Accessory dwelling units have been around for a while. You might call them granny flats, in-law units, tiny homes, or carriage houses. These little homes can solve a number of issues, such as making a good retirement home, or if you want your parents to live close to you so you can take care of them. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can be located within the primary dwelling such as a basement or attic, be attached to the primary dwelling, or be structurally separate from the primary dwelling. ADUs usually contain a separate kitchen and bathroom. ADUs can be traced back to the early 20th century, when they were a common feature in single-family housing. Many ADUs were created by middle-aged or older persons seeking to take in boarders after their children moved out.

What should you know if you plan to build an ADU in Albuquerque?

Types of ADUs

There are several ways you can build an ADU. They include:

  • Detached new construction ADUs, also sometimes called backyard cottages, granny flats, laneway houses, or DADUs.
  • Garage conversion ADUs
  • ADUs above a garage or workshop, or attached to it.
  • Addition ADUs or “bump-out ADUs”:
  • Basement conversion ADUs, also commonly called basement apartments, mother-in-law units, in law units, secondary suites, English basements, accessory apartments, and a host of other names.
  • Internal ADUs, where part of the primary house besides the basement is converted to an ADU.

Cost

It comes as no surprise that building an ADU is cheaper than building a regular home. But it's still a considerable investment. An ADU that includes a kitchen and bathroom typically start at $80,000 and can quickly move up from there. Depending how elaborate the structure is you can end up spending as much as $150,000 or more.

In addition to the cost of construction, you need to consider permits. Many homeowners may end up building illegal accessory dwellings because they realize how much permits cost. So make sure that you check the permit fees before you build.

Regulations

If you want to build an ADU in Albuquerque or the surrounding area, you should check current local regulations before you build as they are subject to change. In general, in New Mexico most regulations include the following guidelines:

  • It must have a room which is at least 70 sq. ft and no less than seven ft in any direction (including the ceiling)
  • Each tiny house must have sanitary facilities (toilet, sink, and either a bath or shower)
  • The bathroom and kitchen sink have to have both hot and cold water
  • The plumbing fixtures must be connected to an approved sewage system
  • The whole structure has to sit on a foundation which is considered permanent
  • It needs to meet the requirement of the New Mexico Energy Conservation Code
  • There are a number of things which must be included, and which need to be regulated, such as:
    • Windows
    • Permanent heating facilities
    • Wall-switch lighting
    • Bathroom windows or exhaust fans
    • Smoke alarms
    • A door (leading to the outside) which must be at least 32 inches wide and 78 inches high

Building an ADU on your property can certainly be a good way to address your family's needs. Just make sure you do your research and are ready to make the investment.

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