When we built our home 7 years ago, we had two boys who were 2 years old and 9 months old. We quickly added 2 more kids to the mix. Then I started working and the need for a second office space became apparent. We started hosting a home group every week and I suddenly wished we had an indoor play room for when the weather required all 15-20 kids to be inside. We’ve had to get creative with our space just like so many of my clients. But, I know our days here are numbered because our list of home needs keeps growing.
Our story is the same as so many other homeowners. Oftentimes, you purchase a home for the season you are currently in. Choosing between ADU and flex space becomes an important decision to consider as your needs evolve. I have started encouraging clients to think at least 5 years into the future. While it is impossible to know exactly what life will look like, it’s a great exercise. Do you plan to have more kids? Will you have kids moving out and starting their own adventure? Do you plan to travel, thus making the need for a ‘lock and leave’ residence more of a priority?
Since you can’t know exactly what life will look like, there are two great spaces you can look for in a residence that will allow you to adjust your home to your changing needs.
1. ADU. “Accessory Dwelling Unit”
An ADU or “Accessory Dwelling Unit” is a small home or cottage on your property. Not all areas are zoned for an ADU so purchasing a home that already has one can take some of the cost, guesswork and risk out if you know you will need one. I love ADU’s because they are a fantastic fit for the many changes that happen in a family. Have a college kid coming home for the summer? An ADU allows them to be close by while still retaining their independence. Can you say “Family Harmony?”
Need to care for an elderly parent? Many times moving into an ADU is an easier pill to swallow for an older person who isn’t completely ready to give up their independence but also can’t live on their own any longer.
Need a home office? Have guests coming to stay for a week? Again- an ADU can be a fantastic solution! Many companies now offer a Modular ADU so the cost, process and build time are reduced.
2. Flex Space
My second favorite solution to the changing needs of a homeowner is a flex space. More and more builders are including flex spaces or bonus rooms in their floor plans because home buyers are realizing the benefits of them. These spaces can be used as another bedroom, home office, exercise space or guest room. Throw in a murphy bed and one room can serve all of these functions. In my opinion, if you don’t have space or money for an ADU, a flex space can help your home grow with you!
What about you? If you had to choose, would you rather have an ADU or a flex space? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
