My friend Erin asked me to look at houses with her. With two kids and third on the way her family outgrown the 1400 SF Victorian they live in. She’s looking for a home that will satisfy their immediate needs and allow some room for growth in the future. I gladly agreed to spend an afternoon with her as I love exploring the real estate world, particularly in terms of potential.
Our first stop was a three-bedroom Dutch Colonial. We discussed possibility of two story addition on the side. Then, Erin explained that her mother-in-law’s health is deteriorating and soon she may need to move in with Erin’s family. I pointed at the existing garage structure and said: This might be your solution. The magic three letters – ADU!
ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit (aka Carriage House, Granny Flat etc.) It is a secondary living space placed on the alley. ADUs are present in some older neighborhoods but in past 50 years the zoning code did not allow them.
Erin was happy to know that soon she may be allowed to turn existing garage into a one bedroom apartment and invite her mother in law to stay there. Close but not too close. The carriage house will provide living arrangement for the family with opportunity for privacy and assistance when needed.
The new zoning code re-introduces the carriage house in some residential areas. The additional living space can be used as a studio, home office, guest house or a rental unit. A young family occupying the main house will have opportunity to supplement their mortgage with rental income. Aging empty nesters can move to the carriage house and rent the main house to a growing family. An artist can utilize the space as a studio…
To learn more about ADUs and to comment on the proposed zoning code go to http://www.newcodedenver.org/.
Welcome back ADUs!
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