ADU Cosmetic Renovation

Active use of living space always leaves a certain imprint and after a couple of years, even such a technological and modern space as the accessory dwelling unit may require a small cosmetic repair. You can say that the reason for the renovation may be not only the desire to refresh the functional side, but also the intention to increase the functionality and attractiveness of ADU and the entire property.

Not only do we fully agree with this, but we are ready to supplement this list with even more compelling reasons for the cosmetic renovation of your ADU. We will also be happy to present you with the most unusual upgrade solutions for the existing structure, step-by-step instructions for the implementation of this project, and the benefits that will await you.

Top 3 ADU Cosmetic Renovation Reasons

The practice of communicating with the general contractor shows that a decent percentage of homeowners do not understand why invest money in cosmetic renovation of ADU if living space performs all functions properly.

However, there are at least three good reasons that may encourage you to make this decision:

Property value boost.

We all know that the appearance of the ADU project next to the primary home is a guarantee of an increase in the value of the entire property. However, to maintain this figure at a consistently high level, you should make appropriate changes. Even small construction cosmetic actions such as updating paint on walls and replacement of windows or flooring can increase the ADU cost in the real estate market, and such global changes as increasing the square footage will bring the price tag of your ADU to the cosmic level.

Safety & local construction regulations compliance

Here we want to focus on two things. Firstly, regulations regarding accessory dwelling units are constantly changing, so it is crucial to keep abreast and make appropriate changes. Secondly, some types of ADU, such as garage/basement ADU, are at risk. Due to their unusual configuration, mold can form in these rooms, so it is important to carry out required cosmetic renovation to keep these ADUs in good condition.

Current requests consistency.

Life does not stand still and after a few years many things can change, e.g., the family size, the needs of your children or the work format. These changes in the daily routine have a direct relation to the condition of your ADU, so updating its HVAC systems, interior or room filling can significantly improve the life quality of the whole family.

Overall, it is not uncommon for property owners to face all three situations at the same time, and in such situations, they can not avoid cosmetic renovation. However, if your ADU fits at least one point, then this is already a reason to think about a small remodel project.

Common ADU Minor Renovation Techniques

Each property owner defines the unique trajectory of a house or ADU remodels project. However, this process has a number of attributes that are inherent in 9 out of 10 renovations.

Let’s analyze these common techniques:

• Replacement of life support systems, in particular, electrical and plumbing components, which all family members use for several hours every day.
• Changing the flooring, which fails both under the influence of human activity and as a result of burnout from sunlight.
• Creating a fresh design on the entire ADU area. This can be a tile change in the bathroom, sealing cracks in the corners of the kitchen or changing the wallpaper in the children’s room.
• Space insulation can be achieved by changing window framing, sealing all the cracks, or changing the drywall.
• Changing the components of the ADU exterior and this aspect is also variable, e.g., repainting the fence or changing part or all of the roofing.

Of course, if you want to complete the cosmetic renovation process for your primary home or ADU, then you cannot do so without the help of specialists. Only qualified construction craftsmen have in-depth knowledge of the functioning of such complex mechanisms as electrical and plumbing systems, can provide the reliability of all structures, and only they are ready to undertake the most complex tasks, e.g., changing single-pitched roofing to double-pitched ones.

Special Cosmetic Renovation Ideas

Let’s continue the topic of cosmetic renovation ideas, but now we will move from the general to the something specific.

Here are three additional cool ideas for the cosmetic renovation of your ADU:

• Pay attention to the kitchen. The kitchen is the most visited place in the house, so renovation is needed the most. However, we are not talking about global changes, like buying new household appliances, but about minor construction tricks, e.g., changing fittings, countertops, or lighting.
• Updating the lighting. It makes sense to touch on the topic of lighting in more detail. You probably know how designers play with light and you can do the same. Changing the fixtures, the shade of the lamps or the type of glass in windows can bring a completely new feeling to your space.
• Changing the ADU cladding. The most powerful effect you can achieve is to change the ADU cladding. After this action, your unit will sparkle with new colors, begin to attract the attention of ordinary people, and also increase the property value in the renting market.

These solutions are universal for any place and ADU type, even if we are talking about such unusual configurations as duplex, pool house or prefab ADU. Moreover, as you can see, to breathe new life into everyday routine, it is not necessary to build a new house or expand square footage, it is enough to resort to ingenuity and make point changes.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

What are the main stages of cosmetic renovation of accessory dwelling units?

The ADU remodel process consists of five main stages, namely, initial consultation with specialists, approval of the work plan, approval of the final estimate, the main building step and the final touches to bring the ADU interior to perfection.

What is the average cost of an extra living area cosmetic renovation in the ADU format?

If you set a goal to renovate your ADU, then be prepared to invest in this project; however, its final cost does not compare to the scenario if you want to build an ADU from scratch. Often, by adhering to competent financial planning, homeowners can renovate a living space for several thousand dollars, receiving many dividends from this decision.

Which financing methods can I use to implement a cosmetic renovation project?

The implementation of the ADU renovation draft requires significantly less investment than its construction, so you will hardly need to issue a full-fledged mortgage. Nevertheless, among the possible financing strategies, we single out home equity loan and renovation loan.

What awaits the property owner after the completion of the cosmetic renovation project?

The renovation of ADU will give you access to even more opportunities than primary home remodeling. In particular, you will increase the attractiveness of ADU and can receive rental income, you will make the life of the whole family more practical, solve all pressing problems, as well as refresh the design of your living area, whether it is a duplex, a backyard cottage or a garage conversion.