ADU Design Ideas That’ll Make You $1,000+ Per Month

When looking for ADU design ideas, think of functionality first. Attached dwelling units and accessory dwelling units are smaller spaces by design-so what can you do to make a renter feel like they live in a large, open space, without having to put in tens of thousands in new construction costs? If you’re able to crack the confined space code, you may be able to set yourself apart from the other landlords in your vicinity.
Derek Sherrell, appropriately nicknamed “That ADU Guy”, has spent years perfecting the ADU design strategy. He’s built garage additions, sectioned-off units, and basement conversions that give renters not only an affordable place to live but an enjoyable place to stay. He’s able to get more rent, better tenants, and have a higher appreciating property thanks to his smart design tactics which he shares today.
If you’ve been thinking about turning your shed, garage, basement, or large attic into an ADU, be sure you listen to Derek’s advice. His ADU design ideas could save you big in the long run, while also helping you build wealth with your own property!
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Check out Last Week’s Episode on The Beginner's Guide to ADU Investing:
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Is Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) a Worthwhile Investment?
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Visit Derek’s Website to Learn More About ADUs:
thataduguy.com/
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@thataduguy or / thataduguy
00:00
The Perfect Attached ADU Property
01:20 Tip: Look for Sewer Cleanouts
01:55 The $25,000 ADU Conversion
04:42 Financing Your ADU
05:54 Always Upgrade Your Rehab
06:47 Soundproofing Your ADU
08:59 Use Pocket Doors
09:54 Tenants Love Lofts!
10:57 Affordable ADU Tips
11:36 Building a Garage Conversion ADU
12:58 New Build Design Tips
15:08 Finished Garage ADU Walkthrough
18:10 Go Add an ADU!

Пікірлер: 116

  • @NickYourHomeLoanFriendKrehnke
    @NickYourHomeLoanFriendKrehnke6 ай бұрын

    Our combo purchase-renovation loan allows someone to buy a house and build an adu AND use the future market rents of the not yet built adu to help them qualify income wise for the purchase of the property :)

  • @koby2995
    @koby2995 Жыл бұрын

    I'm literally in the process of getting another home with a separated garage that has a small apartment on top, this got me even more excited about the property 😃

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    Жыл бұрын

    Great to hear!

  • @jessicaolson490
    @jessicaolson4902 жыл бұрын

    I love how you go into seemingly over detail about things like how you place the closets and stuff to promote sound cancellation, brilliant! The fact I wish more apartments thought of stuff like this

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jessica! Yes, a little planning goes a long ways in spaces with shared walls.

  • @RaceForGoodLife
    @RaceForGoodLife4 ай бұрын

    lots of options! great info Derek thank you!

  • @aimeemarsh37
    @aimeemarsh37 Жыл бұрын

    Great information! I am planning my ADU now! Thanks

  • @JCC56
    @JCC56 Жыл бұрын

    One of the best in the biz ! Great tips on ADU's.

  • @danwickramasinghe4744
    @danwickramasinghe4744 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you...very insightful

  • @evankraljic7985
    @evankraljic79852 жыл бұрын

    Great video Derek, you really have this down to a science being able to do one of these conversions for 25k including the soft costs!! Some people pay that for just a kitchen or bath renovation!! I'm not dead set on doing one of these yet but I'm definitely going to be looking into it as an option.

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Evan, it may look like a science, but really it is just learning by making tons of mistakes over 25 years and not giving up. Attached ADUs do not work for everyone everywhere, but an option to consider for sure!

  • @SdW.8
    @SdW.8 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent concise information with easy to understand guidelines to maximize your builds. I'm new to the whole ADU concept and this was very helpful. Thanks so much!

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    Жыл бұрын

    Anyone can do this!

  • @maryclebeau
    @maryclebeau Жыл бұрын

    Awesomeness 😊 yes, very well done!!!!

  • @charrell39
    @charrell392 жыл бұрын

    Great advice. Thank you!

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was useful Craig!

  • @parkerhardy8398
    @parkerhardy83982 жыл бұрын

    This was an amazing video thank you!

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes, BP does a great job sharing RE investing options.

