The 3 Types of ADUs Explained (And Why Detached ADUs Usually Win)

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vUueisZT310

If you’re starting from square one and trying to learn about ADUs, this is the easiest way to think about it. There are three main types of ADUs, and once you understand the difference between them, everything else starts to make more sense.

The first type is a Junior ADU. You don’t see junior ADUs as often because they’re harder to spot. A junior ADU is created by converting an existing part of the home, most commonly a portion of the garage. These units are limited to up to 500 square feet and usually work best when someone wants extra living space rather than a fully independent rental. Because they’re carved out of an existing structure, there are more layout and privacy limitations compared to other ADU types.

The second type is an attached ADU. Attached ADUs are built onto the main house and share at least one wall with the primary residence. You’ll typically see these used for multigenerational living, like parents living with family but still wanting their own space. They can work as rentals, but the shared structure usually means less separation and privacy compared to a detached unit.

The third type is a detached ADU, and this is personally the route I like the most. A detached ADU is a completely separate structure from the main home. The whole goal with a detached ADU is to make it feel like its own single-family residence. When done right, it offers better privacy, better rent potential, and a cleaner separation between the main house and the ADU.

At the end of the day, each ADU type serves a different purpose. Junior and attached ADUs can make sense depending on the property and the goal, but if you’re focused on long-term flexibility and rental performance, detached ADUs tend to check the most boxes.