Two bedroom ADU floor plans come in many layouts. Most prefabs will be I shaped or L shaped. But you can maximize your backyard potential with a custom shape.
The best ADU Floor Plan meets all family needs and reflects the shape of your main house and property line. Your new ADU should look like it has always been there. It should also maximize the space – take as much of your backyard as you are willing to dedicate to the new living area.
Technically, the house this size won’t even be considered a tiny home. It may fit either a young family with a kid or a retiree (or two). One of the bedrooms can double up as a home office or guest house.
Hint: the ones that fit your backyard like a lost piece of a puzzle.
A family is moving an aging parent closer to home, and try to accommodate a guest suite for a wheelchair bound relative.
The location of this ADU was restricted from all 4 sides sides:
1. Property line 2. Main house 3. Creek 4. Public Utility Easement
In addition to all that, it was in WUI zone and had to be built fire resistant. In this project, we had only one win: there were two hydrants on both sides of the property within the required 400 ft distance.
A bigger bathroom accommodates the necessary area for a wheelchair turnaround, has both a shower and a tub, plus houses the laundry.
The living room has vaulted ceilings (though the general contractor in charge may blacklist us for this design feature). The fireplace is surrounded by two windows, with the nearby exit to the deck facing the creek.
The initial design had walk in closets in both bedrooms. However the homeowners decided to have a bigger one in the primary bedroom and have the smaller size guest room.
This two bedroom two bathroom ADU design makes efficient use of space with more emphasis on private quarters than on common living area.
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.
This two bedroom two bathroom ADU has a primary en suite bathroom and an additional bathroom with access from the living area.
This detached two bedroom two bathroom ADU has a primary en suite bathroom and an additional bathroom with access from the living area.
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.
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!
Photos of 650 sq ft space by author in IKEA, East Palo Alto, September 2023
From traditional slab and pier options to hybrid foundations that use helical screw piles – the final choice needs to be evaluated on the basis of backyard access, feasibility, budget and house designs.
California is going all electric. This means your water heater will be electric. So will your HVAC heat pump and cooktop. You will be required to put some solar panels on the roof as well. All this needs a 200A + electric panel.
We love indoor-outdoor seamless flow and having lots of natural light. It often comes at the expense of energy efficiency. You can compensate for it with better quality windows with a lower U factor.