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ADU tips & guides

Practical advice on planning, budgeting, and building a backyard home — from first idea to final permit.

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How big is 1000 square feet? Prepare to Be Surprised.

See what 1000 square feet really looks like, room by room, plus ADU floor plans and smart layout ideas for living comfortably in the space.

how big is 1000 square feet
ADU

Blog

Latest articles

Guides on costs, permits, financing, and floor plans — plus stories from real ADU builds.

how big is 1000 square feet
ADU

How big is 1000 square feet? Prepare to Be Surprised.

See what 1000 square feet really looks like, room by room, plus ADU floor plans and smart layout ideas for living comfortably in the space.

How to Prove Your Unpermitted ADU Existed Before 2020 (AB 2533 Evidence Guide)

California's AB 2533 lets you legalize a pre-2020 unpermitted ADU, but the burden of proof is on you. Here's exactly where to look.

Shower Systems: Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Setup for Your Bathroom

Compare shower systems — conventional, digital, thermostatic, power, plus components and installation. Find what fits your bathroom and pressure.

ADU construction
ADU

ADU Construction: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit

A complete step-by-step guide to ADU construction, from first consultation and permits to costs, build stages, and final move-in day.

Compact two-bedroom one-bathroom house with a clean modern exterior
Home Design

Two-Bedroom House Plans: Smart Designs for Comfortable, Affordable Living

Two-bedroom house plans balance comfort, efficiency, and affordability — perfect for starter homes, downsizing, or ADU rental units.

3 bedroom tiny house
Home Design

3 Bedroom Tiny House Plans: Smart Designs and Floor Layouts for Small Space Living

Explore 3-bedroom tiny house plans under 1,200 sq ft: loft bedrooms, clever storage, and flexible layouts for comfortable family living.

ADU floor plan illustration by Home WiP
ADU

ADU Plan: Your Complete Guide to a Ready-to-Permit Floor Plan

Everything you need to choose an ADU plan, from 200 to 1,000 sq ft ready-to-permit floor plans to design tips and the permitting process.

Worst construction fails
Construction Management

Worst Construction Fails: Shocking Building Mistakes & Lessons Learned

Shocking construction fails from around the world, and the practical lessons every homeowner and builder can take from these costly mistakes.

One bedroom modular ADU on a crane
ADU

Buying a Modular Home: 6 Surprising Phases To Be Ready For

What buying a modular home really involves: the six phases from design to install, plus how to avoid losing money and vet your builder.

Privacy fence ideas
Accessory Buildings

Privacy Fence Ideas: Stylish & Secure Backyard Design Inspiration

Stylish privacy fence ideas for your backyard: wood, composite, metal, and vinyl options, with tips on materials, height, and design.