Will an ADU Actually Fit in Your Backyard? Start Here.

One of the first things homeowners ask me is, “Can I put an ADU in my backyard?”

It sounds like a simple question. It usually isn't.

I’ve seen properties with plenty of square footage that become challenging because of access, setbacks, utilities or the usable shape of the yard. I’ve also seen properties homeowners assumed were too small turn out to have possibilities they hadn't considered.

That’s why I believe the first conversation about an ADU shouldn’t start with choosing a model.

It should start with your property.

Your backyard is not a blank sheet of paper

We have to understand the space we’re actually working with: the usable width and depth, the existing home, access into the backyard, utilities, setbacks, trees and other site conditions.

This is one of the reasons CityPaks was developed differently.

Rather than approaching every property with only a few fixed-size buildings and asking, “Which one can we squeeze in?”, our system is intended to give us more flexibility within an engineered building approach.

The objective is simple:

Make better use of the property you already have.

Fit is only half of the question

The other half is what you're making room for.

Is this going to be a home for Mom or Dad? A place for an adult child? Guest space? A home office? Additional room your family can grow into?

Those answers matter because we're not just trying to fit a rectangle into your backyard.

We're trying to create a space that works for the people who will actually live there.

My advice: Don't start by shopping for an ADU online. Start by understanding your property and what you want the space to accomplish. That’s a much better place to begin.