Tiny homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have increased in popularity because of their affordability, size, investments, financial incentives and grants, and their ability to house multigenerational living. Adding an ADU to a small lot can add endless possibilities to your property. Whether it’s a home office, a play space for children, a home for senior relatives, a guest house, or an art studio, ADUs are the next essential home need.
What is an ADU?
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent housing unit located on the same lot as a single-family home. ADUs are most typically detached from the main home, but can be attached or interior, like a concerted attached garage, basement, or attic space. ADUs usually range from 400-1,200 square feet, making them the optimal size for additional housing options..
What is the Difference Between an ADU and a Tiny Home?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but the difference between an ADU and a tiny home is that ADU is a secondary property while tiny home is a broad term that can refer to a standalone home, prefab-house, or mobile home. ADUs are intended to be permanent, while tiny homes can be designed to be mobile, sometimes being built on wheels. Because of this, they also require different regulations, permits, and codes.
Benefits of an ADU
There are many benefits of choosing to build an ADU, including:
- Increased space
- Proximity to loved ones for aging in place or caretaking
- Rental income
- Increase housing affordability (both for homeowners and tenants)
- Create a wider range of housing options
- Facilitate better use of the existing housing fabric
- Downsizing to a more comfortable space
Design Strategies for Small Lots
Some strategies for building ADUs on small lots where space is limited are:
- Vertical building solutions (garage conversions)- when the lot is especially small and there may not be room to add an ADU next to or behind the house, you can build an ADU on top of your garage to maximize the vertical space.
- Maximizing natural light and open floor plans- open floor plans help create a sense of spaciousness in a small space, giving you more flexibility with your design.
- Integrating the tiny home into the landscaping- using vertical planters to create privacy is a great way to elevate your ADU when space is limited.
- Using a patio/pathways to separate spaces- a designated path can help the two spaces remain separate but connected. A shared patio can create some distance between the two units, while still having a shared space to enjoy.
About ADUs in Englewood, CO
Just south of Denver, CO, Englewood is an optimal location for ADUs. In 2023, the city council adopted a new development code to strengthen development regulations to ensure that developers build more attractive, sustainable, and neighborhood-friendly buildings. CodeNext is a unified development code that makes many changes to the building process of ADUs in Englewood, such as zone districts, eligibility, allowed ADU types, number of ADUs per property, occupancy requirements, size, height, and placement allowances, and parking requirements.
Estimated Costs of Tiny Homes and ADUs in Englewood
There are a variety of factors that impact the cost of adding an ADU like pre-construction costs, site preparation and foundation, materials, and labor. A general standard for price is that constructing an ADU will cost in proportion to the primary dwelling size and value. For example, an ADU that will be approximately 30 – 40% of the size of the primary home (typical size allowance), may cost 30 – 40% of the home value to build (e.g. for a home valued at $600,000 adding an ADU could range from $180k – $240k).
State-Level Financing and Incentive Programs
The state of Colorado does have a grant program to promote the construction of ADUs. This program awards grants directly to local governments, and you should apply if you are a resident of Colorado, interested in potential ADU funding.
Popular Styles for ADUs in Englewood
Before the CodeNext amendment, only garden cottage and carriage houses were allowed to be built as ADUs in Englewood. Now, ADUs that are detached accessory buildings, attached to existing structure, or located within principal structure (attic or basement apartments) are all allowed to be built in Englewood.
Permit Process and Timeline
The timeline for building an ADU varies, with permits in each city being the biggest variable. Our standard building timeline right now is about four to eight months from design and permitting to completion.
Zoning and Size Requirements in Englewood
Here are some changes to the requirements for ADUs in Englewood you should be aware of:
Zoning
The CodeNext amendment increased the amount of zone districts that ADUs are permitted for in Englewood. View this map to see if your home is eligible for constructing an ADU in Englewood.
Size
Local Englewood allowances permit ADUs to be up to 800 square feet if it is a detached building. If the ADU is attached or internal to the principal building, it can be equal to the building’s footprint. The height limitations are 16’ maximum, or 25’ if the ADU is placed above an operable garage. ADUs can be to the side or rear of the principal structure, or otherwise integrated into the principal dwelling structure.
Parking
There are no additional parking spaces required. Parking, where provided, is subject to lot coverage and frontage design standards.
Start your ADU Build in Englewood With a Free Estimate Today
Small lots in Englewood are perfect for an ADU build. Explore some of our completed projects for examples of how we can elevate your small lot into an extra home. Our mission is to create a space that’s more than just four walls and a roof. Contact us today for a free consultation for your property in Englewood.
