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Building An Accessory Dwelling Unit On Your Property

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The addition of an accessory dwelling unit can be an important upgrade to make to your property. While these structures are typically fairly small, it can still be an involved process to plan and construct this structure.

Consider The Way That The Accessory Dwelling Unit Will Be Used

Whenever you are planning to add an accessory dwelling unit to your property, it is important to have a basic understanding of the way that the dwelling unit will be used. For example, the needs for a dwelling unit that is intended for one of your children will have very different needs from a unit that you are wanting to rent to a tenant. This could include whether the accessory dwelling unit is attached to the primary home or whether it is located in a more private area. This could also impact the size of the dwelling unit along with the types of connections and features that it will have.

Review The Local Regulations Concerning Accessory Dwelling Units

Every community will have a series of regulations that govern the construction of accessory dwelling units. Failing to comply with these requirements can lead to numerous problems for the homeowner. This is especially true when they are seeking to rent out these structures to tenants. These regulations may cover the size of the unit, its placement, and the need for accessibility and safety systems. Furthermore, these structures will require their own utility connections, which can further complicate their construction. Luckily, you will not have to research all of these requirements for yourself if you work with a local general contractor that has experience with designing and building these structures. This can allow you to focus more on the important aspects of the design rather than permitting and building code compliance.

Assess The Impacts The Accessory Dwelling Unit Will Have On The Landscaping And Drain

Before the accessory dwelling unit is constructed, it will be necessary for a foundation to be prepared. This combined with the obstruction of the building can impede the flow of runoff from your property. Failing to consider this when you are designing this structure can increase the risk of flooding or erosion problems arising. When it is likely that the accessory dwelling unit will have a major impact on the drainage of the property, it may be necessary to install an upgraded drainage system that can carry runoff around the structure. In addition to protecting the property against landscaping problems, this may also reduce the risk of the dwelling unit suffering water damage.

Contact a company like Integrum Construction to learn more about ADU construction.


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