When Julia and Ben moved into their 1940s Sacramento bungalow, they loved the charm, the mature trees, and the neighborhood feel. What they didn’t love was the lack of space—especially when Ben’s parents started visiting more often and Julia’s graphic design business outgrew the spare bedroom.
Rather than looking to move, they looked to their backyard—and found the answer in an ADU.
So, what does ADU mean?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a secondary, self-contained residential space located on the same property as a primary home. Whether it’s a converted garage, a detached cottage, or a loft above a new garage build, ADUs offer flexibility, functionality, and major lifestyle upgrades.
Data That Builds Confidence
According to the City of Sacramento’s 2024 permit data:
- ADU applications have increased by over 170% since 2019
- The average cost of building a detached ADU in Sacramento is between $125,000 and $200,000
- Homes with permitted ADUs resell for 20–30% more on average
It’s not just a trend. It’s smart planning—and it’s reshaping Sacramento home improvement.
Function Meets Design: Integrating the Home Exterior
For Julia and Ben, integrating the ADU into their home exterior design was essential. They chose:
- Matching board-and-batten siding for visual continuity
- A standing seam metal roof to reflect solar heat
- Drought-tolerant landscaping between the structures to create a shared courtyard
The result? A space that blends, not competes. One that feels like part of the home, not an add-on.
Real Benefits, Real Flexibility
Their ADU is now a multifunctional space:
- Guest suite with a private bath
- Julia’s studio on weekdays
- Potential short-term rental in the future
It added 600 square feet of usable space, increased the home’s value, and changed how they live—without changing their address.
Final Word
Understanding what ADU means isn’t just about zoning codes and permits. It’s about lifestyle flexibility, smart Sacramento home improvement, and thoughtful home exterior design that makes room for growth.
Because when your home grows with you—intentionally, beautifully, and with data to back it up—it becomes more than a place to live. It becomes a space built for every chapter.