What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a living space, either detached or connected, that shares a lot with another house. The key is that they exist on the same lot as the main house, and the two can’t be bought or sold separately.
Why Should You Build One?
People in many different situations can benefit from an ADU. Children of aging parents might prefer a little separation for their families while still being close by (the typical mother-in-law apartment), or homeowners might be looking to expand the value of their property while paying off more of their mortgage by having a renter living in an ADU. Some parents might like to hire full-time childcare help and be able to offer onsite housing. Alternatively, it’s a great way to give adult children a leg up in their living situation while having more privacy.
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Review Your Zoning and District Requirements
The ease of building an ADU varies depending on the community you live in. In some places, you may find stricter regulations in place, and in others the pressures of rapid population growth mean that communities are relaxing restrictions to make higher population density possible. Bozeman recently updated regulations to make it easier for homeowners to build ADUs, as a part of the uptick in housing demand in the city.
You can find zoning information on most county and city websites. If yours isn’t available with a quick Google search, you may have to call the courthouse directly. You can learn more about Bozeman, Helena building requirements, and Butte zoning by following these links.
Start Thinking About Design
How you want to design your ADU depends on your needs, its intended use, and your property size and location. For some, putting in an apartment over an existing garage may be a possibility, or converting unused space. For others, you may need to start from scratch.
Get an Estimate
ADUs can vary significantly in cost, depending on design, existing structures, materials and time, just like any other project. But unlike other builds, there’s a lot less information out there about cost. It’s best to get quotes right out of the gate so you can plan how you’ll pay for your ADU. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) may be a possibility for you, depending on how much equity you have in your home currently. You may also qualify for other loan types. To find out more, contact an RMCU mortgage specialist.
Contract With a Pro
It pays to work with a professional on a project like this, especially one who can help you navigate the rules and regulations in your community. Reach out to local contractors to set the ball rolling on your project, and get ready to enjoy the benefits of your ADU.
For more help financing home improvements to help your property become an even better investment, contact an RMCU expert.
If you enjoyed this blog, you might enjoy these other related blogs:
- How to Fund Your Home Improvement Projects
- Ways to Take Advantage of the Equity in Your Home
- Top Ten Projects That Improve the Value of Your Home
Non RMCU links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Rocky Mountain Credit Union of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. RMCU bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external sites.
