The First Step to Building an ADU? Get Clear on Your Goals.
When homeowners start thinking about building an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), the first questions are usually about cost and design.
But before you draw a floor plan or researching zoning laws, there’s one step you should not skip: Get crystal clear on why you want to build an ADU in the first place.
Wherever you may be in the Omaha area, having a clear purpose will guide every decision you make and help avoid costly detours.
At Platte + Pine, every consultation call starts here.
Why Are You Building an ADU?
There is no one-size-fits-all reason for building an ADU. But here are a few of the most common goals our clients come to us with:
For Family:
“My aging parents are moving in.”
“We want space for our college kid to live while attending UNO.”
“We need a separate space for a family member with disabilities.”
Multigenerational living is growing in Omaha, and ADUs make it possible to stay close without giving up privacy.
For Rental Income:
“I want to create a long-term rental or Airbnb.”
“We’d like to use the space to offset our mortgage.”
“It is a way to start investing in real estate.”
Whether you are renting out to traveling nurses or long-term tenants, income-focused ADUs have different design and often permitting needs.
For Lifestyle or Flexibility
“We want a backyard studio or home office.”
“My husband has already dreamed of his own man cave.”
“We are thinking about resale value in 5-10 years.”
A flexible ADU can adapt to your needs as life evolves.
Why Your Goals Matter More Than You Think
Your goals determine everything from:
The design (open studio vs. 2-bedroom unit)
The layout (kitchen vs. kitchenette, private entrance, ADA access)
The permitting path (rentals require different considerations)
The budget and return (some ADUs pay off faster than others)
3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Build
1 Who will live in the space in the first three years? Think real names and relationships as this makes your planning sharper.
2 How long do you plan to live in your current home? Will this be a long-term property or do you plan to sell in 5-10 years?
3 What would success look like one year after the ADU is complete? Is it monthly cash flow? More family time? Peace of mind? That is your north star.
Why We Start Every Project This Way
At Platte + Pine, we don’t just ask “what do you want to build?”
We ask: why are you building it?
By understanding your goals up front, we can:
Recommend the right design
Avoid features that don’t serve your needs
Keep your budget and permitting aligned
Give you honest advice, even if you are not ready
Ready to Talk About Your ADU Goals?
Before we ever talk finishes or floor plans, we want to talk about you. What are your goals? What is your timeline? And does building an ADU makes sense for your property?
Book a free consultation to get started and let’s talk through your vision.