  • @HowToADU
    @HowToADU2 жыл бұрын

    Another great one Derek! Turning monster houses into charming duplexes :)

  • @HowToADU

    @HowToADU

    2 жыл бұрын

    Geez. I commented before I realized you were doing multiple houses on this ride along! So much detail!

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Ryan! I really wanted to show that this stategy can be done in a easy, legal and affordable way.

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Ryan!

  • @hilmarvideoandcellular2896
    @hilmarvideoandcellular28962 жыл бұрын

    Love video and samples

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you liked it!

  • @LouisPorterJr
    @LouisPorterJr2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for all the info. Getting a ADU on one of my properties is a dream of mine.

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    If it is a use in your zone, you can do it! Just don't give up!

  • @amafid
    @amafid2 жыл бұрын

    My favorite niche. Love his interviews on ORAAT

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Yes, Zuber is the man! I get my daily news from him.

  • @mapuche888
    @mapuche8882 жыл бұрын

    Love this. The only thing i would change is using LVP instead of hardwood just for maintenance ease

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes, many people love LVP. It is great for wet areas and over slab on grade construction.

  • @mattcampbell755
    @mattcampbell7552 жыл бұрын

    Great tips, loved seeing the different examples. You took the words out of my mouth with double 5/8” drywall and greenglue for soundproofing, it’s the best bang for the buck. If I were living on the other side myself, I’d add a staggered stud wall too - minimal extra lumber cost, much less sound transfer.

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes! Staggered wall with rock wool in between is the top shelf. It is always the balance of space and cost. Thanks for your comment Matt!

  • @MrWaterbugdesign
    @MrWaterbugdesign2 жыл бұрын

    I didn't know ADU was a thing. Of course, everything is a thing. I like tiny home living but they don't exist where I want to live. So I bought a regular 1600 sq ft home on a corner lot. There was an addition so there was 2 entrances plus 1 to backyard. Corner lot turned out to be handy because it creates a front door on each street. I added a bathroom, pretty easy. I can configure into a studio or 1 bedroom. Because I like tiny home living I'll live in the studio which has no kitchen but I only ever use an induction top and microwave (I never eat out). I did add 2 extra circuits to the studio for the appliances. Mini splits in each bedroom. I'll rent the main part of the house 3/1. Shared outdoor washer which is common here in Phoenix. I line dry but renter can add a dryer. Figure I can get $2000/mo rent. House has a hip roof so vaulted ceilings not possible. What I did was move the 2x6 ceiling joists to create a coffered ceiling. Beautiful and adds some volume.

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sounds like a great setup! And now you can show your friends how to do it. Thanks for sharing!

  • @byronlaw6724
    @byronlaw67242 жыл бұрын

    We just started building. I wish I had seen this in our planning phase. I don't know if anticipated rents can factor into the funding or not, but it would have been nice to potentially get more funding by simply planning for an ADU that would provide a stream of income. With 3.6 acres and a couple old grain silo pads, we still have a couple options we're considering.

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    If possible, try to stub in water, sewer and power for future builds while trenches are open.

  • @childcareessentials
    @childcareessentials2 ай бұрын

    Hi, thank you for the detailed video. , I'm looking to convert a property into a triplex ( duplex top and bottom with detached unit) to run two home licensed childcare programs from them in SW Portland. Is this something you can help me with on design and construction?

  • @janedeuber1596
    @janedeuber15968 ай бұрын

    Great video! Love your work. How can I explore hiring your team to design our detached ADU in Pacific Grove, ca? We are rebuilding the primary foundation/garage and adding. 20x30 1 bedroom apartment above.

  • @monicam6250
    @monicam6250 Жыл бұрын

    New subscriber here! Great Video, If Im planning on keeping my home in the family can I skip city permits and hire individual contractors for a 400sq garage conversion, please advise. Than you

  • @Matheus545
    @Matheus545 Жыл бұрын

    ❤ What do you think about a property with a 3 car garage that shares a wall with a guest bathroom? Would it be feasible to make it a 1 car garage, convert the rest into an ADU and make an entrance into the guest bathroom? Thank you for bringing so much value.

