An Optimal Building Material for Accessory Dwelling Units 

Large families who live with extended family members often find themselves running out of space. In many scenarios, simply moving family members into a new home is not feasible. Especially for older or senior family members who need a little extra care. When you find yourself out of space in your main dwelling, consider building an accessory dwelling unit on your property. Prefab metal buildings can provide additional space for senior members of your family, in-laws, and other extended family to feel at home. 

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

An ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is not the same as a guest house and is a step above an in-law suite. What is the difference between an ADU and a guest house? ADUs are permanent structures built on your property that have their own kitchens and bathrooms, allowing them to be more self-contained from the main home on the site. These units allow more privacy for families while keeping the needed close proximity for safety and support.

ADUs can be useful for families who need to care for their elderly parents or families who have family (parents, in-laws, sisters, brothers, etc) move in to help with family childcare needs. Some call these buildings granny flats or mother-in-law houses. Regardless of what name you give them, a pre-engineered steel building built to your unique specifications benefits the whole household. 

ADU Building Materials  

You have many options to choose from when designing your new structure. You can choose a  small, loft-style room, detached from the house, or a larger, 1-2 bedroom house. In-law or senior houses are traditionally fairly small and act more like an extension of your existing home. They can be built from a variety of materials including wood, stone, concrete, fabric, and steel. Some of these building materials are more durable than others and their costs vary. When selecting which material will best suit your needs, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Building Material Considerations

Climate & Environment

Does your area have high winds, heavy snow, earthquakes etc 

Aesthetics

Do you want your new dwelling to match your main dwelling? Are there any HOA guidelines for ADUs in your neighborhood?

Budget

How much do you plan on investing in your accessory dwelling unit? How much will the upkeep cost over time? Some building materials are less expensive upfront but run a fairly high maintenance bill over the years. 

Size

How big would you like the structure to be? How much space do you have available for it? Each material’s structural design is altered for integrity according to the span of the building. 

Intended Lifespan

How long do you plan on keeping this structure up? Chances are for an ADU the structure is intended to be used for several years or decades. 

Building an ADU vs Buying a Bigger Home 

Many families in bigger cities such as San Francisco are buying large properties as a family, adding a smaller prefab metal building in the backyard and turning it into a cottage for parents and grandparents. Housing prices have skyrocketed over the years, the bigger the house the higher the price. Buying a larger property as a family means the family stays together and the price of the house is more affordable. Steel structures with foundations also increase your property value over time, similar to a single-family home property value increases. Building an ADU also allows for more freedom and privacy for all family members. If there is ever a point where the new buildings need changes, it can be adapted and repurposed easily. 

Prefabricated steel structures can add value to your life and your financial portfolio. Building an accessory dwelling unit for your parents, in-laws, grandparents, and or family members is an investment in your future and theirs. Learn more about how steel structures can work for you and your growing family’s needs with Armstrong Steel. 

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