Tiny Homes + ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)
So you are interested in learning more about Tiny Homes or ADU’s (accessory dwelling units)? We’ve written a few great blog posts to get you more familiar, but tiny homes and ADU’s are almost the same: tiny homes (ours range from approximately 500 square feet to 800 square feet) can be either mobile, or constructed in place and far more permanent. At Live Urban, we build on-site with permanent foundations. They typically include living space, kitchen facilities, bathroom facilities and sleeping space(s).
ADU’s on the other hand, can come in different forms. They have one thing in common – they are built on a property where there is an existing and separate home. They can be an apartment over a detached garage, a stand-alone house, etc.
Below we focus on units that are stand-alone: built in place tiny homes, in-law suites, separate places for your grown kids, or perhaps rented to others for an income stream.
Regardless of what your plan is, we can assist you in finding an ADU that meets your needs, the unique characteristics of your site, at a variety of price points.
Below we share example plans for both one and two bedroom units. These are single story units without basements. However, depending on the specifics of your site, it may be possible to add a basement and/or a second floor. This will depend on local zoning, and serviceability.
Check out some of our plans below.
Option A: 1 bedroom unit
This unit can be flipped, or clerestory windows added along the front house line to create higher ceilings and a fantastic sense of light inside the home. A second access can be provided either within the bedroom or to the sideyard from the kitchen. Laundry can be provided in the service room. Don’t miss the large closet!
Option B: another 1 bedroom option
This unit provides great private access from the bedroom to the set back washroom. A second access could be provided from either the kitchen or service room. The layout allows for a wide open living space – you can see clear to the back of the home from the front door.
Option C: 2 bedroom unit with split bedrooms
This unit offers a split bedroom layout, ensuring privacy for the occupants. This privacy is improved by recessing the entrances to the bedrooms and bathroom from the main living areas. The main bedroom is sized to accommodate a king sized bed, and the second bedroom can accommodate two twin beds (or equivalent).
Option D: corner entry 2 bedroom option
This layout provides a large living area that spans the length of the home. The front bedroom can be used for a variety of purposes. A second sink is provided outside the main bathroom to allow for multiple users at the same time. A second access point can be placed in either the kitchen or service room.
Unsure as to how to proceed? Give us a call or send us an email. We can talk to you about the process, help you figure out if an ADU is right for you.
Services we provide include:
- Site visit to help you determine an appropriate size range for your unit and the best location on the lot, given the slope, proximity to property lines, other buildings, etc.
- Review your wishlist to determine what you’d like to see at the end result, and prioritize these items when comparing it to budgets
- Develop a design option: Perhaps one of our existing units is just right. But perhaps you have unique needs or site constraints, and a custom unit would better serve you. We can walk you through the design process to create a floor plan or elevation that suits you perfectly.
- Select your finishes: This is an exciting part of the project. At this stage we are trying to understand general style, colour schemes, and budgets for these aspects, which may differ depending on the intended use. For ease of selection, we offer three levels of finishes: standard, midrange, and custom.
- Create a building permit package: Prepare the design drawings, including details, to submit for building permits. If other permits are required, we can help you coordinate this with our partners. Depending on your municipality, these could include surveys, site plans, minor variances, engineering submissions, etc.
Live Urban Building and Development Inc. 