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3332 <br />In this step you will… <br />• Consider your goals <br />and design options <br />together. <br />• Work on your own <br />or with a designer to <br />sketch out your ADU. <br />Considerations <br />While you may already have a vision of what your ADU will look like, it is important to spend some time thinking <br />about function. How will the design of the ADU meet your short-term and long-term objectives? <br />DESIGN IDEASSTEP TWO Print this page and sketch your ADU floor and site plans. <br />TIP Chances are you’ve already come across many inspiring designs either online or <br />perhaps in your own neighborhood. Use an old-fashioned scrapbook or an online service to <br />help organize these inspirations so you can refer to them later or use them to convey to your <br />designer what resonates with you. <br />Bedrooms <br />The number of bedrooms should reflect who <br />you think will spend time there. Studios are <br />attractive for their open and flexible space, <br />but designated bedrooms offer more privacy. <br />Units with designated bedrooms usually rent <br />at a higher price, but they could be more <br />expensive to build. <br />Traditional or prefabricated construction <br />In addition to the many design choices you have for your ADU, you also can choose whether to build your ADU using <br />traditional “stick-built,” on-site construction or some form of prefabricated assembly. Factory-built, modular, panelized and <br />other newer construction technologies are increasingly available, and in some situations can reduce your costs or the time <br />it takes to build. You might also be surprised by the high quality. If you are interested in a prefabricated method, consider <br />how the building will be delivered to your lot, the delivery costs and what site-preparation work will be required. <br />Access <br />Think about how ADU residents will get to their front door. At a <br />minimum, you’ll need to provide them a stable, well-lit path. Your city <br />may have regulations that specify where you can place the ADU entrance. <br />Environmental <br />You can reduce environmental impacts and save on energy costs through <br />the layout and materials that you choose for your ADU. For instance, you <br />can use recycled materials, insulate well and place windows in locations <br />that will take advantage of the sun’s location throughout the year. You <br />can also incorporate solar panels so that the ADU can generate its own <br />energy. Work with your development team to understand what’s possible. <br />Universal design & accessibility <br />A home built with universal design means <br />that anyone, regardless of age or ability, can <br />live there comfortably. In addition to ensuring <br />that there is easy access to the unit without <br />stairs, universal design features include <br />pull-out lower drawers, level-entry showers, <br />lower countertops and raised electrical <br />outlets. Building to universal design standards <br />is a smart way to ensure the ADU will meet <br />your needs over time. <br />Finished materials <br />While you don’t need to make decisions yet, keep in mind that the <br />materials you use will affect your budget. A designer can provide cost <br />estimates. You might also be able to save money by reusing some <br />materials. Be aware that some selections, like doors and appliances, <br />might affect the design of the ADU.