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ADU Floor Plans

500+ Floor Plans From 200 to 1,200 Sq Ft.

Pick a floor plan that fits your needs and property.

The best ADU Floor Plan addresses family needs and fits the backyard like a glove. Your new ADU should look like it has always been there, not as a foreign object. It should also maximize the space – take as much of your backyard as you are willing to dedicate to the new living area.

What Should You Consider in an ADU Floor Plan?

Looking at an ADU Floor Plan during the pre-construction phase is a great way to maximize your new living space and make the most of the space you have. ADU floor plans are designed to be efficient, allowing you to use every square foot of your property for maximum benefit. They can include separate entrances, kitchens, full bathrooms, and large bedrooms. You can create a comfortable and functional living environment for yourself or your family without breaking the bank. With a variety of tiny house plans, pre-designed plans, and pre-approved plans for smaller homes available, there’s sure to be one that fits your needs perfectly.

The Different Types of ADU Floor Plans and Their Benefits

Small house plans are becoming more popular as a way to make the most of limited space. Different floor plans suit various needs, whether a granny flat, garage conversion, laneway house, or studio apartment. Each type has unique benefits and can be tailored to the homeowner’s requirements. Carriage houses often have the ground floor as a garage while offering the top floor as a guest house. Garage conversions call for smaller kitchen areas, frequently combined with a dining area. An attached ADU will look like an addition to the primary house but must have a separate entrance.

What ADU floor plan will make the most of your backyard?

From 200 Sq Ft to 1,200 Sq Ft - see what fits in each floor plan size

12 Popular ADU Floor Plans

200 sq ft ADU Floor Plan

ADU floor plans 200 sq ft

Minimal size of an accessory dwelling unit by law is 150 sf ft. We are able to fit a bathroom and small kitchenette into a 200 sf ft studio.

300 sq ft ADU Floor Plan

ADU floor plans 300 sq ft

300 sq ft will make a comfortable studio with a kitchenette and more room for a proper bathroom. 

350 sq ft ADU Floor Plan

ADU floor plans 350 sq ft

The smallest size we offer where you can fit a tiny bedroom in addition to the open space used for living and eating.

400 sq ft ADU Floor Plan

ADU floor plans 400 sq ft

Reasonable size for a small one bedroom dwelling unit. The bathroom has enough space for a tub. The size of the kitchen can be adjusted according to your needs.

ADU Floor Plans 500 sq ft

ADU floor plans 500 sq ft

This one bedroom one bathroom can be executed in an L shaped or in a more traditional I shape layout depending on the space in your backyard. Ideal size of an in-law suite in a small backyard.

600 sq ft ADU Floor Plan

ADU floor plans 600 sq ft

This one bedroom one bathroom can be executed in an T shaped or L shape layout depending on the space in your backyard. The layout is usually governed by access and privacy considerations.

700 sq ft ADU Floor Plan

ADU floor plans 700 sq ft

This two bedroom two bathroom ADU design makes efficient use of space with more emphasis on private quarters than on common living area.

750 sf ADU floor plan

ADU floor plans 750 sq ft

This two bedroom one bathroom ADU design has a comfortable living area, two bedrooms with closets, laundry space and the bathroom with the shower. This plan has an ADA compliant option.

800 sq ft ADU Floor Plan

ADU floor plans 800 sq ft

This two bedroom two bathroom ADU has a primary en suite bathroom and an additional bathroom with access from the living area.

900 sq ft ADU Floor Plan

ADU floor plans 900 sq ft

This detached two bedroom two bathroom ADU has a primary en suite bathroom and an additional bathroom with access from the living area.

1000 sq ft ADU Floor Plan

ADU floor plans 1000 sq ft

This two bedroom two bathroom ADU has a primary en suite bathroom and an additional bathroom with access from the living area. The kitchen has an option to be a separate room.

1200 sq ft ADU Floor Plan

This two bedroom two bathroom ADU has a primary en suite bathroom and an additional bathroom with access from the living area. Both bedroom have walk in closets, and there is an additional flex room that could be used as an office. Can easily be used as a main home for a small lot!

We often make site-specific edits to the floor plans design to meet your needs,  reflect location details and local permit requirements.

What this means? A couple of examples.

You may have a main house layout that has windows looking directly into the ADU windows if left as is. We can shift the windows so that both homes retain privacy.

You may have a huge tree in your backyard that we need to consider when placing the ADU. We redesign the foundation to make sure the arborist can bless the design and sign us off.

Learn how we meet challenges  – read our case studies.

The best way to make sure we understand what you need is to sign up for our complimentary design call. We will run an online check of the backyard during the call with you, and you can share whatever restrictions you may want to incorporate into design.

