JULY 17TH

8 Top Reasons to Build an ADU in Arizona

Back to all articles

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are becoming increasingly popular in Arizona, and for good reason. These versatile, small-scale housing units can be a fantastic addition to any property, offering numerous benefits to homeowners. Since the start of Minimal Living Concepts just 3 years ago, we’ve built over 100 of our units all here in Phoenix, Arizona, and have encountered nearly every great reason our clients choose to build and ADU on their property. Here are the top reasons to consider building an ADU in Arizona:

<br><br>

1. Additional Income Stream

<br><br>

One of the most compelling reasons to build an ADU is the potential for rental income. With the rising cost of living and high demand for rental properties in Arizona, an ADU can provide a steady stream of income. Whether you choose to rent it out long-term or as a vacation rental, the extra money can help offset mortgage payments, fund renovations, or simply boost your savings.

<br><br>

Further, the recently passed Senate Bill 1415 requires all municipalities in Arizona with a population of at least 75,000 to adopt the state’s newest ADU regulations. These regulations allow any single-family property to add at least one attached or detached ADU. Each restricted-affordable dwelling unit on the lot or parcel can have at least one extra accessory dwelling unit permitted for use. The ADU can be up to 75% of the gross floor area ratio of the main residence or 1,000 sq. ft., whichever is less.

<br><br>

These units are allowed to advertised and rented separately from the main home for long, medium, or short term rentals!

<br><br>

2. Increased Property Value

<br><br>

Adding an ADU to your property can significantly increase its market value. Prospective buyers often see the value in having a separate living space that can be used for various purposes. According to real estate experts, properties with ADUs tend to sell faster and at a higher price compared to those without. This makes building an ADU a smart investment for homeowners looking to maximize their property’s value.

<br><br>

Our team has plenty of case studies and success stories in which our clients added an ADU to their property and not only increased their property value by the cost of the project, but have even doubled their investment on their build!

<br><br>

3. Flexible Living Arrangements

<br><br>

ADUs offer a flexible living arrangement that can accommodate different family needs. They can serve as housing for elderly parents, providing them with independence while keeping them close. Alternatively, an ADU can be a private space for adult children, guests, or even a home office. This flexibility allows homeowners to adapt to changing family dynamics without the need for major renovations or moving to a larger home.

<br><br>

4. Aging in Place

<br><br>

For seniors looking to downsize while maintaining their independence, an ADU can be an ideal solution. Building an ADU on their property allows them to stay in a familiar neighborhood and retain access to their community and support networks. Additionally, having family members nearby can provide peace of mind and assistance when needed, making aging in place a more viable option.

<br><br>

5. Sustainable Living

<br><br>

ADUs can contribute to more sustainable living practices. Building a smaller, energy-efficient unit can reduce your overall carbon footprint. Many homeowners choose to incorporate green building materials and energy-efficient appliances in their ADU designs. Additionally, ADUs can help combat urban sprawl by increasing housing density within existing neighborhoods, making better use of available land and resources.

<br><br>

6. Work-Life Balance

<br><br>

With the rise of remote work, having a dedicated home office has become increasingly important. An ADU can provide a quiet, separate space for work, helping to maintain a clear boundary between professional and personal life. This separation can enhance productivity and reduce stress, contributing to a healthier work-life balance.

<br><br>

7. Housing Shortage Solution

<br><br>

Arizona, like many other states, faces a housing shortage, particularly for affordable housing options. ADUs can be part of the solution by providing additional housing units within existing neighborhoods. By increasing the availability of rental properties, ADUs can help alleviate some of the pressure on the housing market, making it easier for people to find affordable places to live.

<br><br>

8. Versatility and Customization

<br><br>

Building an ADU allows for a high degree of customization to meet specific needs and preferences. Whether you want a minimalist studio, a cozy one-bedroom, or a larger two-bedroom unit, the design can be tailored to fit your vision. This versatility makes ADUs suitable for a wide range of uses and lifestyles.

<br><br>

Conclusion

<br><br>

Building an ADU in Arizona offers numerous benefits, from financial gains and increased property value to flexible living arrangements and sustainable practices. Whether you’re looking to generate rental income, provide housing for family members, or create a dedicated workspace, an ADU can be a valuable addition to your property. As housing demands continue to evolve, ADUs present a practical and versatile solution for homeowners across Arizona.

expert 1

Ready to speak with a new home expert?

Schedule a Call >

The Typical Building Process

The ol' fashioned way.

Find an architect

An architect designs your home without discussions with engineers, builders and interior designers. You can’t walk through the home design and experience the layout, proportions of the spaces and quality of the fixtures and fittings.

Hope the design is buildable

An architect designs your home without discussions with engineers, builders and interior designers. You can’t walk through the home design and experience the layout, proportions of the spaces and quality of the fixtures and fittings.

Engineering

The engineer designs the structural systems of the house without any consultations with the contracting builder. They may find costly structural issues with the plan which needs to go back to the architect for alterations, adding to the client’s overall costs.

Collect quotes

The client is happy with the design but at this stage won’t know the true costs of the build or whether it’s on budget until they quote it out to different builders. Often quotes come back with varying degrees of build quality, assumptions, and unknown estimates that don't reflect the real cost of construction.

Quote and fees

It’s up to the client to determine which builder quotes will deliver the best final outcome for them. Throughout the whole process, the architect’s fees are paid as each stage is completed with many architects charging around 6%-18% of your final build costs.

Variable pricing

Because the design team are separate from the construction team, unexpected issues can arise which may add to the build cost. Materials, fittings and features often have to be custom-made to the architect’s and engineer’s specifications, therefore adding to the overall build cost.

Change orders

Because the builder was not involved in the design process and doesn't have a complete understanding of the project, it is very likely that you will experience several cost escalation change orders. The worst part is, the builder profits on these price increases that should have been predicted at the project start.

Our Method

Creating a seamless path to new construction.

Experts working together

Our design and construction team work together on each home design. Our architect, interior designer, engineer and builder collaborate to devise solutions that don’t compromise the style or functionality of the home. This all occurs before a design ever lands on our website.

Curated and custom designs

With MLC, you can choose from a range of meticulously crafted home designs or work with our design team to, alter those designs or create a bespoke design tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.

Holistic design and build solution

Our streamlined approach saves you time and cost while providing one dedicated team for every aspect of your project. The construction costs are a key consideration throughout the design process for peace of mind, efficiency and certainty.

Transparent pricing

For our pre-designed homes, inclusions and costs are finalised before you commit to building your home. There are no hidden or additional costs due to design revisions once your contract is signed. If an unforeseen condition occurs, we never profit on it. This way our incentives align with you.

Design a bespoke home

Our ‘Bespoke Option’ involves personalised brief-development sessions with our architect and sales teams to fully understand your design parameters. New plans and 3D model elevations and site locality plans will be developed following your brief and in collaboration with our team.

01

Initial brief development consultation

02

Bespoke floor plan presented to client for approval

03

3D model elevation and site locality plan presented to client

04

Site visit to understand the plan in its context and make any design changes needed

05

Finalise the revised floor plans and elevations

06

Select your home’s finishes

Schedule a Call