ADU stands for “accessory dwelling unit,” a secondary residence on a residential lot. The word secondary is what defines an ADU, and it can be attached or detached from the main house.
ADUs also must meet specific requirements, depending on your municipality, and you need to obtain a permit to build one.
ADU homes can be a great investment for some, while it might not be best for others. Generally, if you plan to own your home long-term, already own the land it’s on, and it fits your lifestyle, building an ADU might be an excellent investment for you. You can even use it as a rental, or for an Airbnb.
An ADU is a permanent structure that exists near a pre-existing home. On the other hand, tiny houses tend to have wheels like a camper or RV. A tiny home is usually a micro-dwelling, coming in under 400 square feet. Tiny homes that aren’t mobile typically sit on a small piece of land without any other homes nearby.
So, you can build an ADU almost anywhere that a standard residence exists (depending on your local codes), but tiny homes require their own plot of land, or mobility.
ADUs are also usually much faster to get approval for and build than tiny homes!
Most cities and counties in Washington and Oregon have codes that define an ADU home. Some even require that your ADU matches the style of your existing home; luckily, our in-house designers can modify any ADU designs so that they meet the code.
We list some ADU requirements here, but it’s best to check your city’s website or call and ask about their ADU building codes.
