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ADU Tips And Tricks: South Dakota

Updated: September 18, 2024

Looking to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to your South Dakota property? ADUs are becoming increasingly popular, offering extra living space, potential rental income, and increased property value.

ADUs are built on the same plot as the existing house and personify independent living. They make the perfect private getaway, guest house, rental property, or backyard cottage. And with their own separate entrance, why wouldn't you want to add one to your property?

As charming as they are, however, we understand building an ADU can be daunting and stressful. There are so many things to think about, from local regulations and building codes to planning the interior space, setting a budget, and tackling the design process.

Luckily, here are a few essential tips and tricks to ensure a smooth and successful ADU project.

Consider Your Needs

Tip 1: Consider Your Needs

Before jumping into your ADU construction project, you must figure out what its purpose will be. This shouldn't be a rushed process and needs careful planning and consideration.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you want/need a separate living space, such as a private office?
  • Do you need an outdoor space for teenage kids, adult children, or other family members?
  • Will you use it to generate additional income, such as an Airbnb or long-term rental unit?
  • Do you want these backyard cottages to house elderly parents?

Once you've decided, check your zoning permission.

Check Your Zoning

Tip 2: Check Your Zoning

Accessory dwelling units share the same residential property as the main house. This means you'll need to check with your local planning department if you can construct an ADU on your property.

This ensures you comply with local zoning laws, International Residential Codes, and property taxes. It also prevents any legal complications further down the road.

ADU zoning restrictions

  • Only one ADU is permitted per property in South Dakota.
  • ADUs are different from tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) - these have separate regulations.
  • ADUs cannot take up more than 40% of the gross property area.
  • They are restricted to 300 - 800 square feet, per the state's legal definition.
  • ADUs cannot exceed 16 feet in height.
  • These units can either be detached or attached to the main building.
  • The distance between the side and rear property lines and any attached/detached ADUs must be at least four feet.

Here are a few regulation links for your convenience:

To avoid confusion, accessory dwelling units go by various names:

  • Accessory apartments
  • Secondary suites
  • Granny flats
  • Backyard cottages
  • Outhouses

Next, you can begin the planning process.

Planning Is Key

Tip 3: Planning Is Key

Right, so you've got the building permission and know what the accessory dwelling unit will be used for. Now you can start the planning process - a crucial element of any successful design. Designing an ADU is a rewarding process but requires a meticulous approach. Here's the breakdown:

Parking space

ADUs are required to have an off-street designated parking area. However, you may be able to sidestep this regulation if your property complies with one (or more) of the following:

  • It's within half a mile of public transport.
  • A car-share vehicle is located within a block of your property.
  • It's situated in an architecturally and historically significant area.

If these don't apply to you, you'll need to incorporate a parking bay within your ADU design (which complies with building standards).

Accessibility

Since accessory apartments are independent living quarters, they require ample accessibility, such as:

  • An off-street parking bay.
  • A private entrance.
  • A safe pathway to exit the ADU (in the event of a fire) - typically onto a street/safe zone.

Pro tip: Install fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure your ADU complies with fire regulations.

Privacy

If the accessory dwelling unit is a rental property, you might want to prioritize privacy. For instance, place the unit's front door facing away from the main house or incorporate screens or hedges to enclose the space. Consider soundproofing insulation - walls, ceilings, doors - to prevent noise between the two buildings.

On the other hand, if the unit is used for family members or aging parents, you might want to position the ADU closer tothe main home for better social interaction.

Review the construction site

Take note of where you'll build the ADU, ensuring the ground is sturdy and suitable for such structures. Check that the area isn't prone to flooding (in lower-lying areas) and that there aren't trees overheard that could cause damage in strong winds.

Pro tip: A professional building contractor can assist you.

Use existing utility connections

It's worth investigating if you can connect your ADU to the main housing utility supply (a.k.a water, gas, and electricity lines). This eliminates the need for separate connections - and additional expenses!

Aesthetics

Ensure your secondary suite matches the existing architectural design and color scheme of the main building to create a seamless and cohesive look.

Durable building materials

Choose long-lasting, durable building materials when planning your design. These items are hard-wearing, made to last, and increase the value of your ADU investment. A few examples include:

  • Concrete
  • Insulating concrete forms
  • Aluminum
  • Bamboo
  • Timber/wood
  • Steel/iron
  • Brick
  • Stone

Sustainability

ADUs are self-contained buildings with a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and living space. Consider integrating eco-friendly and energy-efficient features into your ADU design to reduce your carbon footprint.

These include:

  • Solar panels
  • Water tanks
  • Proper insulation
  • Energy-efficient windows and doors
  • Energy saving appliances
  • LED bulbs
  • Maximize natural light (e.g. skylights, stack-away doors, large windows)

Depending on your style preference, use ethically sourced timber, recycled steel, and natural stone building materials. Not only are these elements visually appealing, but they're kind to the planet as well!

Knowing the basic layout and the elements you want to use, you can now set your budget.

Set A Budget

Tip 4: Set A Budget

Budgeting is an important part of any construction venture to help you stay on track financially. The average price for building an ADU is between $60,000 and $225,000.

