How Will You Use Your ADU?
ADUs are no longer niche.
We get about fifty ADU-specific inquiries a week at HUTS, which shows how this small but flexible building type has become both a housing solution and a lifestyle tool.
Accessory Dwelling Units expand how people live on the land they already own. Most of our inquiries fall into a few clear categories. Here are the top four scenarios we hear for ADUs, and how we think about each.
1. In-Law Suite
Multi-generational living is natural and increasingly common. When we design ADUs as in-law suites, we focus on accessibility, proximity, and dignity. That means no stairs, simple entries, privacy, and layouts that can adapt over time. A space that works for aging parents today can easily become a rental or caregiver unit in the future.
2. Guest House, Rental, or Revenue Unit
This is the most frequent use case. A well-designed ADU can offset a mortgage, generate income, or host visiting friends. We approach these through both design and financial lenses, balancing orientation, privacy, and amenities with nightly rates and operating costs. The best rental ADUs feel independent while still connected to the property’s life.
3. Adult Kids Visiting
Many families now use ADUs as transitional housing for grown children, offering a place to live after college or before buying a home. We design these for flexibility, using simple and durable layouts that support autonomy. When the kids move out, the space can easily shift into a guest suite, studio, or rental.
4. Bonus Spaces
Some ADUs are meant for everything that does not fit in the main house, such as a gym, office, or creative studio. These are often simpler structures, sometimes without plumbing, designed with attention to light, acoustics, and focus. They are affordable, quick to build, and deeply personal.
How We Think About It
Every ADU begins with a clear use but succeeds through flexibility. At HUTS, we design them as small, long-term assets that can evolve over time. Whether it is for family, guests, or creative work, the right ADU can expand how you live and what is possible on your property.
