If you’ve ever heard the term “ADU” and thought it sounded more like alphabet soup than a housing solution, you’re not alone. ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit—but around here, we call it the Swiss Army knife of living spaces. Small? Yes. Limited? Absolutely not. An ADU is a space that adapts to your lifestyle—whether that’s creating a backyard office, welcoming your mother-in-law, or building a little Airbnb dream.
At Elbow Room, we design ADUs that don’t just fit—they flourish. And once you understand what they are (and what they’re not), you’ll start to see why they’re popping up in backyards across Texas.
So, What Is an ADU?
Technically speaking, an ADU is a secondary housing unit on a single-family lot. Translation: it’s an additional home built on the same property as your main house. Think:
A backyard cottage
A poolside cabana
A guesthouse with a kitchenette
Or even a stand-alone home for grandma, grown kids, or guests
But here’s the real kicker: unlike a shed or prefab shack, a true ADU is designed to meet residential building codes, has plumbing and electricity, and lives like a real home.
What an ADU Is Not
Let’s clear up a few misconceptions:
Not a trailer. (We love road trips, but an ADU isn’t hitting I-35 anytime soon.)
Not a “she-shed.” Cute, but not the same. ADUs are permanent, insulated, climate-controlled living spaces.
Not one-size-fits-all. Your lifestyle deserves more than cookie-cutter.
Why Are ADUs So Popular Right Now?
The short answer: because life is changing. Families are more multi-generational, work is more remote, and housing is more expensive than ever. ADUs are a smart solution because they offer:
Flexibility. Today’s office, tomorrow’s in-law suite, next year’s rental income.
Affordability. A way to expand living space without buying new land.
Community. Keeps families close (but not too close).
Investment potential. Whether you rent it out or boost your property value, an ADU pays for itself in more ways than one.
Why Choose Elbow Room for Your ADU?
We get it: building something new in your backyard sounds complicated. But that’s where we shine. Elbow Room delivers choice without chaos through:
Turnkey design + build. From permits to paint, we handle it.
Transparent pricing. No surprises, no nickel-and-diming.
Premium materials. Pressure-treated lumber, Hardie siding, curated interiors.
White-glove service. We show up, we keep you informed, and we deliver.
An ADU isn’t just about extra square footage—it’s about creating space for the life you actually want to live.
So, what is an ADU, really? It’s freedom. It’s flexibility. It’s the key to making your backyard work harder for you. Whether you’re craving a quiet studio, a poolside retreat, or a cozy cottage for family, an ADU can make it happen.
At Elbow Room, we don’t just build small spaces—we build beautiful, functional homes that live big. Because sometimes, the best way to expand your world is just a few steps out the back door.
Ready to see what your backyard could do? Explore our models or check out pricing today.
