The ABCs of ADUs: How Accessory Dwelling Units are Taking Off

Episode description:  

Across the country, many aging homeowners want to age comfortably in place—but they often face a number of obstacles. Sometimes, their homes, intended for their once-larger families, are too much to maintain for empty-nesters. In other instances, older parents want to stay close to their adult children and grandchildren—but the cost of housing in nearby communities is prohibitively expensive for young families. Enter ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units. They go by several names, like granny-flats, mother-daughter houses, in-law suites, or casitas. ADUs are secondary homes on the property of a main house that have their own entrances, and at least a bathroom, a kitchen or kitchenette, and a sleeping area. They can be separate units or attached to the primary home. And they’re one of the fastest growing types of residential construction today. In today’s episode, Sheri Koones, an award-winning author and recognized national authority on home construction, will explain all the in’s and out’s of the nationwide ADU trend. She’ll recount the history of ADUS; describe the array of configurations and formats; the costs and financing options; the opportunities for multigenerational living, as well as the restrictions people may face from local zoning and design regulations. The author of the recently published book, “ADUs: The Perfect Housing Solution,” Sheri, will highlight a number of compelling stories of attractive, well-designed ADUs that will stir your imagination and offer resources to explore the possibilities of this new housing during our older years.  

Guest description:

Sheri Koones is a widely recognized and awarded real estate author and journalist who helps readers better understand that getting the house of their dreams can be done in an ecologically responsible and one-of-a-kind way. Sheri is the recipient of the prestigious Robert Bruss Real Estate Book Awards from NAREE for several of her books. She has written numerous articles about home construction and has been the speaker at multiple events. Her latest book is “ADUs: The Perfect Housing Solution. Previous books include ”Bigger than Tiny, Smaller than Average,” “Downsize: Living Large In a Small House,” “Prefabulous Small Houses,” and “Prefabulous World: Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Homes Around the World.”

Contact: https://www.sherikoones.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheri.koones

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheri-koones-1966a55

X: @sherikoones