arrangement while making efficient use of existing properties and infrastructure.

Local regulations and zoning ordinances vary, so the rules regarding the size, design, and use of ADUs differ from one jurisdiction to another. Some areas have specific guidelines for ADU construction, including requirements for setbacks, parking, and occupancy. As a result, it’s essential for homeowners considering the construction of an ADU to research and understand the local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before proceeding with the project.

Derek Sherrell, That ADU Guy

Recent Projects

Need help finding an ADU contractor in California? 

Derek: “People ask me every day, ‘How do I find a contractor to build my ADU?’ If you want to build in California, you are in luck! I recommend you consider using Realm to help find a qualified ADU builder or 
subcontractor.”

If you want to partially manage your project, avoid common delays, 
and most of all save money, get started here: RealmHome.com.

 To save $100,  mention That ADU Guy.

DESIGN BUILDERS

Suncrest Homes 541-944-3976

ARCHITECTS

Peter Grossman 541-231-2048

Bob Haxton 541-890-2412

August 3, 2022

A key to designing small spaces is finding ways to make the home feel more spacious than it actually is. Here are a few techniques Derek recommends that can help you save money and create a living space that tenants will absolutely love and want to call home for a long time.

For the footprint, Derek suggests a simple rectangle, combined with a vaulted ceiling so you get the most volume from the square footage that is, in many jurisdictions, limited to 800 sq. ft.

Another trick? Put windows on every wall so when you walk in, you experience that bright, sunny feeling. Windows and skylights combine with the high ceilings to open up the space. Derek also recommends using light colors and a minimalist one-wall kitchen. His signature ‘galley kitchen’ is a proven cost-saver. Typically, it can save you about $5,000 because, he says “there’s no turn, there’s no seams in the granite and you don’t have big turns in your cabinetry.” So by incorporating a one-wall kitchen you also save money, in addition to saving space.

The interior pocket door is another great strategy because you can create the illusion of a larger space by opening up more of the wall between the bedroom and living areas, thus allowing more light to stream in through the windows.

Pocket doors on the bedroom(s) and bath are also nice because you don’t lose any valuable space where a traditional door would need to swing in and out. This choice can allow for a smaller-sized bathroom which lets you dedicate more space to other, more heavily utilized rooms.

Finally, understand your end-user so you can meet their needs better than any competing units. For example, in the Southern Oregon market, Derek’s tenants are usually single professionals that are between their last long-term relationship and they haven’t settled down and gotten married yet. They’ll have camping gear. “Everybody seems to have a kayak right now,” he says, meaning they will need adequate storage for the outdoor gear — usually about 50 sq. ft. with at least a 10 foot area for the kayak.

Again, really know your end-user so you can design a great product for them.

Feel free to try out these ideas when planning your ADU. If you find this information helpful, connect with Derek on Instagram and YouTube and perhaps check out the ADU Resources page that includes free plans for your own one or two-bedroom affordable ADU.

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July 27, 2022 by Jenna Hall, Redfin

1. Always do your due diligence on potential tenants

The one thing we recommend to our customers is for them to do their due diligence on their future tenants. Let’s be honest; everyone can be on their best behavior for a 10-minute interview; however, documents never lie. We recommend asking your future tenants as part of the screening process for their three most recent pay stubs, a copy of the credit report, three references from previous landlords, and the current employer’s phone number to ensure they’re still working. Also, slowly saving the profits from the rental to about 6 months’ worth of rent in a separate account is a great idea. That way, if things go sideways with your tenants, it wouldn’t affect you that much. – The ADU Guru

one thing we recommend to our customers is for them to do their due diligence on their future tenants. Let’s be honest; everyone can be on their best behavior for a 10-minute interview; however, documents never lie. We recommend asking your future tenants as part of the screening process for their three most recent pay stubs, a copy of the credit report, three references from previous landlords, and the current employer’s phone number to ensure they’re still working. Also, slowly saving the profits from the rental to about 6 months’ worth of rent in a separate account is a great idea. That way, if things go sideways with your tenants, it wouldn’t affect you that much. – The ADU Guru

2. Check with your city’s planning department

Because many of the cities that legalized ADUs did so to boost the supply of affordable housing, some frown on or have explicitly banned homeowners who use their ADUs as short-term rentals. If you want to use your ADU as a short-term rental, you might need to obtain a business license and meet certain criteria set by your local government. Just in case, be sure to check with your city’s planning department before listing your ADU on Vrbo or Airbnb. – Torii

3. Attract your ideal tenant 

When renting out your ADU, consider this: the setup, design, and feeling of independence are what allow property owners to create a space for their tenants that truly feels like its own. It’s much easier to attract your ideal tenant than it is to find them – we recommend creating a private and luxurious space that can fit a small family. We think ADUs should be a fully-functional home that feels just like any other home, just a little more cozy. – Framework First, Salinas, CA

