Affordable Housing? Think Small (maybe an ADU?)
Posted May 16, 2025. Updated May 17, 2025. By Audree Grubesic. By John Phillips of Verdant Living.
ADUs and affordable housing
ADUs are accessory or additional dwelling units. They use existing residential real estate to create a separate living space. They can be attached spaces, basement conversions, or separate backyard buildings. Zoning rules in the United States are changing to allow more ADUs.
The post argues that ADUs can support affordable housing because they are smaller. Smaller living space costs less. Off-site construction can also reduce costs.
Why ADUs may be more affordable
- Cost: Smaller size can make ADUs less expensive than traditional homes.
- Housing stock: ADUs add housing supply in areas with shortages.
- Operational expense: Smaller footprints need less heating, cooling, and maintenance.
- Versatility: They can house family members or serve as rentals.
- Land cost: Backyard ADUs use existing land. Stand-alone mini homes need smaller lots.
- Long-term value: The post says ADUs can increase homeowner wealth over time.
Who ADUs may fit
- Intergenerational households.
- Young adults looking for starter homes.
- Couples without children.
- Homeowners seeking a rental income source.
Examples and context
The post notes that ADUs have long existed. It mentions garage apartments, such as Fonsie’s home in Happy Days, and converted basements. It also says there are developments of smaller homes on smaller lots, including ADU-sized mini homes.
Further resources listed in the post
- Building an ADU - Link
- You Do ADU - LA Times - Link
- YouTube channel - How to ADU - Link
- Book: ADU Mastery by David Donahue
Contact
John Phillips
Verdant Living
john@verdantliving.us
Next in the series
Why aren’t more ADUs being built?