How are utilities handles in ADU's?

The question of how to handle utilities for an ADU or DADU is a critical one for homeowners, and Erik offers a straightforward breakdown. He explains that for services like internet, it's simple: you can call your provider and request a second service.

For water, sewer, and electricity, it's a bit more complex. Erik advises that for an attached ADU, the most cost-effective solution is to tie into the existing home's services. He cautions against creating new service lines, as the cost of digging and running new connections can amount to "thousands upon thousands of dollars." Instead, he recommends homeowners either include utilities in the rent or split them based on the number of occupants. While it's possible to install a secondary meter for electricity, Erik finds this an "unnecessarily move" for attached units.

For a detached DADU, the approach is similar. Erik says it's possible to tie into the existing water, sewer, and electrical lines. You can also install a sub-electrical panel within the unit to provide separate access to power. He notes that the only time it makes financial sense to install entirely new services is when a home is being torn down to build multiple units. In most cases, he says, it's more practical and budget-friendly to simply split the existing utility costs.