Plan an ADU for multigenerational living
Design around the person who will use the home now and how those needs may change.
Start with daily routines
- Discuss sleeping, bathing, cooking, visitors, pets and quiet hours with the future occupant.
- Identify which activities need privacy and which should be shared with the main home.
- Test the route from parking to the entrance in rain, snow and darkness.
Plan for changing mobility
- Discuss a step-free entrance, door clearances, turning space and bathroom transfers with your designer.
- Consider a shower layout, wall reinforcement for future grab bars, reachable controls and easy-to-use hardware.
- Locate the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and laundry so daily living does not depend on stairs.
Agree on household responsibilities
- Decide who handles utilities, repairs, deliveries, snow removal and outdoor space.
- Discuss emergency access and communication while respecting the occupant’s privacy.
- Use the needs checklist below as a conversation starter, not a certification of accessibility.
Your household priorities
Discuss 0 selected priorities with your designer. Choices stay on this page until you leave; print them to keep a copy.
Turn the checklist into a project plan
Record each open question, the person responsible, evidence needed and target date. Confirm requirements with the city and your licensed design/build professionals.
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Planning guidance. Requirements depend on the property, design and adopted local codes; this guide does not certify compliance. How our guidance is prepared