Granny Flats are the Newest ADU Trend

Have you been keeping up with the newest trend in the homeowner world, granny flats?

Granny flats are a type of small, accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that has become increasingly popular amongst homeowners over the last few years. These secondary living spaces are usually used to house family members such as elderly parents, hence the name granny flats. Recently, however, granny flats have also started to become a way to generate long-term passive income, increase your property value, and most important…be closer to mom as she ages. Granny flats can provide an excellent return on investment for savvy homeowners who find their ADUs vacant.

If you decide that one of these ADUs is right for your home, contact us here at Acton ADU! We have been successful home-builders for the past three decades, and during that time, we have specialized our focus on ADUs. With the growing demand for granny flats and mother-in-law suites, comes a greater need for specialized and high-quality planning, permitting, and building that we provide.

In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of everything you need to know about granny flats. We’ll discuss the different types of granny flats, the benefits of owning one, and the key things you need to keep in mind if you’re considering building one.

Types of Granny Flats 

When considering adding a granny flat to your home, one of the first discoveries that will need to be made is be legal on your property. Will you be able to build a detached ADU or will the ADU have to be attached to your home.  Both have their unique qualities, so it’s important to know your r options. Here’s a look at some of the key considerations to keep in mind.

Attached Granny Flats

Attached units can also be easier to monitor since they’re right next door, making them a good option if you’re worried about safety or security. They can also often have shorted utilities lines, meaning less trenching or digging.

However,  the downside or an attached granny flat is frequently that they can be more complicated to build because you’ll need to cut into your own, existing home. This opens up cans of worms like: structural engineering, how a home will actually flow, and a higher level of scrutiny from the building and planning department. Not to mention how much more disruptive they are to your daily life, to build.  And if you later decide to sell your home, an attached granny flat may not be as appealing to buyers as a detached unit, and in most cases is valued less than a detached unit would be. However, not all lots allow for a detached unit, so don’t let that discourage you if you have a need for an independent home for a loved one.

Detached Granny Flats

Detached granny flats are completely separate from your home. There is not the same level of intimate connectivity between the residences.  If you are concerned about noise levels or want your elderly family member to have their own space, however, there is no better option than a detached ADU. And if you ever do decide to sell your property, detached granny flats usually add more value than attached units and are much more appealing from a long term buyer’s perspective 

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to an attached or detached granny flat—it ultimately comes down to what’s best for your specific situation. By taking the time to consider all of the factors involved, you’ll be able to make the best decision for your needs and budget.

Benefits of Having a Granny Flat

An increasing number of homeowners are recognizing the many benefits that granny flats offer, whether they’re attached or detached from the main house. Here are some of the key advantages to keep in mind.

A Place for Loved Ones to Stay

There are many benefits to having a granny flat on your property. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it provides a place for elderly loved ones to stay. This can be an ideal arrangement for everyone involved, as it allows elders to age in place and maintain their independence while still being close to family. Additionally, it can provide peace of mind for adult sons and daughters who may worry about their parents’ safety and well-being.

College-aged kids and teens can also benefit from one of these AUDs. For example, if your child is attending college in another city, a granny flat can be the perfect place for them to stay when they come home for summer break. It also provides your teenagers with a sense of independence and privacy, which can be invaluable during their formative years.

More Privacy for Everyone

You will finally be able to enjoy some extra peace and quiet with a new granny flat. There will be no more worrying about disturbing your family or housemates when you want to watch TV or listen to music. You can also enjoy some extra privacy when entertaining longer term guests. Plus, granny flats usually come with their own private entrance, so you don’t have to worry about anyone coming into your space uninvited.

Increased Property Value

One of the great things about these accessory dwelling units is that a high quality one  will actually increase the value of your home. This is because potential buyers will see the granny flat as an added bonus – something that they wouldn’t have to pay extra to own. An empty backyard might not be appealing to some potential buyers (especially since so many families are eager to accomplish their long term family housing plans), so clever use of the space for a granny flat could be the difference between selling your home and missing the opportunity.

Additionally, they can also make your property more attractive to potential renters. This is because tenants are always on the lookout for homes that offer more value for their money. And if your home comes with a granny flat, then it’s sure to stand out from the rest.

