Amid a persistent housing crunch in many parts of the country, some people are finding a solution in Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, also know as granny flats, in-law units or backyard bungalows.
Home & Garden Home buyers, beware: Spring US sales season kicks off with big lack of inventory Sheri Koones, whose new book,"Bigger than Tiny, Smaller than Average" , features several examples of ADUs, says they are part of a shift toward smaller, more affordable and energy-efficient homes. They've been living in it for over four years, sharing the 624-square-foot space with their toddler and dog. They rent out the larger 1950s bungalow that had already existed on the 5,000-square-foot property.
While, for the most part, these units cannot be sold separately from a home, they can be places for elderly parents or adult children to live, or can be used as home offices or guest homes. In some areas, they can be rented out or, as with the Mooneys, provide housing for the homeowners, who then rent out the main house.