Planning an ADU for family: a daily-life checklist

Describe an ordinary day

Describe waking up, cooking, laundry, visitors and evening access. Discuss desired independence, shared spaces and how the new space connects with the main home. Bedroom count alone does not describe the way someone wants to live.

Discuss convenience without assuming abilities

Discuss preferences for step-free access, lighting, storage, bathroom use and future layout changes. Do not infer ability from age, and do not submit medical records with an initial inquiry. Applicable accessibility standards or professional certification require separate review.

Agree on the household priorities

Rank daylight, privacy, quiet, visitors and outdoor connection. Ask each participant for three essentials and flexible preferences, then bring differences into the design discussion. These clarify goals; they do not determine buildability, price or completion dates.

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