What is an ADU: Accessory Dwelling Units: An accessory dwelling unit, usually just called an ADU, is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. The term “accessory dwelling unit” is a institutional-sounding name, but it’s the most commonly-used term across the country to describe this type of housing. While the full name is a mouthful, the shorthand “ADU” is better. ADUs vary in their physical form quite a bit, as there are detached ADU, attached ADU, second story ADU (above garage or work shop), addition ADU, internal ADU. IMPORTANT: There’s simply too few permitted ADUs to make a real difference in the housing stock. But, even if they aren’t going to solve all a city’s problems, they may help homeowners solve some of their problems. The most common motivation for ADU development is rental income potential, followed by the prospect of flexible living space for multigenerational households. We at FIDELITY GENERAL CONTRACTORS, providing a single point of contact to homeowners interested in this product, from conceptual stage including plans, city legwork, project managing of the construction stage including assistance with material purchase and other coordination, all the way to completion. (this project showcases a detached ADU, 400 SQ.)

Example of an eclectic open concept dark wood floor living room design in Los Angeles with white walls

Trendy formal medium tone wood floor and yellow floor living room photo in Toronto with white walls, a two-sided fireplace and a stone fireplace

This arid garden photo was taken just after the garden was installed so the plants are still small. Within a year, the shrubs in the background will hide the block perimeter wall and the neighbor's shed. An important part of landscape design is to solve visual problems. We used blue-black Mexican river rock to create the illusion of water in the permeable dry river. We call this style, our lush desert or soft desert design. The color theme is silver foliage or leaves, blue cactus, yellow flowers, blue flowers, accented by a dash of hot mango. Photo by Tina Cremer, H2 XERO Landscape.

Liz Nemeth
Huge beach style three-story wood gray home design photo in Boston

I was asked to design a compact wet bar for the space under the stairs that led to the roof deck. Problem solved! This design features glass-door upper cabinets with a sink base and panels for the lower portion that were designed around a compact beverage center and a bar sink. Quartz counters and oil rubbed bronze faucet highlight this project. Sleek subway tiles in white provide the perfect backdrop for this small but useful space!

This compact DC kitchen was in dire need of space saving tricks and we used several. The kitchen features two tip-on toe kick drawers, sink tilt out, lazy susan, blind corner cabinet and custom vertical wood dividers over the frig. The original kitchen layout was L shaped because space did not allow for full depth base cabinets on the right wall. Problem solved -- we simply built cabinets that were 18" deep which still provide loads of storage as well as much needed counter top space.

The condo is located in Washington DC, West End area. The apartment is open and airy feeling, with a great amount of space in all the rooms. This little area overlooked a much older building. In order to keep all the natural light that poured into the room we solved the problem with so-gee screens. The cabinet opens to reveal an adequate bar area for entertaining. while not being used for its main function this area is a elegant sitting area to enjoy reading the paper a book or checking your email (with a cocktail of some sort).

Inspiration for a timeless deck remodel in Denver

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Nashville.

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Nashville.

What is an ADU: Accessory Dwelling Units: An accessory dwelling unit, usually just called an ADU, is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. The term “accessory dwelling unit” is a institutional-sounding name, but it’s the most commonly-used term across the country to describe this type of housing. While the full name is a mouthful, the shorthand “ADU” is better. ADUs vary in their physical form quite a bit, as there are detached ADU, attached ADU, second story ADU (above garage or work shop), addition ADU, internal ADU. IMPORTANT: There’s simply too few permitted ADUs to make a real difference in the housing stock. But, even if they aren’t going to solve all a city’s problems, they may help homeowners solve some of their problems. The most common motivation for ADU development is rental income potential, followed by the prospect of flexible living space for multigenerational households. We at FIDELITY GENERAL CONTRACTORS, providing a single point of contact to homeowners interested in this product, from conceptual stage including plans, city legwork, project managing of the construction stage including assistance with material purchase and other coordination, all the way to completion. (this project showcases a detached ADU, 400 SQ.)

Halkin Photography
Inspiration for a small contemporary gray tile and porcelain tile plywood floor powder room remodel in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, solid surface countertops, gray walls and beige countertops

I had a blast working on this personal project. My partner, Alex, is working from home and I needed a space where I could be creative but also put in the hard work. We had 100sf, a budget of "as-cheap-as-possible," and tons of rental restrictions--but good design always starts with a little problem solving, right? I infused the space with lots of neutral colors and tons of texture to keep it warm. I threw in my favorite vintage pieces, a big oversized paper lantern, and a bookshelf bar for some soul. & just like that, it's our favorite spot in town.

The completely reimagined floorplan included relocating the kitchen and Master Suite to the opposite side of the home to take better advantage of the views and natural light. All bathrooms and the laundry room were completely remodeled along with installing new doors, windows, and flooring throughout the home and completely upgrading all electrical and plumbing. The end result is simply stunning. Light, bright, and modern, the new version of this home demonstrates the power of thoughtful architectural planning, creative problem solving, and expert design details.

The completely reimagined floorplan included relocating the kitchen and Master Suite to the opposite side of the home to take better advantage of the views and natural light. All bathrooms and the laundry room were completely remodeled along with installing new doors, windows, and flooring throughout the home and completely upgrading all electrical and plumbing. The end result is simply stunning. Light, bright, and modern, the new version of this home demonstrates the power of thoughtful architectural planning, creative problem solving, and expert design details.

This is an example of a traditional landscaping in Nashville.

What is an ADU: Accessory Dwelling Units: An accessory dwelling unit, usually just called an ADU, is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. The term “accessory dwelling unit” is a institutional-sounding name, but it’s the most commonly-used term across the country to describe this type of housing. While the full name is a mouthful, the shorthand “ADU” is better. ADUs vary in their physical form quite a bit, as there are detached ADU, attached ADU, second story ADU (above garage or work shop), addition ADU, internal ADU. IMPORTANT: There’s simply too few permitted ADUs to make a real difference in the housing stock. But, even if they aren’t going to solve all a city’s problems, they may help homeowners solve some of their problems. The most common motivation for ADU development is rental income potential, followed by the prospect of flexible living space for multigenerational households. We at FIDELITY GENERAL CONTRACTORS, providing a single point of contact to homeowners interested in this product, from conceptual stage including plans, city legwork, project managing of the construction stage including assistance with material purchase and other coordination, all the way to completion. (this project showcases a detached ADU, 400 SQ.)

Jacob Lilley Architects Location: Lexington, MA, USA A new garage, kids play room above and a mudroom met the need for more space. A renovated kitchen, bedroom and other living spaces created a refreshed sense of home. The strategic location of the mudroom as an intermediary connector solved problems with this 19th-century home siting seven feet above the ground with limited access to the rear yard. The connector between the garage and existing house is a stair that unifies the various levels and develops a strong connection to the yard. Photographed by: Eric Roth