{"id":55345,"date":"2026-03-12T04:11:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:11:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=55345"},"modified":"2026-03-13T21:50:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T04:50:36","slug":"what-is-adu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/what-is-adu\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is an ADU? Should You Build an Accessory Dwelling Unit?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the current economy, many homeowners are looking for ways to add space, increase property value, or create rental income. To accomplish this, some are turning to ADUs \u2014 short for accessory dwelling units. But what is an ADU? Would an ADU be a good addition to your home?<\/p>\n

This brief guide explains what ADU stands for, the different types available, and key factors to consider before building one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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How Much Is Your Home Worth Now?<\/h3>\n

Home values have rapidly increased in recent years. How much is your current home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.<\/p>\n \n

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What is an ADU?<\/h2>\n

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller, secondary housing unit on the same property as a primary home. In most cases, these units go beyond a man cave or she shed<\/a>; they\u2019re fully functional living spaces, typically with their own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. ADUs can be used to house family members, generate rental income, or increase your home\u2019s property value.<\/p>\n

A medium to large ADU will range from 600 to 1,200 square feet<\/a>. Many state or county jurisdictions limit ADUs to no more than 1,200 square feet. The number of bedrooms an ADU can have<\/a> may also be restricted by local building codes.<\/p>\n

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Image credit: City of Saint Paul, Minnesota<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Examples of ADUs<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re thinking about adding an ADU, you have options. Of course, which type you choose will depend on your property and purpose. You\u2019ll want to think about how you want it to look and function. (See our six assessment questions later in this post.)<\/p>\n

Here are five examples of different accessory dwelling units:<\/p>\n