 

design showroom

How to Choose the Right ADU Floor Plan for Your Needs

Choosing the right ADU floor plan for your needs can be daunting. It is essential to consider all the factors that may affect your decision, such as budget, lifestyle, and the size of the space you have available. It is also beneficial to look at tiny home design ideas and existing small house designs to help create a cozy living space. With careful consideration, you can find an ADU floor plan that meets all of your needs and desires.

A pre-designed plan can be a great way to save money and time when building backyard cottages. Prefab ADU house plans often provide flexibility in designing the house’s look and energy efficiency. It may not be cheaper than traditional construction methods, but it is faster if the stars align. Stick-built ADU gives you complete freedom for ADU design. 

With an ADU floor plan pre-approved in the State of California, homeowners can enjoy the cost savings associated with building permits for an ADU plus a fast-track permitting process while still having the flexibility to design a home that meets their needs and preferences.

So, you’ve decided to join the ADU revolution. That’s great news! An Accessory Dwelling Unit can add square footage to your property while enhancing its functionality and value. 

But with so many ADU floor plans, choosing the one that fits your space best can be intimidating. This quick guide will share essential questions to ask yourself while evaluating ADU plans so you can choose the one that makes the most of your backyard!

 

small dining table

Who Will Live There?

Thinking about the people living in the ADU will give a general idea of the floor plan to prioritize for your ADU project. Will it be a young couple? Or a multigenerational family looking for a secondary house for separate living? Will the residents need a home office—or are they fond of cooking and prefer a large kitchen? Are you planning to earn rental income by renting out your ADU? Once you have answered these questions, you will better understand the size of the living room for your ADU, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, etc.

How Does Traffic Flow?

Think about the daily routine of residents—and make sure it flows well in the house plan. Is the kitchen conveniently located near the dining room? Do the bedrooms provide (easy) access to bathrooms—avoiding morning bottlenecks? Pay attention to traffic patterns; this will help ensure the flow feels natural. The flexible flow is one of the main advantages of an open floor plan – it offers efficient use of space and endless possibilities for residents to use space.

What Type of ADU Floor Plan Will Work?

Making the most of limited square feet is just one piece of the puzzle; you must also focus on the overall feel you require. If the plan has an open living room—are there designated areas for rest, work, etc.? If open floor plans sacrifice the privacy of your residents, look for layouts with well-defined bedrooms. On the other hand, residents who love an airy feel would choose an ADU house plan with large windows—allowing natural light to flow in. These also lighten up your space (especially if you have skylights and light paint colors).

Where Will Everything Go?

Because the Accessory Dwelling Unit floor area is usually short on space, you want to ensure enough room for storage. Closets, cabinets, and built-in storage solutions can help keep clutter at bay. Look at these options in your floor plan and compare them with your needs. Do you need a walk-in closet or a pantry space? Decide what you need in terms of storage, and then look for it in your floor plan.

How Much Space Do You Have?

When creating a detached ADU, consider the space you have available. What is the yard’s size, shape, and sun exposure if you’re building in your backyard? A compact studio might be ideal for a small, shady yard. On the other hand, a larger building lot could accommodate a multi-level ADU (maybe even with a deck!). Also, consider how the ADU will interact with your existing landscaping and primary residence.

The perfect ADU floor plan will have a flexible space that meets the needs of all residents—and with this guide and our 500+ accessory dwelling unit house plans to browse, we hope you know how to find the right pick.

 

What should an ADU permit set include?

Surprisingly, the same information that any new construction plan set requires.

Title Sheet

Site and floor plan

Roof Plan

Foundation Plan

Elevations

Building Sections

Structural calculations

Energy efficiency report

spices in design, mood board
Whichever ADU floor plan you select, you will not pass a final inspection without these features

Essentials for any ADU floor plan

Insulation

Type of insulation is called out in your Title 24 report provided by your energy consultant or HERS rater.

Kitchen Appliances

All ADU floor plans should show sink, cooktop, hood and fridge. These items are essential for anyone living permanently in the ADU.

Fire and CO2 Alarm

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are required on the wall or ceiling outside of each sleeping area. 

HVAC and Ventilation

Ductless mini splits are an accepted way to heat and cool your ADU. Energy Recovery Ventilators are an energy-efficient way to maintain indoor air quality.

Water Heater (Heat Pump)

As California goes all electric, think about the sizing of your pump – it depends on the number of people living in the ADU.

Address Numbers

ADUs are often required to have two sets of a minimum of 4 inch high house numbers – with one on ADU and an extra that is seen from the public road.