Key facts
- Homeowners are increasingly constructing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to house and care for family members with health needs.
- Lena Koropey plans to build an ADU for her mother with Alzheimer's, allowing her to remain in the main house.
- The Kuchta family built a $248,000 ADU for their son with autism, enabling him to live independently and access more support services.
- Shalini Karnani Bonjour is building an ADU for her mother to ensure she is close by and cared for.
- ADUs typically range from 150 to 1,200 square feet and can cost $100,000 to $300,000 to build.
Homeowners are increasingly turning to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a solution for providing care to loved ones, driven by the rising costs of housing and long-term care facilities. These smaller, secondary homes built on existing properties offer a way to keep family members close while ensuring they receive necessary support.
Lena Koropey, whose mother has Alzheimer's disease, plans to build a 750-square-foot ADU on her property. She intends to move into the ADU herself, leaving her mother in the main house with a caregiver, a setup designed to adapt as her mother's needs evolve.
Rachael Reiner, director of pre-construction at ADU company Villa, noted that 75% of their sales in 2026 are for multigenerational living. She stated that these spaces allow aging relatives or those needing support to maintain autonomy while remaining close to family.
For the Kuchta family in Napa County, building an ADU was a more affordable option than buying a larger home or placing their son, Jacob, in supported housing. Jacob, who has autism, now lives in a 480-square-foot ADU that cost $248,000 to build. The family financed it partly through a county program and a second mortgage. Jacob's move into the ADU has also made him eligible for additional state disability services, including an in-home aide.
Shalini Karnani Bonjour and her husband are building an 1,100-square-foot ADU for her 78-year-old mother, who moved closer after her father's death. The couple explored various living options for her mother but found none ideal, opting instead for the ADU to keep her nearby.
ADUs, typically ranging from 150 to 1,200 square feet, can cost between $100,000 and $300,000 to build, before additional fees. Some states, like California and New York, offer financial assistance for homeowners who build them.