Being close to family doesn’t have to mean sharing a kitchen, coordinating every schedule, or agreeing on what to watch tonight. Sometimes, the right arrangement is having a home of your own with someone you love just next door.
For families considering an accessory dwelling unit, that balance can be a big part of the appeal. An ADU creates room for connection while giving everyone space to live independently.
Two of our recent projects show what that can look like.
Sisters, Neighbors, and a New Chapter
Their mom still calls to make sure they’re getting along. Apparently, some things don’t change, even in retirement.
For Annie and Beth, Annie’s ADU makes it possible to live next door to one another while each having her own home. It’s a way to share this chapter of life without sharing every part of daily life.
That distinction matters. Living close can make getting together easier, while separate homes leave room for different routines, preferences, and quiet time.
Their story offers a lovely example of what an ADU can make possible: a little more togetherness, with independence built in.
Room for Two Brothers, Close to Family
The “Laskowski” project approached family proximity a little differently. This ADU was built for two adult brothers to live together on the family property, giving them their own living space while keeping everyone close.
The goal was to create more room for the family without putting too much distance between them. A separate home on the same property offered a way to do both.
Every family’s arrangement looks different. Here, the brothers share the ADU. In Annie and Beth’s case, the sisters live in separate neighboring homes. Both projects started with a similar question: how can we create space that works for our people?
Start with How You Want to Live
Before choosing a floor plan, talk about what living close would mean for your family. How much time would you like to spend together? What should remain private? How will you handle shared expenses, property upkeep, and changes down the road?
These conversations help shape both the home and the expectations around it. Our guide, Top 15 Conversations to Have Before Building an ADU with Family, offers a practical starting point for planning together.
What Could Living Close Look Like for Your Family?
There’s no single reason to build an ADU, and no single definition of family living. For some, it’s about spending retirement near a sibling. For others, it’s about giving adult family members more independence while staying connected.
An ADU can create room for a new chapter without requiring everyone to live under one roof.
If you’re exploring an ADU for your family, we’d love to hear what you have in mind. Contact Shelter Solutions to start a conversation about your property and the possibilities.
