AARP Livable Communities

ADUs Come in Many Shapes and Sizes

Accessory dwelling units can be attached, detached, internal upper-level, lower-level and more

The many shapes and sizes of ADUs

Since ADUs can be created in many different shapes and styles, they’re able to fit discreetly into all sorts of communities, including suburban subdivisions, row-house streets (either with or without backalleys), walkable town or urban neighborhoods — and, of course, large lots and rural regions.

The many shapes and sizes of ADUs

Follow the links below to learn about a variety of ADU types.

1. Attached ADU Addition

2. Garage Apartment ADU

3. Basement ADU

4. Internal ADU (Main Level)

5. Internal ADU (Lower Level)

6. Detached ADU (One-Story)

7. Detached ADU (Two-Story)

8. Detached Bedroom — and "Tiny Houses"

 

MORE ABOUT ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

Download and share the handout Accessory Dwelling Units — What They Are, What They Can Do, a one-page PDF adapted from The ABCs of ADUs, a free publication by AARP.

Image showing 6 ADU types and a screenshot of the ADU fact-sheet

Visit AARP.org/ADU for links to more articles and to order AARP's free publications about accessory dwelling units.  

The ABCs of ADUS

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