Landscape design is just as important to an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) as it is to the primary structure, according to the Urban Land Institute (ULI). ULI’s report on Designing Accessory Dwelling Units revealed that landscape design or prefab office backyard for ADUs can both increase the value of your home and help you attract more buyers.
Read on to discover why landscape design or prefab accessory dwelling units is so important to ADUs and what kinds of designs will help you achieve the greatest benefit.
1) Beautiful outdoor space
Creating a beautiful outdoor space is one of the top benefits of landscape design for ADUs. It can help increase your property value, make your home more inviting, and provide you with a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Plus, it can help reduce noise pollution and provide privacy from nosy neighbors.
2) Increase curb appeal
A well-designed landscape can greatly increase the curb appeal of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. In addition, a beautiful landscape can add value to your home, making it worth more money.
Even if you’re not planning on selling anytime soon, you may want to make improvements for yourself and your family members in the future. It also makes things easier when homeowners are looking for space in their neighborhood that is similar to what they currently have at home.
3) Tax Benefits
You may be able to deduct some of the costs of landscaping your ADU on your taxes. Check with a tax professional to see if this is something that would apply to you. These deductions might include expenses such as soil, plants, fertilizers, and labor.
Furthermore, any water and sewage expenses related to your landscaping are deductible too! Many municipalities require homeowners who live in areas where there are lawns, parks, or gardens to maintain these spaces by cutting grasses and removing weeds. The expense for these services can also be deducted from income taxes.
4) Larger property value
Did you know that one of the benefits of landscape design is that it can increase the value of your property? That’s right, by adding curb appeal and making your home more visually appealing, you can make it worth more money.
Not to mention, if you ever do decide to sell, potential buyers will be more interested in a home that looks well-kept and cared for.
5) Consider the greater community
When you design the landscape for an ADU, you are not only considering the needs of the people who will be living there, but also the needs of the greater community.
By providing green space, you are helping to improve air quality and providing a place for people to enjoy the outdoors. You are also creating a buffer between homes and busy streets, which can help to reduce noise pollution.
6) Boost your happiness (and health!)
It’s no secret that spending time in nature can boost your mood and overall health. But did you know that studies have shown that incorporating green space into your home can also have a positive impact on your mental and physical health?
- Reduced stress: One study found that looking at gardens from the street led to significant reductions in stress levels, while another found that students who had access to indoor gardens reported higher happiness levels than those without.
- Greater biodiversity: The way our landscapes look today may not be how they looked hundreds or thousands of years ago! Consider reintroducing natural plant species, such as prairie grasses, wetlands, and other native plants back into your landscape to provide habitat for wildlife.
- Lower utility bills: Trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, vegetables—all these things require water.
7) People will ask you questions about it all the time!
- You’ll have a great conversation starter.
- People will be impressed by your knowledge and taste.
- You’ll be able to explain the benefits of landscape design to others.
- You’ll know how to take care of your landscape design.
- You can make money off of it!
Conclusion
An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, refers to any additional structure on an existing property that can be used as residential space such as an in-law suite or dormer unit. Landscape design plays an important role in the functionality and aesthetics of an ADU, so if you are planning to build one on your property or have already begun construction, you may want to know about the top 7 benefits of landscape design for ADUs below.