detached adu
Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2026 8:27 am
Planning an ADU gets easier once you treat it like a real home, not a side project. Good ADU layouts win on function—compact kitchens that still work, smart storage, and a bathroom that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Small upgrades like better insulation, air sealing, and right-sized HVAC can deliver comfort you notice every day, not just on paper. Keep decisions predictable by locking major selections early (windows, doors, cabinetry, fixtures) and using a clear change-order process for anything that shifts after work begins. If you want a practical place to start, use auxiliary dwelling unit as your reference point. When in doubt, simplify—fewer custom details often means faster progress and cleaner results. Good plans reduce rework; rework is where budgets quietly leak. When in doubt, simplify—fewer custom details often means faster progress and cleaner results. If you’re collecting bids, ask for a written scope with exclusions listed—this prevents misunderstandings later. A realistic schedule includes ordering lead times and inspection windows, not just a hopeful start date. A realistic schedule includes ordering lead times and inspection windows, not just a hopeful start date. If you’re collecting bids, ask for a written scope with exclusions listed—this prevents misunderstandings later.