Building an ADU
A Separate Home for Your Extended Family
In Virginia, an “accessory dwelling unit” or ADU is defined as an independent dwelling unit on a residential dwelling lot with its own living, bathroom, and kitchen space. Instead of adding an in-law suite onto your home or building a first floor bedroom suite so your living space is all on one floor, go for the gold and add a home for a member of your extended family. It’s more than an addition, it’s a complete home with its own kitchen, bath and living area, based on size restrictions and other zoning rules. These full-house additions are becoming more popular and the state of Virginia is leading the way.
In Virginia, ADU regulations can vary significantly depending on the locality, but there are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Zoning Requirements: Not all properties are zoned for ADUs. It’s important to check with your local zoning office to ensure that your property qualifies.
- Size Restrictions: Virginia typically places restrictions on the size of ADUs, often limiting them to a certain percentage of the primary residence’s size or setting a maximum square footage limit.
- Occupancy Requirements: Some localities in Virginia may require that the property owner lives in either the main residence or the ADU. Additionally, there may be restrictions on how many people can occupy the ADU.
- Permitting Process: Building an ADU requires obtaining the proper permits, which involve submitting plans for approval and undergoing inspections during construction.
- Utility Connections: ADUs must have separate utility connections or shared connections with the main house, depending on local regulations.
By adhering to these regulations, you can ensure that your ADU project is compliant with local laws, avoiding potential fines or issues down the road. Best of all, TCB will be with you every step of the way.
Benefits of an ADU
- Multigenerational Living: With more families choosing to live together across generations, an ADU provides a comfortable and private space for aging parents or adult children.
- Rental Income: If allowed by your local jurisdiction, ADUs can be rented out, providing a steady source of additional income. This can be particularly appealing in areas with high rental demand.
- Increased Property Value: Adding an ADU can increase the value of your property by making it more attractive to future buyers, especially those looking for flexible living arrangements.
- Flexible Use: Beyond housing family members or tenants, ADUs can also serve as home offices, guest houses, or short-term rental spaces like those listed on platforms such as Airbnb.
You can even take it one step further by going with the Universal Design concept. Ideal for the aging population and their nearby children, these homes include wider doors and halls, good lighting, accessible bathrooms with a curb-less shower, grab bars and a shower seat. All of it is done with aesthetics in mind. It looks sleek and contemporary for today’s comfortable living – an all-tile shower has alcoves designed within that serve as seats, and grab bars that blend right into the design.
This “home within a home” can be enjoyed by the extended family, and it will be a great value for resale if you decide to move.
Serving Northern Virginia including Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington, and Vienna.
Thomas Custom Builders can help you bridge the gap between the indoors and outdoors. Contact Us today to create your new space.
