Thinking About an ADU? Here’s Why It Might Be the Perfect Fit

We had a client who'd been talking for a while about selling their home and downsizing. The upkeep was getting to be a bit much—we’re talking lawn, snow, stairs, the works. Like a lot of folks right now, they were also finding the market super challenging. They had a ton of equity, but the catch? They needed to sell in order to buy the next place. That “home sale contingency” made things… let’s just say, less than ideal.

At one point, they mentioned how nice it would be to live closer to their kids—ideally with them as they got older. So we tossed out an idea: “Ever think about building an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)? You know, an in-law setup—either attached to the house or totally separate out back?”

They floated it by the kids, and surprise—one of them was actually open to it! Fast forward a bit: they sold their house, moved into their son’s basement temporarily (which honestly sounds like a sitcom in the making), and used the proceeds to build a detached 900 sqft 1-bed, 1-bath ADU in the backyard. Full kitchen, living room—the works.

Now? They plan to rent in Florida for the winters and enjoy grandkid time from Spring to Fall in their in-law. Honestly, it’s a dream setup.

Sound like a plan worth exploring for you or someone you know? Let’s connect—we’ll help you start piecing it all together.