For your ADU to be the perfect rental property, you must have high demand, low supply, and a well-managed product. Tenants want the same things homeowners want: A good location, privacy, custom home amenities, and the ability to have a pet. I have found that many renters are looking for stand-alone ADUs with an in-unit washer/dryer, a dishwasher, and some outdoor space. – Derek Sherrell, That ADU Guy

4. Create a strong relationship with your tenant

If you’re going to rent out an ADU and share your backyard it’s vital to know what you want, and know the tenant you’re going to be sharing space with. A great tenant/landlord relationship makes everything else about managing the ADU easier. Invest time in building that relationship, and you’ll have less vacancy, less to worry about, and maybe even make a friend. – Coram Houses, Durham, NC

5. ADU rentals are a great way to earn passive income

Would you like to have an additional $1,500 or more in monthly passive income? Due to increased housing demands, rental properties are at a record high. Instead of growing grass in your backyard, envision a money tree that blossoms $100 bills at the beginning of every month. – D A Holt General Engineering

An ADU can earn you income to supplement your mortgage payments, retirement savings, or vacation fund. It’s easy to see why generating an income stream from renting out an ADU can be a smart move. However, keep in mind that it does require due diligence and careful oversight since regulations for short-term rentals vary by location. – MHBO.com

6. Create an environment that retains tenants long-term

Even though rentals are in demand, creating an environment that retains tenants long-term is important. Things like new paint, wood floors, stainless steel appliances, and stone countertops can go a long way. Also, become familiar with landlord regulations for your area and vet candidates thoroughly for income and compatibility. A difficult or non-paying tenant can cost a lot of time and money, not to mention, in the case of an ADU, they literally live next door. – Windy City Builders

7. Focus on quality and updated features

To get the most value out of renting your ADU, your ADU must feel and be spacious with great quality and updated features to ensure satisfaction from your tenants. Builders like AKD Homes can design-build the exact size and quality you desire to assure you get the most out of your ADU. – AKD Homes, Hayward, CA

8. Consider a manufactured home ADU

If you’re looking to maximize your return on investment, we suggest that you consider building a manufactured home ADU. The cost of the manufactured solution is less than half that of conventional construction and can yield a net ROI OF 12%. – Sonoma Manufactured Homes, Petaluma, CA

9. Know the rules and how to interpret them to your advantage

Each council has different rules for granny flats (ADUs), so it’s vital that property owners check the requirements for building on their property. This can be a complex process as some councils can be reluctant to provide specific answers to your questions. Since we know the rules and regulations, we also know how to interpret them to our client’s advantage. For example, some councils restrict the size of ADUs but seldom limit the size of decks, patios, or balconies. So, we encourage clients to make them as big as their budget permits and position them off the living room. This helps with the indoor/outdoor transition and makes a small space feel larger and more livable. – Granny & Co. Homes

There are various ADUs available, and whether or not you can use your ADU as a rental all depends on local code and building zones. An ADU can be an addition, attached, detached, above the garage, or even a basement conversion. All of these can easily be used as a potential rental unit. However, ADUs typically cannot be sold as separate units and must remain an “accessory” on your property. – Gregg Camp, Santa Cruz Realtor®

10. Stand out from other hosts

We focused on the Accessory Dwelling Unit market because of the options ADUs create as rentals, a place for Mom, the boomerang college kids, added remote workspace, or a quiet place for you. A key to a good listing is fabulous photos taken with a real camera, maybe even by a photographer. Separate yourself from other hosts by creating a comprehensive binder stored on the desk or countertop that includes operating instructions for the entire DADU. Also, stock the unit well, from cooking utensils to a quality bed, and lastly, don’t forget the toilet paper. – Michael Murray, Founder of Ballard Backyard Cottages, Ballard, WA

11. Be sure to give your tenants privacy

Our advice for successfully renting your ADU can be summed up in a popular song lyric from the band Offspring in the mid-’90s, “Keep ‘Em Separated”. For you and your tenant’s comfort, privacy and security, strategically separating your main home from your rental unit is key. This isn’t necessarily focused on distance, which may be logistically or legally prohibitive, but includes strategic landscaping, building position, window placement, and even a water feature for a sound barrier. – Watershed Structures, Snohomish, WA

12. Educate yourself to be a fair and empathetic landlord

ADU owners have a unique opportunity to do their part in alleviating the housing crisis while also building wealth for the family that owns it. Two major ways to be a fair and empathetic landlord are to one, educate oneself on the local and state laws protecting landlords and tenants, in addition to historic tenant biases against certain communities. Second, learn about available local and federal programs that assist ADU owners in placing tenants, as well as supporting those who are building ADUs, and utilize them to be most effective. – Inclusive Action for the City, Los Angeles, CA

13. Tailor your rental agreement to your specific situation

Your tenant will live on your property, so you may want to include specific details about any shared space. That way, you can ensure your lifestyle requirements are aligned and avoid any sticky situations. Don’t want to hear loud music at 2 am? Put it in your rental agreement. – Casita Coalition, Los Angeles, CA

Post originally published at Redfin: https://www.redfin.bcom/blog/adu-rental-tips/