ADU means detached accessory or additional dwelling unit. The article also calls them mini homes.
ADUs use existing residential real estate to create a separate living space.
They are often used for intergenerational housing, such as aging parents or young adults starting out.
They can also add long-term rental value and increase property value.
The article argues that many people do not find ADUs too small. It says the space is often comfortable and not much different from the space people actually use in a larger home.
It also says ADUs are not right for everyone. Large families and frequent entertaining needs matter.
The article describes a couple who moved from a 4,000-square-foot home to a 1,200-square-foot apartment.
In the larger home, they mainly used:
They rarely used the basement, formal dining room, second bedroom, ping pong table, or portable sauna.
In the smaller apartment, their life changed little. They use one bedroom as an office and a guest bedroom only twice. The apartment meets their daily needs.
The article places ADUs within a broader minimalist movement.
Examples of smaller living spaces include:
ADUs are described as a permanent, comfortable, high-quality addition to a larger dwelling unit.
The article says people in smaller homes may describe them as elegant, homey, welcoming, private, and friendly.
It also says minimalism can reduce stress, improve mental well being, and create a better life flow.
The article says a typical one-bedroom ADU includes everything people use day to day in a comfortably sized dwelling.
| Organization | What it offers | Details in the article |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny Home Tours | YouTube channel about smaller living spaces | More than 1,200 videos, including visuals and owner testimonials |
| Verdant Living | Colorado ADU buyers guide | Buyersguidecolradoadus.com; website verdantliving.us; John Phillips, 303-717-1962 |
Cindy Schroppel of Tiny Home Tours says her tiny home gives her freedom of time. She says it takes 30 minutes to clean from top to bottom.
She says her previous home was 2,400 square feet and that she now spends less time cleaning, shopping, and maintaining a large house.
She says the extra time lets her travel, spend time with grandchildren, and serve at church.
The article says the next topic will be the modular, built off site option FAQ's.