Fully Functional ADU Before Main Home Renovation
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a hot topic right now in Austin. Most people imagine a backyard guest house, rental unit, or even a private space for family members. With the HOME Ordinance passed by City Council in 2023, we expect to see more ADUs built across the city.
Our experience has shown, and we expect to see more of this trend, that homeowners are turning to ADUs as a part of a strategic, phased renovation plan. Start with the ADU, then tackle updates to the main home. A recent project we completed followed this exact approach.
Why Build the ADU First?
This approach comes with several major advantages. Tackling the ADU first allows you to spread out the construction costs and financing, rather than doing everything at once. It gives a livable space when the main house renovations begin. Instead of living in a construction zone (which we do not recommend), or moving out, the ADU provides a comfortable, private space with everything you need. Once the main house is finished, the ADU can become a guest house, rental, or even long-term home for extended family.
Austin ADU Designed for Livability and Storage
For this project our customers wanted an ADU for true livability and extra storage while their main house was being renovated. Having lived on their property for over 20 years, these long-time Austinites needed a structure that would fit in on the land, complement their renovation plans, and deliver long-term performance.
For this ADU to be a primary living space, even temporarily, several features were incorporated:
- Full kitchen with reading loft above
- Full bathroom with aging-in-place safety
- Full closet for storage
- Plenty of windows for natural light
- Screened-in porch for outdoor living and pest protection
- Design for eventual lift to bring in heavy items
- Plenty of storage and covered spaces downstairs
- Intentional selection of dark green exterior to blend into the landscape
- Rainwater harvesting designed for potable water to the main house once its renovation is complete
The Bigger Picture
This project is one example of how ADUs can serve homeowners in Austin. While these clients chose to build theirs first, other families build ADUs as income producing rentals, private guest spaces, or independent homes for aging parents or adult children. No matter the purpose, the flexibility of an ADU makes it a powerful addition to your property and a smart investment in Austin’s housing market.
Building an ADU in Austin requires more than good design, it demands careful navigation through permitting, zoning, and city requirements. With our building experience, we can guide you through the entire experience from feasibility study to construction finish. Find out more about our Austin ADU building advice and sustainable building practices.
