Getting the most space out of your ADU

With an ADU, you are dealing with a small footprint constrained by regulations in some way.   In Austin, you are limited to 1100 sq. ft. but your land area and existing house may limit you even further.

So, how do you make the most out of a small space?

Walls and rooms.  The fewer you have, the better.  With an 1100 sq. ft. unit, you can fit 1 decent bedrooms upstairs.  However, with anything below 900 sq. ft., you’re better off with one larger bedroom.

Bathrooms.  These can take up considerable space.  Limiting the upstairs to 1 shared bathroom frees up considerable space for closet, storage or bedroom space.

Kitchens.  Kitchens have to be smaller.  Typically, there is no dining area other than a kitchen bar.  You will have smaller appliances as well.  If you put a big fridge in a small space, its overwhelming.

Mechanical.  Try to locate the AC unit and washer/dryer in the garage, carport or uncooled space.  For a water heater, utilize a tankless water heater.  Consider using ductless mini split ACs to avoid the space required for a duct run from the upstairs to the downstairs or consider running the duct on the garage side.  Intelligent placement of these items can free up considerable space allowing for a closet, a vaulted ceiling and other niceties.

Furnishings.  Pick correctly sized furnishings that can multi task such as beds with storage underneath and coffee table with storage inside.

Go vertical.  Use the wall height for intelligent storage.  

Exterior storage.  Consider a small storage building behind the house.  This is typically except from FAR regulations.

Porches and decks.  They make a small space seem much larger.