Pros and Cons of Building a Junior ADU

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a self-contained residential space, like a guest house or apartment, that is either connected or detached from the main home. It comes in different types, including the junior ADU, which is designed to be smaller at 500 square feet or less. Building an ADU offers plenty of positives, but it also comes with just as many negatives. 

Why You Should Build a Junior ADU

For starters, a junior ADU allows you to legally turn a space within your home into a separate living area that you can rent out. The size limit – no more than 500 square feet – makes it seem like a junior ADU isn’t worth it, but most converted master bedrooms or attached garages are usually around that size as well. Another thing: basements, rec rooms, attics and other accessory spaces within the home can also be turned into a junior ADU – not just master bedrooms or attached garages. And even if you already have a junior ADU built inside your home, you’re still allowed to have a standard ADU built on the same property.

Why You Should Reconsider Building a Junior ADU

The biggest deal breaker about building a junior ADU is that the homeowner must occupy the main residence in order to rent the junior ADU, hindering those who plan to rent out both the spaces. Adding anything to get the space to 500 square feet is also not allowed, meaning the junior ADU must be entirely converted from the existing living space within the main home. Because a junior ADU may share most of its utilities with the main residence, privacy can become an issue.

Schedule a Design Consultation

Building an ADU – junior or otherwise – is a major undertaking, but you don’t have to go it alone. Just turn to Design Build Remodeling Group of Maryland, and we’ll make sure your remodeling experience is both positive and rewarding. We don’t consider a project truly finished until you’re completely satisfied with the results. Call us today at (443) 300-2268, or fill out this contact form to schedule a design consultation. We proudly serve the areas in and around Baltimore, MD, and Washington, DC.