Entrances and Privacy for Your ADU or DADU

When it comes to ADUs and DADUs, Erik stresses the importance of a separate entrance for both privacy and practicality. For a detached unit (DADU), a separate entrance is a given, but Erik also recommends providing a dedicated parking space and a clear walkway, especially in concentrated urban areas.

For an attached unit (ADU), a separate entrance is not always part of the existing structure, but Erik and his team typically advise clients to add one. "I can't imagine... across the board, it's nice no matter who it is for you to have your own privacy," he explains. He notes that a separate door allows for a private pathway and a sense of independence, whether the ADU is for a family member or a renter. This is a critical consideration often overlooked by homeowners focused on the immediate benefits of building an ADU.

Erik also suggests thinking beyond the entrance. He recommends creating separate outdoor spaces, such as a fenced-off area, so that both the primary homeowners and the ADU residents have their own private space to enjoy. This foresight, he says, is essential for long-term comfort and for ensuring a positive living situation for everyone involved.