Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, have many benefits to homeowners: expanded living space, rental income opportunities, and housing for guests or loved ones. When planning an ADU build, it’s important to understand both your short- and long-term goals before making design decisions.
Learn more about what ADU styles will best suit your goals, and what upcoming trends are to keep in mind for your build:
Upcoming ADU Trends in Seattle
Building ADUs is becoming a trend in itself, partially because housing demand is high while supply for new homes is low. This makes ADUs a great choice for housing family members and loved ones, or adding a rental into your local housing pool.
But when you build — consider your immediate goals as well as your long-term plans to maximize the enjoyment of your ADU. From design to details, here are the trends we are seeing that have both long- and short-term impact.
Solar panels and green roofs
Sustainability is always in style in Seattle, but ADUs present a unique opportunity. Depending on your property, you can add solar panels to your ADU to help cut energy costs, or design with the infrastructure for a green roof in mind — this helps decrease storm water runoff, provides additional insulation, and adds more greenery to your yard.
Cohesive design
If your ADU will sit close to your primary residence, a cohesive and coordinated look is ideal. Your ADU does not have to be a tiny replica of the larger home. In fact, that’s not necessarily desirable. What is desirable is a home that coordinates and looks purposeful. Choosing a complimentary color palette and similar design will help your ADU look as if it’s original to the property.
Separation from main home
But what if your ADU will be set away from your main space? In Seattle, you can subdivide your lot and sell the detached ADU as a single-family home. If that’s a long-term goal, plan to design your ADU as a separated space. Many homeowners want ADUs that are integrated into their yard, whether it’s sharing a patio, creating a courtyard-like environment, or making the design cohesive.
If you want your ADU to be a rental or possible sale in the long term, plan it as if it’s a completely separate home. If you end up using it to house family or guests, separation adds additional privacy, which is never a downside!
Modern style — with warmth
Industrial designs, metal-forward accents, and cool color palettes are shifting aside as modern style changes to incorporate richer, warmer tones. ADUs that are sleek in construction but feature rich wood accents and bolder colors still look modern, but also feel welcoming and comfortable at the same time.
Multifunctionality
Whether you are choosing to use your ADU as a guest house, a home office, or a rental, planning for multifunctionality is always beneficial. First, it allows you the flexibility to change how you use the space in the future. If you currently plan to house your new college grad, but want to use the space as an office for your home business gig once they move out, having a space that adapts to multiple uses is key.
To facilitate this, plan an open layout, with a seamless flow between rooms. This is also useful if you move an aging loved one into your space — an open layout makes it easy to navigate with mobility devices.
Pre-Designed ADUs in Seattle
ADUs are generally permitted on residential lots within Seattle. To begin your build process, you’ll need to find a qualified carpenter or general contractor that can manage your project.
Next, you’ll want to begin with a consultation and site assessment to determine your design and plan. Once you have plans drawn up, your builder will handle the permitting process.
In Seattle, to expedite the process, you can select from pre-designed plans through their program called ADUniverse. You can still design your own ADU if you want a custom result that compliments your existing home!
Whichever option you choose, you’ll need to work with a licensed, insured, and qualified partner to build it.
Arbor Construction: Your ADU Builder in Seattle
Arbor Construction is a premier general contractor, carpenter, and ADU builder in Seattle. Our expertise ranges from new home construction and transformative remodels to custom woodworking and ADU builds.
We can start with your existing plans or offer a personalized design-build process based on your ideal goals for your Seattle ADU. Get in touch for a free consultation with our ADU building experts today.