  • @DeuceIsMyName
    @DeuceIsMyName Жыл бұрын

    Great information, we are looking at building an adu in south Florida so all of this helps a lot as they are not so common here yet. One question I have is on the last adu above the garage with the interior stairs, why didn't you place the stacked washer and dryer next to the sink in the empty space between the bathroom and the countertop. That would free up more space in the bedroom and make use of that space. It's the only thing that stood. Again, thanks for the great information.

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    Жыл бұрын

    Great question, there was a W/D closet, the unit was just sitting there in the bedroom waiting to be installed.

  • @robbb8908
    @robbb8908 Жыл бұрын

    do you have any videos on converting adus that have not been permitted...great video and subscribed

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    Жыл бұрын

    Not yet, but will share if I do!

  • @alsacs3635
    @alsacs3635 Жыл бұрын

    Great video. Question, was that a 6" wall where the pocket doors are? Seems like a regular 4" wall would be too thin to accommodate a pocket door?

  • @imaginaryderek
    @imaginaryderek2 жыл бұрын

    Another great video! I'm gonna have to share this one. I just closed on my heloc but getting nervous looking at the estimates from contractors. Owner builder is definitely the way in my opinion but I am working a lot of overtime right now. Currently I have my master rented out for a $1000/m (500sq/ft with bath/fridge/kitchen cabinets) but I still want that detached ADU in my back lot. Might just have to bite the bullet and pay $350 per sq/ft and just get it done. It is a little concerning paying $250,000 to have one built but I guess it makes sense if I can rent it for $2500. The variable rate can't be trusted at this point in the economy! Thanks again for the video D.

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hey Brother, yes a hard call at that price. If you plan to hold long term I would think you can't go wrong.

  • @thebman8787

    @thebman8787

    2 жыл бұрын

    I plan on building one but renting it to family member. House is gnna be ours for a while if not for as long as i live. Dont want to get the city permits since it will Only be family

  • @michellecreech7573
    @michellecreech7573 Жыл бұрын

    I am wanting to convert a garage, which shares a wall to the house, but has its own separate entrance into an ADU for Airbnb purposes this will be my first time ADUing, so I’m looking for all the help and guidance I can get. First step?

  • @dianaavila296
    @dianaavila2964 ай бұрын

    I am looking into converting my garage. I have an apartment over the garage and was told I can add an ADU below. I’m currently getting quotes. I’m also considering being my own contractor in Los Angeles

  • @mar4380
    @mar43808 ай бұрын

    How is mail handled? Does the ADU become a unit B or is that not allowed and just have to be sorted?

  • @Assamofrecent
    @Assamofrecent2 жыл бұрын

    I always enjoy your videos, Every family has Someone Who Breaks the Chain of Poverty, I pray you be that Person!! - *Mrs Audrey Anderson*

  • @jollyroogurcamp
    @jollyroogurcamp2 жыл бұрын

    Currently working on an en-suite bathroom to possibly house hack. Then, an ADU!

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great stategy!

  • @be82297
    @be82297 Жыл бұрын

    can you share the floor plans?

  • @julianencinas1763
    @julianencinas1763 Жыл бұрын

    So fo additional funding on the adu at the time of closing what do you acutually need in order for the bank to consider including it on the loan? Can you elaborate please

  • @lamontedwards9293
    @lamontedwards92934 ай бұрын

    What permits did you Need

  • @RosieThecarlady
    @RosieThecarlady2 жыл бұрын

    I just finished my detached garage/ studio, $1200 a month water and light included, backyard and front patio

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nice Rosie, you may have to change your handle to Rosie the car and ADU lady!

  • @charrell39
    @charrell392 жыл бұрын

    Are you available as a consultant on my potential purchase in central Florida?

  • @lamontedwards9293
    @lamontedwards92934 ай бұрын

    I have a house with one how can I get a permit and make sure it’s possible?

  • @southtexashometours6809
    @southtexashometours68092 жыл бұрын

    gamechanger

  • @MusicloverX88
    @MusicloverX88 Жыл бұрын

    Shoot I would love to live in a place like that.

