In today’s world, many families are looking for smarter ways to live together. Rising housing costs, aging parents, and adult children moving back home have made multigenerational living more common than ever. But how do you make it work without sacrificing privacy or comfort?

That’s where Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) come in. These small, independent living spaces built on the same property as a primary home are becoming a popular solution in Los Angeles. Whether it’s a converted garage, a backyard cottage, or an attached unit, ADUs create space for family members while keeping everyone close.

But is an ADU the right fit for your family? Let’s explore.

An Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a single-family lot. It has its own kitchen, bathroom, and living space, making it a complete home on a smaller scale. In Los Angeles, ADUs are not only legal but encouraged by the city to help with housing needs.

They come in different types:

• Detached ADUs: A separate small home in the backyard.
• Attached ADUs: An addition to the existing house.
• Garage Conversions: Turning a garage into a livable unit.
• Interior Conversions: Creating a unit within the main home, such as a basement suite.

1. Privacy With Proximity

One of the biggest challenges of multigenerational living is balancing togetherness with independence. An ADU allows loved ones—such as parents or adult children—to have their own private space while staying close enough for daily connection.

2. Supporting Aging Parents

Many families prefer to keep aging parents nearby instead of moving them into assisted living. With an ADU, parents can live independently but still have family just steps away for support. This provides peace of mind for everyone.

3. Space for Adult Children

With high housing costs in Los Angeles, young adults often move back home to save money. An ADU gives them their own living area while still being part of the family household.

4. Flexibility for the Future

ADUs are incredibly versatile. Even if you build one now for family, later it can serve as a rental for extra income, a guest house, or even a home office.

Before building an ADU, consider these questions:

• Do you have space on your property? Most homes in Los Angeles can qualify for an ADU, but lot size and layout matter.
• What’s your budget? ADU costs vary depending on size and type. The investment can pay off long-term in property value and rental potential.
• Who will live there? Think about your family’s current needs—and how they might change in the next 5–10 years.
• Are you prepared for permitting and construction? Working with an experienced Los Angeles ADU contractor makes the process much smoother.

Even if you’re not currently living with multiple generations, ADUs bring added benefits:

• Increase Property Value – Homes with ADUs are more attractive to buyers.
• Rental Income Potential – Rent it out for additional monthly income.
• Sustainable Housing – ADUs make better use of land and resources, contributing to more affordable housing solutions in Los Angeles.

If you’ve been thinking about how to support your family while keeping your home comfortable, an ADU could be the perfect solution. It provides the space, independence, and flexibility you need—all while strengthening family bonds.

At Coleman Build, we specialize in designing and building Additional Dwelling Units in Los Angeles tailored to your property, lifestyle, and budget. From navigating city permits to creating a space that feels like home, our team makes the process simple and stress-free.

👉 Ready to explore whether an ADU is the right fit for your family? Contact Coleman Build today and let’s design a solution that works for generations to come.