ADU with Loft: a Dream Living Space

In childhood, each of us read books or watched movies in which the main characters spent their best days with friends in attics, playing games or telling each other fascinating stories. The main aim of adult life, among other things, is to make dreams come true; however, often, the main house space does not allow this, as you need square footage for the implementation of such ideas. Nevertheless, we have an ideal solution, namely the construction of a tiny house in the accessory dwelling unit format on the second story, in which you can organize a loft space.

If at least once in your life such an idea has occurred in your mind, then this material is for you because today you will learn about the pros and cons of ADU with loft, get all the necessary information about the cost of such a project and most importantly, we will present you the most unusual design solutions for organizing such a living area.

What is the concept of ADU with loft?

This is the first and main question that homeowners ask when planning this project, so it makes sense to sort it out in detail. We know that ADU is an extra living space that can be completely independent of the existing house, e.g., detached ADU or have common borders with it.

Then the most interesting thing begins. In the context of panel houses or skyscrapers, an attic is a small space under the roof itself. However, if we are talking about ADU, then we use the word loft, which occupies a full-fledged story. In other words, to create a loft, it is not enough to simply raise the ceiling height, you need to build a second story.

The second nuance has to do with ladder. Since we are talking about a separate building, property owners cannot install a ladder. Construction law experts recommend giving preference to spiral staircase, because it is correct from the point of view of the building codes of California state, and it is also a wonderful decor element that will emphasize the uniqueness of the interior space.

ADU with Loft: Unique Privileges

All accessory dwelling units have a number of similar advantages, such as the ability to accommodate elderly parents or upgrade property value. You can easily find such a list at the first link in your search engine, so let’s dive into more unique aspects, especially since today we are talking about an extremely unusual project.

We highlight six unique privileges of the accessory dwelling unit with loft:

• Creative studio. Let’s start right away with the most unusual position, namely that the accessory dwelling unit with a loft is a space for realizing all your creative potential. This building has a magical aura that infuses property owners with energy and ideas. Here, you can organize a small art studio to practice your favorite hobbies, which is also very useful for mental health.
• Stable rental income source. California is a unique state, since there are always a lot of tourists, students or business travelers who are looking for housing. Standard apartments no longer attract as much attention as they have for 20 years, unlike accessory dwelling units. If we are talking about such a non-standard site plan as ADU with loft space, then there will be no end to potential tenants, as well as drawdowns in generating rental income.
• Healthy sleeping area. It is no secret that ADU is the best workspace. However, it is also an excellent place to relax. Just visualize what could be better than climbing the stairs to a cozy loft, reading a book, lying down on a king-size bed, and getting 8-10 hours of healthy sleep. It is impossible to imagine a better recovery from routine and a working lifestyle.
• Comfortable room for visitors. Guests may declare their intention to visit your main house quite suddenly. This often puts homeowners in a difficult position because the existing living area is not rubbery. In contrast, loft areas comfortably accommodate everyone, including family members, friends, or colleagues. Such ADUs have an alternative sobriquet, namely granny flats because they have everything from a bathroom with a safe design to a spacious kitchen.
• Additional storage space. Another situation that baffles homeowners is the shortage of storage space in primary houses, especially if they do not have an empty garage for similar purposes. Extra living spaces with lofts act as the best assistants in such cases because this room is definitely enough for you to store all things, even those that you have already forgotten about.
• Perspective for the future. Building a tiny home with a loft is a great investment in the future in case of unforeseen circumstances. If you suddenly need a home office, you can transform this space into a workplace. If your adult child requires separation from the youngest, then you will also provide it. If you need additional finances, then you can sell this building at a bargain value because the price tag for real estate never falls but only grows.

As you can see, additional living space with a loft is in no way inferior in variability and flexibility to other types of ADUs, with the only difference being that this project has a unique style, configuration, and atmosphere.

Exceptional ADU with Loft Ideas

In the issue of building an ADU, the most important dilemma that a property owner and his family may face is choosing the configuration and style of the future ADU because the modern construction industry invents new options every year. Many experts agree that garage conversion is the most variable project. However, we believe that ADU with a loft can challenge this.

Here are some of the most attractive and creative ADU houses with lofts:

ADU backyard cottage

The most practical option among all the available tiny houses with lofts is the backyard ADU (the second name is Granny Flat). This ADU is the epitome of an ideal household life because this space on the ground floor opens access to a high-tech kitchen, a safe bathroom, and a cozy living room. On the second floor, you or your guests will find a spacious bedroom with a high ceiling for relaxation, as well as a small space for a home office. Nothing superfluous, just essential components that will provide warmth, comfort, and a pleasant stay.

ADU with an Alpine-style loft

Let’s move on to the more unusual lofted ADU, in particular, an option that allows you to keep in close contact with nature. The main feature of the Alpine-style ADU is the presence of a veranda on the ground floor or a small balcony on the second floor. This attribute of the ADU structure opens up many possibilities, from reading books outdoors before going to bed to admiring sunrises and sunsets. Given the fact that this phenomenon has a special magic in California, ADUs with Alpine-style lofts will be especially desirable among tenants.

A-Frame ADU with loft

The interior of this ADU seems to have come from the pages of fairy-tale books. It looks like a small but compact living area; however, if you go inside, you will find a fairly spacious room, the unusual design of which will add character to the entire property. It is noteworthy that this option is the most flexible because you can use an A-frame ADU as a workspace, rental unit, a place for privacy and reflection alone with yourself, or as something very unusual like a home library with a fireplace, a cinema room with a giant screen or an art studio with easels around the perimeter.

If you still have at least a shadow of doubt about the intention of building an ADU with a loft, then we just remind you that it is impossible to come up with a better scenario when, after an evening walk, you enter a new ADU, pour a cup of hot tea or cocoa, go up to the second floor in a cozy loft, lie down in a soft bed, watch your favorite film and fall asleep with the best dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What is the most crucial moment in ADU with loft construction?

In the context of local regulations, the most tricky aspect of building an ADU with lofts is the installation of the stairs, namely stairs in any configuration, but not a ladder. This rule has a completely logical explanation, namely that the loft occupies a full-fledged floor, which means it is necessary to install reliable stairs, for example, in a screw format.

Why is an ADU structure with a loft so popular among homeowners?

The unique point of this format is that it combines the classic set of ADU functions with unusual options. For example, you can use this building like a granny flat for staying close with older family members, generate passive income, or create a home office. On par with this, in the loft you can organize a place for relaxation, reading books, a cozy family vacation and a lot of things that you dreamed of.

What is the average cost of ADU with loft in California?

In the matter of price, we can also highlight similar points with classic ADUs configurations. For example, a free-standing ADU with a loft will cost more than one that shares borders with the main house. Moreover, the complexity of the interior and floor plan also has a direct impact on the final price tag of ADU with loft.

Which style of ADU with a loft is the most practical, profitable, and unusual?

Perhaps we will call ADU with an Alpine-style loft, because it is the perfect combination of minimalistic and modern interior with notes of ancient nobility. Each room of such an ADU from the bathroom to the bedroom is as comfortable and technologically advanced as possible, and all of the above combined makes this ADU attractive to tenants, which means it is profitable to rent.