ADU's vs Tiny Homes

What’s the Deal with ADUs?

They come in many forms: tiny homes, garage apartments, backyard cottages, carriage houses, in-law suites, the list goes on and on. Once you start to look around, you’ll notice that Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are everywhere, and they’re only growing in popularity. But with the broad nature of the term, there are lots of questions as to who can have an ADU, what is or isn’t an ADU, and the rules around building one (there are many). We’re here to quickly clear the confusion around ADUs and look at some people who’ve flourished by cutting back on space.

ADU vs Tiny Homes

Much of the confusion around ADUs stems from in the ever-popular tiny home movement. From rural lots to urban neighborhoods, more and more people are looking to rid themselves of unnecessary space and gain the economic freedom of living with a smaller footprint. But while many tiny homes are independent structures parked on otherwise vacant private property, ADUs must legally be secondary to a main structure, with ordinances on proximity, size, and other variables varying from city to city.

So, to put it plainly: ADUs aren’t always tiny houses, and tiny houses aren’t always ADUs—but tiny houses can be ADUs, and ADUs can be tiny houses. Make sense?

Why people love them

With their relatively small investment for buyers or renters, tiny houses and ADUs are both popular for the economic flexibility they afford, especially in a housing market that’s increasingly difficult for younger people to access. ADU residents have the benefit of saving money on rent or mortgage, and ADU property owners have added flexibility afforded from an extra stream of income.

With a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional single-family homes, ADUs and tiny homes are a popular for their environmental benefits, especially with younger generations. Together with their environmental benefits and the savings on energy costs, ADUs are a go-to choice for younger eco-conscious buyers or renters looking for freedom and flexibility.

ABCs of ADU Decor

With less square footage, ADUs and tiny homes also offer opportunities to get creative with design, as seen with this chic tiny home. Installing rigid vinyl flooring like CoreLuxe Ultra Rose Canyon Pine Vinyl Plank Flooring can add a level of sophistication to the design, with the added benefit of being waterproof and easy to maintain, which is crucial in such a tight space.

Are you down with ADUs? Tell us — and tag us — on Facebook or Instagram at @LLFlooring and use #LLStyle