Small, cost-effective accessory dwelling units have become quite popular nowadays. Even prior to the pandemic, the demand for them was increasing, but during it, their popularity skyrocketed. The social isolation and the economic crisis made people reevaluate their priorities. That’s why people often explore the possibility of building tiny homes, such as 550 sq. ft. ADUs that have only one bedroom.

Dwelling units of this size may look odd to some people, but in reality, they’ve been existing for a long time. For example, many monks lived in small houses, leading a simple, ascetic lifestyle. Now, the idea of tiny homes has gained a second life. Often, such homes are garage conversions.

However, your small ADU doesn’t have to be as minimalistic as a monk’s house. Modern tiny homes can be very comfortable, with large windows, a cozy bedroom, soft beds, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room. In our article, we’ll explore this subject in more detail. We’ll tell you about the biggest advantages of such a unit and the categories of people for whom it can be the most suitable.

550 sq. ft. ADU Project advantages

The square footage of an ADU differs depending on its type (attached, detached, or garage conversion), floor plans, the local jurisdiction, and the client’s personal preferences. Often, people choose a small accessory dwelling unit because of its numerous benefits.

One of the main upsides of small ADU projects is their low price. Typically, the most expensive parts of an accessory dwelling unit are its foundation and roof. In case the house is tiny, they’re tiny too, which makes the whole construction cheaper.

Let’s name some other important benefits of a 550 sq. ft. accessory dwelling unit floor plan:

1. All payments, such as mortgage, electricity, and water bills, assessment, and taxes are significantly lower;
2. Smaller square footage means less cleaning and maintenance;
3. A compact, one-bedroom apartment floor plan requires less materials and smaller (thus cheaper) furniture. There’s simply not enough space for large couches and tables, be it the bedroom or the living room;
4. The best furniture type for such a project is the multifunctional one — for example, a sofa with storage space. It will help you organize every square foot of the ADU space and make your floor plan much less cramped. Also, we’d recommend compact sliding doors.

550 square feet ADU floor plans

Since 550 sq. ft. ADUs are rather comfortable and have all the necessary conveniences, such floor plans can suit almost all kinds of homeowners — especially people with simpler, less consumerist lifestyles.

However, these floor plans are most fitting for:

• An introvert who prefers to live alone;
• A distance worker — a 550 sq. ft. accessory dwelling unit can be not only a living area but also a perfect workspace;
• A single-family without children;
• Elderly people — such houses have the name “granny flats” for a reason;
• Grown-up kids who started to need privacy and separation from their parents.

In addition to that, an one-bedroom 550 sq. ft. ADU can be a great place for rent or guests. It’s an inexpensive option that can help you accommodate them on your property without disturbing your own family members. The same goes for your aging relatives. It’s very convenient when they live close to you, especially if they need care. But they will still have their private space — and you too.

So, as we’ve found out, 550 sq. ft. ADU floor plans can fit many categories of people. Contact us if you want to get such a dwelling unit. Our builders, designers, and other specialists have a huge experience in creating ADUs of any type, style, size, and budget.

We can convert an old garage into a cozy living space with a bathroom, a kitchen, and a bedroom — or build it completely from scratch! We’ll create high-quality CAD drawings of your project and discuss them with you, so you’ll be able to make all the necessary adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

Is 550 square feet apartment big?

Such a layout is not very large but just enough for an ADU project with one bedroom, a half-bathroom, and a kitchenette. It’s a rather suitable variant for one person or a small single family that doesn’t have children.

How much is ADU per square foot in California?

The price of an ADU construction’s square foot can range from $250 to $420. It typically depends on several different factors, such as your property location, floor plans, materials, the ADU size, style, and even a view out of its window.

Can you build 2 ADU in California?

California local regulations allow one classic and one junior ADU (no more than 500 sq. ft.) in addition to the main house. So, technically, yes, you can create two ADUs on the same property. The classic ADU can be a garage conversion or a building attached to the primary residence or detached from it.