How to Build an ADU On Your Land

Want to know what to know when building a stick-built ADU "Tiny Home"? Here, we will explore what you need to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to your existing residential home, or to build a single-family residence from the ground up, incorporating either an attached or detached ADU. Let's get started!

First, what is an ADU? The acronym ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit and is sometimes called a "Tiny Home". However, the most common perception of a Tiny Home is that it is on wheels. Regarding an ADU, that is not the case. ADUs are on-site, stick-built homes with a concrete foundation, like any other residential home. These can be attached or detached units in addition to your existing or to-be-built residential home. It depends on the space available on your lot or land and on the jurisdictional guidelines. 

Know What to Research Before Building an ADU On Your Land

Researching what you need to build an ADU On Your Land is essential to any project. When completed properly, mistakes and budget overages during the construction process are minimized. Notice we said minimized, not removed. There is always a risk of overages when building; however, you can mitigate them and plan for unknown costs by including a 10% contingency in your budget. Call this a peace of mind contingency; the important thing is that you don't pay for it if you do not use it! 

A quick overview of items to research includes the sources of utilities (power, sewer, water, and gas) and whether the services can accommodate an additional dwelling. You may need to upgrade your water meter or septic system, depending on your jurisdiction's requirements. You may also encounter a scenario where you require a 400-amp electrical service, but your current service is only 200-amps. Further research will be conducted in collaboration with your jurisdictional building and planning department. They will help answer questions about building regulations and property setbacks. They can also direct you to the appropriate departments for other key rules related to your specific home build and property. Also, remember to review any community CC&Rs or Homeowners Association (HOA) regulations, as you may need HOA approval.

Adding an ADU to Your Existing Home: Attached and Detached

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can be attached to your existing single-family home and built by a general contractor specializing in remodeling and renovation. You can add an Accessory Dwelling Unit above your garage or on the ground floor, attached to your current residence, to improve access and accommodate aging parents. Either way, you will want a General Contractor who knows the ins and outs of adding additional square footage to an existing home. An attached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a great option when a small lot is zoned to allow for an ADU.

Detached ADUs are a good option when you have a larger lot that can accommodate a separate unit, providing more privacy for you and the person(s) living in your newly added ADU. This option is excellent for rental situations where you will not know the tenants and want to keep your space. If you are an investor who rents both a single-family residence and an ADU, ensure that both tenants feel they have their own space. A detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) can be built by a General Contractor specializing in remodels and renovations, or by a new-home builder that offers ADUs as an option.

Building an ADU in Oregon

In recent years, the state of Oregon has passed legislation on Middle Housing, which aims to promote denser development to conserve land resources and provide more affordable housing. This includes the introduction of Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs). The objective is to offer more homes per acre, including smaller Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) that typically have lower rents than traditional homes. This initiative aims to provide more affordable housing for Oregon's workforce, which urgently needs it. Starting from December 1, 2023, landowners in Deschutes County whose properties meet the specified criteria can apply for approval to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on land located outside city limits in some areas.

If you want to learn more about the option of building a new customized home or ADU on your land, even if it's just to explore if this is an option to consider, contact us by email at mybuilder@visionmakerhomes.com or give us a call at 971-900-9566 to learn more. We're here to help when you're ready!