  • @brinho109
    @brinho1092 жыл бұрын

    Is this in Oregon? They're many house with ADUs out there.

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes, Oregon is very Pro ADU.

  • @BradyBell33
    @BradyBell332 жыл бұрын

    Where do you keep the water heater?

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great question Brady! Most of the time we use an exterior mounted on demand natural gas water heater. I try to stick them on the back wall. The next video in this series will show on.

  • @eliteexposure5594
    @eliteexposure55942 жыл бұрын

    Welcome back Brandon 😅🤣😂

  • @diytacoma5758
    @diytacoma5758 Жыл бұрын

    Have the green glue already, unfortunately we doing non attached

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    Жыл бұрын

    Build it!

  • @diytacoma5758

    @diytacoma5758

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ThatADUGuy we budgeted things out, our hope start building in may

  • @latinosergeant31
    @latinosergeant317 ай бұрын

    As soon as i got my primary home, i converted my garage to a studio renting at $1600

  • @christians.711

    @christians.711

    2 ай бұрын

    How many sq ft? Sounds like southern cal. Rent? Thanks

  • @erict6374
    @erict63742 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for making such a great video on this topic. I learned many tips from this video. Also creating a ADU from living space in LA. Once done it should cut my mortgage by more than half !

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    You are welcome! Great to hear that!

  • @David-gg1fe
    @David-gg1fe2 жыл бұрын

    I converted my garage into a 488 sq ft 1 bed 1 bath JADU for 31k (All in and before SB 13 reduced permit costs).

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nice! That is a great price! I assume you are handy, or a pro!

  • @David-gg1fe

    @David-gg1fe

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ThatADUGuy I did most of the work myself. I only subbed out electrical and texture, and some of the plumbing. Have you heard of this new bill that will remove owner occupany for JADUs and will permanently remove them for both ADUs and JADUs?

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@David-gg1fe Great work getting it done at that price with hard work! Yes, there are big tailwinds for the ADU strategy.

  • @parkerhardy8398

    @parkerhardy8398

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ThatADUGuy it looks like 30k for a garage adu is cheap then. I"ve got about 30k cash available for the ADU in my garage I'm hoping to make, is that unrealistic? In your experience, what kind of price tag can I expect if I get the work done through a contractor?

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@parkerhardy8398 I would start at $100/sf for a garage to ADU conversion.

  • @sharonbeatty8047
    @sharonbeatty80472 жыл бұрын

    Bought a cape cod style house, real fixer upper. Created a 2bd/2bth in the basement for long term tenants. Will covert 2nd floor to to 2bd/1bth airbnb. Essentially Creating a triplex out of a single family home. We live on first floor so will push into the garage to create a bath and bedroom. Making it a 3bd/2 bath. Doing most of the work ourselves. It's our retirement plan!

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! Dounds like a great retirement plan!

  • @vltod9167

    @vltod9167

    2 жыл бұрын

    What area?

  • @jeffdorris5321
    @jeffdorris53212 жыл бұрын

    😎🙏

  • @sethsamson666
    @sethsamson6662 жыл бұрын

    Vaulted ceilings, standard 8 x 5 bathroom with pocket door and single-wall kitchen design - I think Derek just handed me my new standard ADU design. You sir are a gentleman and a true scholar. Thank you!

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Those or the ADU short cuts! Glad to help!

  • @rayjou742

    @rayjou742

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ThatADUGuy do you use locks or key locks on pocket doors? I’ve looked around and can’t seem to find one that isn’t crazy expensive, weird, or for commercial use.

  • @user-lk4tl3sp8s
    @user-lk4tl3sp8s11 ай бұрын

    I'm skeptical about the feasibility of converting a living area and a bedroom into an attached ADU for just $15k of construction cost. The process likely involves more intricate steps, such as opening walls and installing fire-rated partitions connected to the main house. Moreover, adding kitchen utility lines, a complete kitchen setup, appliances, and drywall alone could easily reach a budget of $10k. And let's not forget about the complexities of implementing features like a pocket door and a vaulted ceiling, which would necessitate significant expenses for framing, foundation adjustments, and more. While the idea of repurposing existing space in the primary house for an attached ADU is intriguing, it's crucial to present homeowners with a more accurate understanding of the potential costs and challenges involved. By doing so, they can make well-informed decisions and be better prepared for the financial investment required to successfully achieve a functional and compliant attached ADU.

