8 Secrets to Designing the Perfect ADU, According to People Who Did It

Luxury Rockridge Casita in Sunny Garden / Melissa Habegger Photo

If you’ve ever considered building or buying an ADU, you’re not alone—they’re adorable, practical, and potentially profitable. Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, are flexible spaces that are perfect for large families, work-from-home hideaways, Airbnb rentals, or a combination of all three. Set apart from a detached single-family home, or tucked into an upper level of a garage, an ADU is the perfect private getaway, just steps away from your front door.

As charming as they are, the prospect of building one might feel daunting. If you’re in the market for an ADU—or simply want some small-space design inspiration—you’re in the right place. We spoke to three ADU owners (and Airbnb hosts!) to get the inside scoop on what goes into designing and building these cute and compact homes.

Modern Serene Studio / Courtesy of the Airbnb Community

Wondering if an ADU is right for you? One reason to make the move is a need for versatile space—an ADU can serve so many different purposes for the same family.

“In the future we might change how we use the space—perhaps it will be a teen hang out spot when our kids are older, or a full-time office space, which is how we used it during the pandemic,” says Diana, who owns a bright and spacious ADU Airbnb in Oakland, California. “It’s great how flexible it is, and, as much as I love my parents, it's so nice when they’re visiting that they can say goodnight and go across the backyard to their own private guest space.”

Aside from providing some much needed space, ADUs can be profitable, too. Kimberly, who owns a small yet dreamy ADU Airbnb in Atlanta, says that it has generated additional income, increased her property’s overall