For the last two weeks, I shared ideas on Guest Houses, also known as ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Adding space for guests, friends, rental potential, or home office space can provide you with great ROI.
ROI can come in the form of income or livability. Maybe both are what you are looking for.
I’m sure you’ve seen a number of “tiny houses” where people choose to downsize and or live life off grid. Many others look to add additional space for a variety of reasons. You can have a separate dwelling space or make changes to your existing home. A few options include:
- A bumpout
- Garage or basement conversion
- A guest suite
Names you might encounter for such a space might be:
- Mother-in-law suite
- Multigenerational units
- Granny pad
- Medical Cottage
- ADU
- Guest cottage or suite
- Tiny home
- AirBnB
- Work space
- Boomerang space
- Guest apartment
- and the list goes on. You can get pretty creative with names.
No matter what you call it, the exterior will need to tie in with the original architecture of your home for the city and neighborhood associations to give their blessing. The intent is for it to blend into your existing surrounding and not detract from the neighborhood. If you don’t have an HOA, that can make things a whole lot easier.
Nonetheless, thoughtful architecture is important.
When it comes to guest house interiors, you don’t have to skimp!
Let’s look at some beautiful examples where designers and homeowners personalized their guest spaces to reflect how they live and work in them, and how they want their guests to experience them. I’d love to hear your feedback on which one you love the most.
If you care to see Episode 1 of 3 on Prefabricated ADUs, click here. Prefab units can be built in 90 days which makes it super quick! Think of an improved shed, that you can totally customize. There are some great options available.
Episode 2 of 3 talks about Custom Builds, and there are some beauties! Click here. If you love creative architectural looks, I think you’ll appreciate the examples I share.
AirBNB, VRBO or Long Term Rental
If you chose to rent…
If you chose to rent out your space, there is a difference between long term and short term rentals when it comes to the city, your lender and insurance companies. Be sure to do your homework on this and definitely put together a qualified team of professionals to help you pull it all together. You’ll need an architect, builder, designer and engineer. When they all work together at the beginning of a project, you have an integrated design/build project. This approach helps save time, money and minimizes change orders. It’s a smart approach.
Here are two helpful resources you might enjoy if you are seriously thinking about having a guest house.
- Accessory Dwellings is a comprehensive source for all things ADUs. Click here.
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Let me know if any of these interiors get you excited!
With COVID19 having a huge impact on the way we live, I do believe more people will be looking to have a place for guests, family and or work space. You can create something that is not only beautiful, but also extremely functional. The sky is the limit!
Join me on YouTube
Please feel free to join me on my YouTube channel: Lisa J Wood as I kick it off. You’ll see changes happen within my “studio” as I grow in this direction. It’s new, exciting and a little scary as well. So any encouragement and love you can send my way with likes, comments and subscribing is so greatly appreciated!
I look forward to connecting with, inspiring and helping more people. And if you know of anyone who can benefit from these videos, invite them to join our party or share them with the ones you love.
Till next time, have a great rest of your week!
Cheers to creating and living a beautiful life!