Here are a few budget-savvy tips:

  • Review your finances to determine your maximum spend. This amount must include labor and construction fees, plumbing, electrical, building materials, appliances, paint, lighting, and planning permit costs.
  • Allocate your budget for each part of the construction project. For instance, set X aside for building, Y for interiors, and Z for landscaping. Prioritize the most important things first, like good quality materials, roofing, flooring, appliances, and cabinets, before you purchase less expensive items like paint, light fittings, and plants.
  • Get quotes from various local contractors, plumbers, electricians, and interior designers. This will help you negotiate better deals. Consider Sioux Falls Home Remodeling for the best prices in South Dakota.
  • Keep track of your expenses throughout the entire process using notebooks, emails, spreadsheets, or budget-tracking apps. This ensures you are always within range.

Pro tip: Set aside a buffer of around 5% - 10% of your budget for unforeseen expenses.

Now that the most important considerations are out of the way, you can start designing your perfect ADU!

Begin The Design Process

Tip 5: Begin The Design Process

Designing ADUs with aesthetic appeal, functionality, and versatility is a lot easier said than done. You need to work with the existing space you have, which can be tricky if you have an awkwardly shaped backyard. You also need to consider the unit's size and what you're permitted to build.

Maximizing space is the most important aspect of a secondary suite, whether you're constructing attached (connected to the existing structure of the primary home) or detached (free-standing) ADUs.

Here are our suggestions:

Multi-functional furniture

Incorporate furniture that serves multiple purposes. Think ottomans and breakfast nooks with built-in storage compartments, kitchen islands with additional drawers and shelves, toe-tap drawers, or convertible dining tables that transform into desks.

Adequate storage

To add to the above point, ensure everything has its place within your secondary unit. Bulging cupboards and excessive clutter on countertops create the illusion of a smaller space. Install sufficient storage solutions and utilize vertical space to sidestep this issue. For example:

  • Floor-to-ceiling cabinets
  • Vertical shelving units
  • Suspended pot racks
  • Narrow pantry
  • Murphy bed
  • Daybed/futon

Open plan design

Consider an open floor plan to create the illusion of a bigger space. Use rugs, furniture placement, or room dividers to separate specific areas such as the living room, sleeping area, or kitchenette.

Pro design tips:

  • Opt for light colors for the shell of your ADU - walls, floors, ceilings, cabinets, countertops - to make the space feel bigger and brighter.
  • Extend the outdoor space with a small patio or deck.

Barn doors

Consider barn doors that glide along on a track (or sliding doors) as opposed to traditional swing doors. This eliminates the leeway for adequate swing space. Another idea is to hang shower curtains or install walk-in showers instead of closed units in tight bathrooms.

Space-savvy appliances

Consider installing smaller, energy-efficient appliances. Appliances with built-in features, like a washer/dryer combo, can save space and are functional.

By incorporating these design ideas, you can create a comfortable and functional ADU in your South Dakota property, adhering to the size limitations!

Get Professional Help

Tip 6: Get Professional Help

While DIY projects are rewarding, you should consider professional help when building an ADU.

Hiring an architect, contractor, county planning professional, and interior designer can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. They'll ensure your ADU design adheres to local regulations, maximizes the living space, aligns with your budget, and is built to code.

Contact the Sioux Falls Home Remodeling team today. We're passionate about creating the perfect living space for our customers, using only the best materials and professionals.

10 Common ADU Project Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)

Here are a few common accessory dwelling unit mistakes and how to avoid them:

  1. Not building the ADU for its intended need: Consider what the unit will be used for and plan the ADU design accordingly.You shouldn't expect tenants to live in a space that was designed as a home office.
  2. Failing to check zoning permissions: Always check local ADU regulations before you begin any construction work at your property.
  3. Not adhering to building codes: Seek professional assistance when planning an ADU build on your property. Failure to comply with building regulations can result in hefty fines and wasted money.
  4. Taking incorrect measurements/poor planning: Proper measurements and planning ensure all furniture and appliances fit comfortably within your secondary suite.
  5. Not working with a budget: Don't underestimate the scope of work. Set aside a realistic budget that includes all costs, from building and plumbing to decor and light fittings.
  6. Not enough noise insulation: Ensure sufficient insulation and noise reduction barriers to prevent noise from traveling between the two homes.
  7. Not prioritizing storage: Maximize vertical space for sufficient storage solutions.
  8. Opting for cheap labor, materials, and finishes: Taking shortcuts will only save money in the short term. This could lead to you spending more money in the (near) future to repair or replace items.
  9. Avoiding professional help: Reputable and licensed building professionals are adept at tackling the most challenging ADU tasks. They have the knowledge and expertise to ensure a seamless, building-code-compliant secondary apartment.
  10. Falling for trends: Fads outdate quickly. Opt for a neutral color palette for floors, walls, and cabinets to ensure the design stands the test of time.

FAQs

How do you maximize space in ADUs?

The best way to maximize space in ADUs is to opt for multi-functional furniture. These space-saving solutions include daybeds, convertible tables and desks, and seating areas with built-in storage.

What is the best ADU size?

750 square feet is a common, comfortably-sized ADU design.

Can I build a two-storey ADU?

Generally, you can build a two-story ADU as long as it doesn't exceed the maximum height restrictions for your property. Confirm these details with your local county office.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it - a complete rundown of the best ADU tips and tricks and how to put them into action.

Considering what your ADU will be used for, obtaining the correct zoning permission, and working with a budget will ensure a smooth, hassle-free build.

Whether you need assistance with attached or detached ADUs, speak with Sioux Falls Home Remodeling today. We're with you every step of the way!

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