Too close for comfort?

Descriptors like “extra accommodation”, “nanny and in-law suites” and “basement ready for your ideas” are words of the past. Think coach house, carriage house, or studio/office as a fully detached, Accessory Dwelling.

What is an ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an additional, self-contained housing unit that is secondary to the main residence. ADUs are sometimes referred to as “Granny units” or “Mother-In-Law units” because many were initially constructed to provide for additional family members.

ADUs take many forms. In some cases, an ADU will be attached as an addition to the house or as a second story, over a garage. The garage itself may be converted into an ADU or the ADU may occupy a basement. An ADU can even be a section of the main house that has been separated from the main living space. And of course, an ADU can be a stand-alone unit like a small house or cottage. Alleys provide excellent opportunities for ADU development with independent access, separate from the main house. Sometimes referred to as “Mews housing”, all are able to become income producing.

• Addition
• Laneway Home
• Coach or Carriage House
• Granny unit
• Guest House
• Mother-In-Law units
• Secondary Suites

What Are The Benefits Of Owning An ADU?

Accessory units provide benefits to the municipality, local employers, homeowners, families, the elderly and renters alike.

• Extra Housing
  Meet family needs, such as aging parents / growing teens / children’s families
• Companionship, Home Help
  Others to keep you company, look after your well-being, or help out around the house such as nannies / care-givers
• First Time Homebuyers
  Possibly qualify for a larger home loan, have extra income, or more choice in the use of the premises.

• Income
  Extra income for mortgage payments, home repairs, property taxes or anything else you need
• Value
  Extra value may include deductions available under the Income Tax Act, increased property value and enhanced marketability of the property upon resale.
• Financial Benefits
  Access to additional mortgage financing and increased ability to make higher monthly payments on your mortgage.
• Security
  Extra eyes on your property especially when you travel
• Office / business / hobby space
  Room for your home office, equipment, artisan space, etc.

Benefits your neighbourhood / Municipality:

• Increases tax revenue
• Minimizes subsidies required for affordable units
• Maximizes use of existing infrastructure and services
• Keeps growing and aging families together
• Preserves existing homes and historic structures
• Promotes safe and stable neighborhoods

LANEWAY Concept Study

Who typically chooses to build ADUs?

• Older singles/couples
• Middle-aged “empty nesters”
• Younger singles/couples
• Single working parents
• People who travel often

Eco-density and the environment

Vancouver’s ‘EcoDensity’ initiative, promotes high-quality densification as a way to reduce the city’s ecological footprint.

Building ADUs improves density throughout the city, lowering the negative impact on the environment; ensuring the necessary physical and social amenities; and supports new and different housing types as a way to promote affordability. The key is to support density that is of high quality, attractive, more energy efficient, and respects neighbourhood character, while lowering the ecological footprint.

What’s My Next Step?

If you find that the idea of owning an ADU interesting, and would like to explore it in more detail, please contact us to get your ADU ‘HomeOwner Packet’. You will find the information about ADUs in the packet and just how simple and easy it is to have your own ADU.