ADU Covered Entry

In the last 10–15 years, the field of interior design for accessory dwelling units has reached a completely new level. Today, designers can develop dozens of scenarios for the organization of living space, which will include all the smallest nuances, e.g., in which part of the ADU the property owner can best place the stacked laundry unit or which master bedroom features will create an atmosphere of coziness and comfort. However, the issue of thinking over the exterior fades into the background and in vain, as the external ADU component is its calling card.

We are here to fix this and tell you about the most important aspect of the exterior ADU, namely, the covered entry. From this review, you will learn about the benefits of a cozy covered porch, which architectural techniques are the most advantageous in installing covered entry and which draft among the dozen available options is ideal for your ADU building.

ADU Covered Entering: Reasons for Investing

Even after studying the many photos of accessory dwelling units with converted entry, some homeowners ask a question, does it make sense to invest in this element of living space. This decision is definitely worth it. However, if you have doubts, then you need to delve into this topic as much as possible for full understanding of cozy covered porch benefits.

To do this, we have prepared for you a small top with a list of covered entry privileges:

• Weather protection. Any exterior has primarily a practical function, and the mission of a covered patio or porch is that you can always use it to wait out the bad weather. Builders make such structures from very durable and wear-resistant materials that can withstand the most powerful gusts of wind, hail, or tornado, so you can be sure of their durability.
• Unusual dining area. Typically, residents of the house eat in the kitchen. However, ADU is a project that differs significantly in functionality from other house plans. One of the possible options for transferring casual conversation from the kitchen is to eat on your covered porch or patio. Instead of the scenario of eating in the kitchen in a familiar environment, you can organize an outdoor meal, and if the weather suddenly turns bad, then close the patio and continue to enjoy the gastronomic pleasure.
• Property value upgrade. We know that any ADU configuration, whether it is a backyard cottage or an attached accessory dwelling unit, significantly increases the value of the entire property. However, we can say the same about individual ADU elements, in particular, the covered entry. This creative architectural technique will increase the attractiveness of the entire building, and, in the case of a possible sale, it will be difficult for you to fend off offers.
• Extra storage space. Each room in the accessory dwelling unit can serve as an additional storage space; even a full bath helps in this mission because here, you can store linens, towels, or some household items. Covered entry is no exception. This design is an ideal place for different appliances such as a coat closet, bookcase, or functional chest of drawers, which will also emphasize the style of your patio or porch.
• Charming exterior. The key advantage of all ADU entries is that they help create charming exteriors. A simple comparison: an ADU without a covered patio is like windows without a framework. When you add a covered entry, you will discover the uniqueness of the ADU style from all sides, your eyes will rejoice every day, and the attention of the hallway neighbors or ordinary passers-by will not disappear for a second.

On the whole, you can see how many beneficial details the appearance of a covered entry will bring into your life. It would not be an exaggeration to say that, in some ways, this is a step-up to a new level because stylized entries are a bold decision that only homeowners with a sense of aesthetics and style come to.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Covered Entry Styles

An ordinary homeowner can easily overlook how variable the covered patio and porch are, because master bedroom features, kitchen functionality or color scheme for the coat closet in the children room attract much more attention. However, we can’t wait to tell you about the coolest ideas for a covered entry for your additional dwelling unit, as this element opens up space for imagination and creativity.

Let’s enjoy together the description of each of the following five covered entry options:

Portico style

An ideal pick for all lovers of history and antiquity. This format of the entrance to the house was very popular among ancient representatives of the nobility in Greece. The most striking examples are such monuments as the temple of Hephaestus or the Erechtheion. If, in addition to such an entrance, you decorate the exterior walls with sand color, then your ADU will have a perfect match with an ancient Greek work of art.

Entry porch with balcony

The best embodiment of the phrase “cozy covered porch”. If the previous option has a reference to Ancient Greece, then this pic will remind you of the Renaissance epoch. Backyard cottage with an entrance porch with a balcony is the perfect space to enjoy the best moments with your loved ones, contemplate the beauty of nature and fill casual conversation with notes of something magical.

Recessed entry

We continue our journey and go to the mysterious castles of Count Dracula in Romania. The ADU building with a recessed entry may seem a little bit intimidating to you because of its monumental hallmark. However, if you study the photos with such house plans in more detail, you can very quickly come to the conclusion that this version of the covered entry is a pure classic, and everyone who opens this door can immerse in the atmosphere of medieval grandeur.

Wide covered entry

This option does not have a close connection to a particular historical era or any specific design, but we should mention it. In order to prove its importance, it is enough to say that a wide entrance opens up many possibilities. You can equip it with comfortable chairs and decorative items, and it also accommodates many guests. Please note that this configuration is an ideal passage to the living room, which will greet you with its coziness and warmth.

Two covered entries

The least common pick among all house plans since it is suitable only for those ADUs that have two entrances, e.g., attached units. Basically, you can arrange these two entrances in any of the above styles; the only thing we recommend is to keep the design unity. The fact is that if one entrance differs in style from the other, it will disrupt the harmony.

If desired, you can complement each of these entries with various stylish elements, whether it is an optional coffered ceiling, a carved windows framework or a medieval-styled lamp. All these details will further emphasize the unique style of your ADU, and together with well-designed exterior walls will make it the most creative in your city.

ADU Covered Porch & Professional Assistance

The construction of any ADU, from basement conversion to attached unit, is exclusively the prerogative of professionals, and in the case of covered entry, this is the sphere of qualified designers. Only creative specialists can customize a limited living space by 10 out of 10 and pick the most profitable solution from hundreds of options that will match your requirements and preferences. Moreover, the master will help you select the best materials without overpayments.

Please note that the construction of a covered entry is always about compliance with the required local regulations. Typically, house owners overlook this moment and try to complete this project without delving into the legal details. As you can see, this is another point to turn to professionals who, having in-depth knowledge of all restrictions, will save you time, nerves, and money.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

How can a designer help me with covered entry construction?

The role of a designer in the covered entry construction is no less than that of a builder in installing a roof or basement. A creative master will help you pick the best materials, harmoniously fit this project into house plans, as well as provide invaluable assistance in such small things as choosing an optional coffered ceiling or a counter height seating configuration if you want to make a mini-bar on the porch.

How much does it cost to build a covered entry compared to a full-scale ADU construction?

The cost of such a project is not comparable in price and period of implementation with a full-fledged ADU project. If the construction of a technologically advanced and multifunctional ADU usually takes at least six months, then in the case of covered entry you will have to wait no more than three-four weeks. Regarding the price, investments usually do not exceed $20000.

What benefits will I get if I invest in the covered patio or porch installation?

Let’s name the top five, because covered entry is an endless source of privileges. So, you will get a place to hide from the weather, a great space for family dinners, increase the monetary value of your home, become the owner of additional storage space and get the opportunity to relax in the fresh air.

Are there any legal rules regarding the covered entry construction?

The second specialist without whom the covered entry project will be incomplete is a lawyer. The help of this master includes such aspects as studying house plans for zoning regulations, analyzing the sizes of your future patio or porch, compliance with the draft with fire safety measures, and much more. That is, only by cooperating with a lawyer can you complete a project at a high level.