Backyard Squeeze: Finding the Balance Between ADU and Yard

Are you considering adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to your property but concerned about what that means for your yard? With careful planning and innovative design, you can build an ADU and still have an enjoyable outdoor living space.

California has been encouraging ADU construction to address pressing housing challenges, including affordability, availability, and sustainability. ADUs provide a flexible solution to the state's housing shortage by adding housing units within existing residential properties, effectively increasing housing supply without further urban sprawl. 

For individual homeowners, building an ADU offers numerous benefits, including providing additional living space for family members or guests, generating rental income to offset mortgage costs, increasing property value, promoting multigenerational living arrangements, and offering flexibility for evolving housing needs or lifestyle preferences. 

But incorporating an ADU into your yard is not without its challenges. The vast majority of Southern California homeowners have limited space on their property. How do you fit a structure that has enough utility to be worth the investment? Depending on the layout and placement of the ADU, privacy issues may arise – for you, your occupants, and even your neighbors. How do you maintain comfort and enjoyment for all parties impacted by the addition of an ADU? And while an ADU can add to your property value, having an “apartment” in the yard may not appeal to all potential buyers. Can you maximize resale value by designing something that could be used in a variety of ways?

Adding an ADU often comes at the expense of your outdoor space. This loss of green space may impact your lifestyle, particularly if you enjoy spending time outdoors, gardening, or entertaining guests in your yard.

When choosing an ADU layout, prioritize space efficiency to minimize its footprint while maximizing functionality. Consider utilizing vertical space with multi-story designs or incorporating smart storage solutions. Explore how exterior ADU walls can become integrated into amenities you want for your yard like an outdoor kitchen or vertical growing surface for growing flowers or vegetables.

Your neighbors were already too close. Now you’re considering getting one even closer. Proximity to neighboring properties, shared outdoor spaces, and noise from the ADU could impact privacy levels and overall comfort for all parties.

Be strategic about where you place windows and utilize obscured glass to let in light but maintain privacy. Skylights are another great way to fill an ADU with light. Use fences and shrubs to delineate areas and keep your yard looking like your own. 

Don’t skimp on privacy. There are several construction techniques that can be employed to minimize noise transfer between the ADU and the main dwelling or neighboring properties. Upgraded building materials like mineral wool insulation and double-pane windows with thicker glass can dramatically improve how soundproof the new structure is.  See below for some tips and techniques for making a soundproof structure. 

Some buyers may view an ADU as an asset, while others may see it as a potential hassle or additional expense. Resale value could be affected depending on market conditions and buyer preferences.

Look for opportunities to design the ADU for a variety of uses. Consider a two-way door like those found between adjoining rooms in a hotel to link the properties. Sometimes called a “communicating door,” this entryway involves two lockable doors installed within one frame – each swinging in the opposite direction. Such features allow future owners to utilize the ADU space to better fit their needs.

Adding an ADU is almost never something your neighbors will welcome with open arms. The reasons for their complaints can be plentiful: increased population density, loss of privacy, aesthetic disruption, noise, potential impact on property values, and the potential for ADUs to attract undesirable tenants. 

Addressing these concerns through open communication, transparency, and compliance with zoning regulations can help mitigate negative reactions and foster community understanding and cooperation. Explain the steps you’re taking to minimize the impact on their quality of life. Be the neighbor you would want to have.

The addition of an ADU can add tremendous value and flexibility to your property. And with some forethought and creativity, the effect it has on the rest of your outdoor space can be more positive than negative.

Ready to visualize your path to a distinctive outdoor space? Are you wondering how to elegantly include everything you want in your yard? We look forward to speaking with you. Contact Outer Spaces Exterior Design for a consultation here.