Why ADUs Are the Future of Multigenerational Living
The Old Way of Multigenerational Living
For decades, when families in Northern Colorado needed space for parents moving in—or young adults who weren’t quite ready to fly the nest—the go-to solution was to:
- Finish a basement
- Convert an extra room
- Or build a large addition onto the main home
These fixes work, but they often come with challenges: lack of privacy, complicated remodels, and design limitations in homes not originally built for multiple generations.
A New Approach: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Enter the ADU, sometimes called a “granny flat,” “in-law suite,” or backyard cottage. Instead of cramming everyone under one roof, an ADU creates a separate, fully functional living space right on your property. Think of it as giving each generation their independence—while keeping the family close.
Why Families Are Choosing ADUs Over Basements
- Privacy + Proximity – Parents or adult kids have their own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance. Close enough for connection, separate enough for breathing room.
- Future-Proofing Care Needs – As older adults need more support, families can provide it without the stress of daily commutes across town.
- Flexibility Over Time – An ADU can evolve: today it’s for a college grad, tomorrow for an aging parent, and years later it might become a rental or home office.
- Better Resale Value – A thoughtfully designed ADU often adds long-term property value more than a finished basement that only works for one type of household.
The Cost Factor
Building an ADU isn’t inexpensive, but it can be more practical than adding onto your main home. In Northern Colorado, detached ADUs often range from $150,000–$300,000 depending on size, finishes, and utility hookups. Smaller attached units or garage conversions may come in closer to $75,000–$150,000. While those numbers can feel steep, many homeowners see it as an investment—one that can generate rental income, increase property value, and save on long-term care or housing costs for family members.
Northern Colorado’s Perfect Fit
With housing costs rising and multiple generations living under one roof becoming the norm, ADUs offer a creative solution that fits our local market. Cities like Fort Collins and Loveland have already updated zoning to make ADUs easier to build—meaning more homeowners can explore this option.
So, Should You “Think Outside the Basement”?
If you’re planning for the future—whether caring for parents, giving kids independence, or simply adding flexibility to your home—an ADU could be smarter than a remodel. It keeps family ties strong while giving everyone their own space.
At The Weinland Team, we help clients explore not just buying and selling, but how their home can grow with their family. If you’re curious about ADUs in Northern Colorado, let’s talk about your options.
Written by Nathan Weinland, leader of the Weinland Team at RE/MAX Alliance
Phone: (970) 690-4088
Email: Sales@TheWeinlandTeam.com
Written by fortcollinsexperience
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