Designing and engineering an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is often more complicated than clients expect. Though an ADU is much smaller than a typical primary home, it needs many of the same elements as a primary home, like a bathroom, kitchen, and designated sleeping area. Designing this type of structure requires experience, which our architects can offer clients in Greenville.

Not only can we design stable, attractive ADUs, but we can also find creative design solutions while working with a relatively small footprint. We design ADUs by listening to your input and inspiration and editing drawings as you give feedback. When we have completed designing an ADU for your property in Greenville, we will produce fully completed architectural drawings in both physical and digital formats. Your builder should follow these plans carefully, and we will be available to answer any questions about the plans.

Call 803-404-7168 to set up a consultation with our ADU architectural designers today.

Architects Finding Design Solutions for ADUs in Greenville, SC

We help clients find creative solutions to the restrictions on ADUs and the limitations of their size. An ADU must have a kitchen area, sleeping area, living area, and bathroom, while generally fitting in a small floor plan. We can creatively incorporate all the essential elements of an ADU while adhering to local zoning regulations for these structures.

Designing rooms that can be used for multiple purposes, creating open floor plans, incorporating built-in shelving and other organizational aids, and utilizing light colors are all effective ways to maximize space and make smaller areas feel bigger.

We can use vertical space, natural light, and other tried-and-true design tactics to make an ADU feel larger than it is, so whoever is staying there does not feel too cramped, even in a relatively small structure.

What Should My Architect Do While Designing an ADU?

While you are in the process of designing an accessory dwelling unit, your architect should be in constant communication with you, sending you updates as they hone in on your exact vision. Please suggest any aesthetic or functional changes you would like to make, so that the final product may surpass your initial expectations.

Listen to Your Input and Be Honest

You should never feel pressured into approving design plans for an ADU. We will show you what is and is not possible within your desired budget and timeline, and work with you to incorporate some of the must-have elements you want without overspending.

After assessing the building site, we will also be honest about the potential issues you may face with the soil condition or ADU placement, and factor that into the estimated overall spending for the build.

Make Necessary Edits

The right architect should welcome feedback and work to incorporate your edits. Towards the end of the design process, we provide clients with 3D renderings of the finished ADUs, so they know exactly what the structures will look like once construction is complete. You may still make alterations at this point, so speak up if you have any concerns whatsoever.

Consider Environmental Factors

Whether you want to build an ADU to permanently house a family member while still giving them privacy or operate as a detached guest room, your architect should consider environmental factors. Proper insulation is key to keeping any heating or air conditioning inside the structure and preventing it from escaping. We can factor climate into the design and building material decisions we make when planning an ADU, ensuring the structure remains standing and in good condition, regardless of the weather in Greenville.

Provide Permit-Ready Plans

Your architect should also provide you with permit-ready architectural drawings when they design your ADU in Greenville. Inaccurate or confusing plans make it even harder for homeowners to obtain the permits and approvals they need, and we aim to eliminate such headaches by providing clear, concise plans at the end of the design process.

What Should My Architect Do After Designing My ADU in Greenville, SC?

After we have designed an accessory dwelling unit to add to your property, we will remain available to you and your contractor to answer any questions you may have about the plans. We can even help you find the right contractor for the job if you do not have a builder when the design process is over.

Once you have chosen a builder, whether using our referrals or not, we can send them physical and digital copies of the ADU plans. You and your builder are encouraged to reach out at any time with questions, and we will be happy to answer them.

What is the Timeline for Designing an ADU?

Each accessory dwelling unit we plan takes varying lengths of time to design. They are all unique, with different levels of complexity, depending on their size, architectural style, and many other factors. Once we know more about your wishes for the project, your budget, and your desired timeline, we can estimate how long construction should take after we hand off plans to your builder in Greenville.

Before you can start building, our architectural designers must finalize plans. Since we generally complete entire custom home plans within as little as two months, we may finalize ADU plans for smaller structures sooner. There are still many decisions to make when designing an ADU, so it may take some time to plan yours.

Please let us know if you have a strict timeline for the project, which may be the case if you have an in-law or adult child planning to move into the ADU. If you need the structure built as quickly as possible, we can design an ADU that is simple to build, but still has all the unique finishes you desire.

Contact Our Greenville, SC ADU Architectural Designers Today

Call 803-404-7168 for a consultation with our ADU architectural designers.