ADU HUB. 01 INSIGHTS

The plain-English ADU primer.

If you're new to the ADU conversation, start here.

01Definition

What is an ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a self-contained living space on the same property as a single-family home. Its own entrance. Its own kitchen. Its own bathroom and HVAC. Legally and functionally, it operates like a smaller second home built into the footprint of the first.

ADUs come in three common forms: detached (a separate small structure), attached (a unit added to the side of the main home), and integrated. built into the home from day one. R5 builds the third kind.

02FLEX-ADU

What makes the R5 FLEX-ADU different?

A FLEX-ADU is integrated, not bolted on. That single design decision changes everything: layout efficiency, sound isolation, HVAC zoning, code compliance, financing treatment, and long-term resale value.

  • Private entrance: separate from the main door, with its own walkway.
  • Independent HVAC: a tenant can keep their unit at 78°F while you keep yours at 68°F.
  • Sound-isolated walls: floor-ceiling assemblies designed to attenuate footsteps and music, not just speech.
  • Full kitchen: a real one. Range, fridge, sink, dishwasher.
  • Dedicated parking: not shared with the main home.
03Why It Pencils

The FLEX-ADU math.

An R5 FLEX-ADU does three financial things at once:

  1. Rental income. A tenant covers a meaningful chunk of your monthly mortgage. Effective ownership cost as low as $2,000. $2,500/month.
  2. Borrowing power. Lenders count projected ADU rent toward your qualifying income. You can buy more home than you'd otherwise qualify for.
  3. Optionality. Need it for grandma later? Collapse it back into one home. Move out? Rent both units. Family changes? The home flexes.
Run your numbers →
04Common Misconceptions

What people get wrong.

"It's just a basement apartment." A basement apartment is a remodel. A FLEX-ADU is engineered as a unit from day one. better sound isolation, better layout, better resale.

"My city won't allow it." Utah generally permits internal ADUs in single-family zones. R5 handles permitting in-house.

"Tenants will be a nightmare." Optional R5 property management handles tenants, repairs, and rent. You own the home; we run the unit.

Ready to walk one?

Tour the R5 model home in Eagle Mountain. We'll walk you through the FLEX-ADU layout in real life. sound isolation, kitchen, entrance, the works.

Schedule a Tour →