Accessory Dwelling Units, also known as ADUs, have recently seen a surge in popularity. Many homeowners are choosing to build them as a way to add more living space to their homes. But what is driving this trend? Here are six technological advances that have helped make ADUs more popular:
Home-Sharing Services
The first advance that has made ADUs more popular is the rise of home-sharing services such as Airbnb. These services allow homeowners to rent out a portion of their homes to others. This can be an excellent way for homeowners to generate extra income and help them meet new people. Dr. Pedram Zohrevand, a leading expert on all things ADU, believes that an accessory dwelling unit is a great way to add more living space, no matter what you use it for.
The Rise of Prefabricated Homes
The second technological advance that has made ADUs more popular is the rise of prefabricated homes. These homes are built off-site in a factory and then transported to the home’s location. This type of construction is much faster and easier than traditional methods, making it a more attractive option for homeowners. Additionally, prefabricated homes are often more energy-efficient than conventional homes, which is why they are becoming more popular.
Development of Materials
It’s now easier to build an ADU than in the past. Thanks to advancements in construction methods, you can now create an ADU using prefabricated materials. This makes the construction process quicker and easier. These materials are stronger and more durable than traditional materials, making them ideal for use in an ADU. Additionally, these new materials are often easier to work with, reducing construction time. Some examples of these new materials include fiber cement, insulated concrete forms, and structural insulated panels.
Financial Options
Another reason ADUs are becoming more popular is the availability of more financing options. Homeowners can now finance the construction of an ADU through various methods, including traditional loans, home equity loans, and even government programs. This increased availability of financing has made ADUs more accessible to a broader range of homeowners.
One program that is especially helpful for financing an ADU is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This program allows homeowners to borrow against the equity they have in their homes. This can be an excellent way for homeowners to get the money they need to build an ADU.
Online Resources
Another advance that has made ADUs more popular is the rise of online resources. There are now a variety of online resources available to help homeowners learn more about the process of adding an ADU to their property. For example, Pedram Zohrevand has released his own video series outlining everything you need to know about ADUs. These resources provide valuable information and guidance that can make the process of creating an ADU much easier.
Building Laws
Municipalities’ increasing acceptance of these units is the sixth and final advance that has made ADUs more popular. In many cases, cities and towns have updated their zoning laws to allow for the construction of ADUs. This policy change has made it much easier for homeowners to build an ADU on their property. In some cases, municipalities are even providing incentives for homeowners to add an ADU to their homes.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the technological advances that have made ADUs more popular than ever before. With the help of these advances, homeowners can now add living space to their property in a variety of ways. If you’re considering adding an ADU to your home, be sure to consult with an expert to learn more about your options.