ADUs are an unique housing type, they can be:

• a newly constructed stand-alone structure
• a home addition that creates a separate living quarter
• conversion of an existing space such as garage or basement into a separate dwelling

We commonly hear ADUs called other names, including Mother-in-law apartment, granny flat, casitas or backyard cottage. ADUs are a more affordable source of housing. This is because you can build them on land your currently own.

Land is usually the biggest component of housing prices, especially in expensive coastal cities. Changes in state and local laws have speed up the construction of ADUs and streamlined the process for building them.