For many homeowners, ADUs can be a great source of rental income (you can rent to an unrelated person) or serve as living quarters for adult children, elderly parents or extended family. Just remember, ADU’s are separate living quarters with their own egress, kitchens and baths. They are not simply home additions.
An ADU can be:
• a newly constructed stand-alone structure
• a home addition that creates a separate living quarter
• conversion of an existing space such as garage or basement into a separate dwelling
The cost will depend on the size and type of ADU, water and sewer availability, and general consumer preferences. There are many options in the market from modular to stick built to alternations of existing spaces. Take your time and explore the issue and reach out to your local bank or credit union to see what financing options may work best for you. It’s not easy, but it’s worth the extra research.
Building an ADU from scratch or having a modular option placed in your yard does require a significant skill set, so a professional contractor is recommended. In selecting a contractor, be sure they are registered and have proven experiences and capacity.
Choosing the right contractor is very important. Before you hire a contractor, make sure you can trust and are comfortable working with that person. Ask friends, relatives, neighbors, and other professionals for recommendations. When you have the names of several reputable contractors, interview them; ask for references, ask to see completed projects, check for online information and reviews, make sure they do projects of your size and scope, and ask whatever else you feel would improve your confidence moving forward. Once you’ve identified the contractor(s) who you would consider hiring, do your due diligence to ensure that the contractor(s) meet the highest standards. You may want to give special consideration to contactors who are members of a professional builders’ association. A member of a professional association can be an indication that a contractor recognizes the responsibilities of being a professional, but that can’t be guaranteed. More importantly, verify that the contractor has insurance and is registered with the RI Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board. You should also check to see if the contractor has been the subject of any consumer complaints or regulatory violations. You can find complaint information here: http://www.crb.ri.gov/search/contractor-search.php and regulatory enforcement decisions here: Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board (“CRLB”) | Dept. of Business Regulation (ri.gov).
