Construction & Contractors Blog
No matter what type of auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU) you want to add to your property, there's one thing it should definitely have: a private exterior entrance. Why is this so important for ADUs? And how can you make it happen for yours? Here are a few answers to your questions.
Why Add an Exterior Door?
Auxiliary dwelling units, or ADUs, are more than just a standard home addition to add space or add a single room. These are designed to serve as a main living base for one or more individuals. They may be attached to the house or they could be self-contained separate structures. These unique qualities are why it's so important to include a private exterior door.
The unit is usually intended to provide independent living for someone — possibly an older adult or even an adult child. That person deserves the sense of independence and ownership over their own space that comes with being able to come and go on their own. If they must go through the family home to enter or exit, the chances of family conflict and drama are markedly higher.
In addition, think about potential future uses of the ADU. When the current resident doesn't need it anymore, will you want to rent it out either short-term or long-term? Then it will need an exterior entrance — and preferably one with the most privacy possible. This option will also appeal to future home buyers who like the flexibility it offers.
How Can You Add an Exterior Entrance?
Independent ADU buildings come with their own exterior doors, of course. But when designing the layout, try to provide the simplest and most direct route to and from the parking areas or front yard. Include plenty of privacy on the outside route.
Things are often more tricky when the ADU is part of your house. You may need to rethink the floor plan to orient it so that you can use an exterior wall for the main entrance. Garage conversions often install the exterior entrance where the overhead door used to be. Modifying a basement or second story? You may need to add a set of exterior stairs.
Where Can You Start?
While it's not possible to add an exterior entrance to every single ADU layout, make every effort to do so in yours. Your loved ones, future buyers, and future renters will thank you. Start today by meeting with an ADU building plan contractor to discuss your options.
Share17 October 2022
The world around you consists of a lot of built structures. Obviously, these include a lot of buildings, such as schools, homes, and places of business. It also includes roads and sidewalks. But it also includes things you may not think about as often, such as playgrounds, telephone poles, and sewer systems. All of these built structures common and uncommon, are made by construction workers or contractors of some type. They're pretty incredible, their work is pretty incredible, and we are excited to write about both them and their work here on this blog. We hope you enjoy reading it, probably while inside some type of built structure.