  • @eldermillennial2000
    @eldermillennial20002 жыл бұрын

    Was the majority of the structure already completed? I've looked into this and there's no way an ADU will cost $25K

  • @andrewbresee

    @andrewbresee

    2 жыл бұрын

    Did you watch the video?

  • @user27278

    @user27278

    2 жыл бұрын

    He said right in the begining that he converted a second living room

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes, just added bathroom, bedroom/closet walls, the kitchen and punched in the new entry door.

  • @Constellasian
    @Constellasian2 жыл бұрын

    Everything you said seemed on the dot. I do have a question about the flooring option. Why hardwood instead of luxury vinyl?

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jonny, great question! Real nail down, hardwood is timeless custom touch. All the apartments in my market use LVP and hardwood stands out. LVP trend colors change every couple years, where natural white oak or fir looks good in any design, forever. It will last 100 years with minimal maintenance. If a tenant drops a heavy or sharp object on a wood floor, it blends in or can be buffed out. I can sand and refinish a real wood floor 3 times. It also has a rich and cozy feel that LVP can not mimic. Being a carpenter at heart, I personally don't like the feel of vinyl under my feet. . There are some great LVP products and they do beat wood if in a wet application and I would use it over a concrete slab.

  • @parkerhardy8398

    @parkerhardy8398

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ThatADUGuy thank you for this answer! I was also wondering about the hard wood floors.

  • @michaelbatista2869
    @michaelbatista28692 жыл бұрын

    Yeah thatd be way more than 25k in my market

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    I hear you. Some metro areas can have crazy costs.

  • @navinjitsingh1199
    @navinjitsingh11992 жыл бұрын

    What city

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Jackson County, Oregon

  • @navinjitsingh1199

    @navinjitsingh1199

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks u

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@navinjitsingh1199 you're welcome!

  • @thomasvarughese118
    @thomasvarughese1182 жыл бұрын

    HOA is such a 🐓 block

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    An option would be to join the HOA board, make changes to help infill housing options. Also, just state law, some trump HOAs.

  • @thomasvarughese118

    @thomasvarughese118

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ThatADUGuy Im in Missouri City Texas (greater houston area). Anyone have any luck?

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@thomasvarughese118 not sure, I would place a call to the local zoning office at your city.

  • @WhiteKitta
    @WhiteKitta2 жыл бұрын

    what is an ADU???

  • @frankn2080

    @frankn2080

    2 жыл бұрын

    Accessory dwelling unit

  • @WhiteKitta

    @WhiteKitta

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@frankn2080 THANK YOU!!

  • @StardustMonkey
    @StardustMonkey9 ай бұрын

    Dude you must be in a cheap place here in CA that ADU is getting a minimum of $2,000 a month

  • @robertleparulo672
    @robertleparulo6722 жыл бұрын

    Do you have any example floorplans on these ADU’s? Great video thank you!!

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Robert! Not per say. With any of the small ADU conversions I use this model or close to it, in the way that fits best and seperates sound on the shared wall. Bedroom 10x12 with 3x8 closet. 5x8 bathroom with tub/shower combo. The rest is great room open space with a minimum of 13' for a one wall kitchen. New construction over garage is similar on a 20x20 or 22x26 footprint. I do have two free sets of stand alone ADU plans on my website, found in the show notes. Hope that helps!

  • @ryanfrizzell736
    @ryanfrizzell7362 жыл бұрын

    Make sure you obtain proper permitting for constructing your ADU. We don’t want illegally constructed ADUs now do we!

  • @ThatADUGuy

    @ThatADUGuy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Always start with the zozing office!

  • @itsclaver7125
    @itsclaver71252 жыл бұрын

    Brandon 😏😏

  • @Quickpump100
    @Quickpump1002 жыл бұрын

    Nope. Less of these vids please