Are you planning on moving one or both of your parents into your home at some point in the near future? Studies have shown that there are more Americans doing this now than ever before.

According to the Pew Research Center, about 14% of adults living under someone else’s roof at the moment are older parents living with their adult kids. That’s up from just 7% back in 1995.

If you plan to join this growing trend, it’s a good idea to consider creating an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, first. An ADU—which is also sometimes referred to as an in-law suite or granny flat—will give your parent or parents all the space they need when they move into your home.

Building an ADU will require an investment on your part. But it’ll be well worth the expense. Here’s why.

Gives Parents a Private Place to Stay

If your aging parents are moving into your home, it’s probably so that you can provide them with medical care or, at the very least, look after them. But that doesn’t mean you need to be on top of them all day long!

An accessory dwelling unit will give your parents a private place to stay in your home. The ADU will set them up with a kitchen, a bathroom, and even a separate entrance that they can use.

Some accessory dwelling units are attached to a house. Others are freestanding structures positioned behind or next to a house.

Regardless of which kind of ADU you choose, your parents will appreciate being able to maintain their privacy while living with you.

Creates Rental Opportunities for Homeowners

Most homeowners who choose to create an accessory dwelling unit do it to make space for their parent or parents to move in. But that’s far from the only reason to build an ADU.

An ADU can also create rental opportunities for homeowners. After working with the best ADU company, you’ll have the ability to rent your ADU out to whomever you want to generate some extra income every month.

Adds Value to a Home

One day, you’re going to sell your home. When you do, your accessory dwelling unit will prove to be a great selling feature.

You’ll be able to get much better offers for your home once people see that it comes with an ADU. Potential buyers will love the fact that they can rent out a portion of the home to offset their mortgage. 

Consider Creating an Accessory Dwelling Unit Today

An accessory dwelling unit isn’t for everyone. There are some cities and towns that have strict rules and regulations in place that make it difficult to create ADUs.

But if you have the ability to create an ADU, consider capitalizing on it. Whether you choose to use it to house your aging parents or rent it out to tenants, it’ll be a valuable addition to your home.

Take a look at our blog to see the other things you can do to your home to improve it.