So if you’re thinking of adding a granny flat to your home, rest assured that it’s a wise investment that will pay off in the long run. Not only will you be providing a valuable service to your family or tenants, but you could also see a nice increase in your home’s value. Either way, it’s a win-win situation!

Extra Storage Space

One of the great things about granny flats is that they can provide much-needed extra storage when not in use by family members. A granny flat can be the perfect solution if you have a large family or simply need more space than your home currently offers. Not only will you have additional space for storage, but the granny flat will also serve its original purpose as a guest room or even a rental unit when not in use by family members.

Granny flats come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a small studio-style granny flat or a larger two-bedroom unit, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Passive Income Potential

A granny flat can provide passive income in a number of ways. One way is to offer it out to tenants, either on a long-term or short-term basis. Another way is to sublet the space, which can be a great option if you have spare rooms that you’re not using. Finally, you could also list your granny flat on Airbnb, which would give you the opportunity to earn money from tourists who are looking for a place to stay. And, since most granny flats are located on the grounds of a single-family home, tenants can enjoy all the perks of living in a quiet, safe neighborhood.

Whatever you choose to do with the unit, offering your AUD space to the rental market is a great way to earn some passive income and set your family up for a financially stable future.

Make it a Home Office

If you have an unused granny flat, you can easily turn it into a home office. This can be a great way to save money on office rental costs, and it can also provide you with a more convenient work-from-home setup. Gone will be the days of working at the kitchen table or taking conference calls in your bedroom.

To do this, you will need to make some basic changes to the granny flat, including adding some furniture and office equipment. But with a little bit of effort, you can easily transform your granny flat into a functional and stylish home office. A dedicated workspace that is separate from the rest of your house could make a world of difference in your home life.

Transform it Into a Man Cave or She-shed

If you’re lucky enough to have a granny flat already on your property or are planning to have one built, then you know that you’ve got a little bit of extra space to play around with. And what better way to use that space than to create your own personal man cave or “she-shed”? Of course, you should always use your granny flat as an extra bedroom when your family is in town, but why not make it into a place where you can really relax and unwind in the meantime?

You can turn this space into anything you’d like. From a cozy little reading nook to a full-blown home theater, the sky’s the limit! If you’re a sports fan, then why not create your own mini sports bar in your ADU? You can put up a big screen TV and fill the space with all of your favorite team’s memorabilia. Add in a pool table or dart board, and you’ve got yourself the perfect place to watch the big game.

Or maybe you’re more of a music lover? Then turn your unit into the ultimate listening room! Outfit it with comfortable furniture, soundproofing materials, and all of your favorite records. You can even add in a mini fridge to keep your drinks cold.

No matter your interests, there’s sure to be a way to turn your granny flat into the perfect man cave or she-shed when it’s not in use. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your project today!

What to Keep in Mind 

If our blog has convinced you to build a granny flat in your backyard, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First and foremost, you’ll need to check with your city or county zoning department to make sure that building a secondary dwelling unit is permitted in your area. There are typically strict regulations governing the size, height, and setback of granny flats, so it’s essential to make sure you’re in compliance.

Additionally, it’s important to make sure that your property is large enough to accommodate a second dwelling—granny flats typically 400-500 square feet. But there is no hard or fast rule. If you’re planning on building a larger unit, you may need even more space.

And finally, be sure to factor in the cost of construction when deciding whether or not building a granny flat is right for you. Although they can be relatively inexpensive compared to building an entirely new house (or buying a house in the Bay Area), they still require a significant investment. After all these are small, independent homes

Start Building Your Granny Flat Today!

If you are still on the fence about adding a granny flat to your property, consider all of the benefits outlined in this blog. Granny flats can provide passive income, more living space, and additional security for elderly family members. They also offer an opportunity to further customize your home in a way that reflects your unique personality and style.

And when you do decide to build your new accessory dwelling unit, be sure to give us a call here at Acton ADU. We are located in Campbell, CA and build ADUs in 45+ cities throughout the Peninsula, Silicon Valley, and East Bay. We know how to balance between following and taking the helm on ADU projects. Our cooperation with you is a partnership based on mutual trust. To ensure that you can remain stress-free throughout the process, we can handle everything associated with building new residential construction. Our methodical approach to every new ADU is one that simplifies the otherwise daunting task of constructing a house on your property.
So what are you waiting for? Contact us today to learn more about how a granny flat can benefit you and your loved ones!