Are you looking to maximize your property’s potential without breaking the bank? A 1-bedroom Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) may well be the perfect solution. These compact living spaces offer a world of possibilities, from rental income to accommodating family members.
Designing an efficient 1-bedroom ADU floor plan can be challenging, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to get creative with space utilization. You’ll need to balance functionality with comfort while adhering to local zoning regulations. Whether you’re a homeowner considering an ADU or an architect seeking inspiration, understanding the key elements of successful 1-bedroom ADU floor plans is essential for creating a space that’s both practical and inviting.
What Is a 1 Bedroom ADU?
A 1-bedroom Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a self-contained living space on the same property as a single-family home. It offers complete independent living facilities, including areas for sleeping, cooking, and sanitation. These compact units range from 285 to 532 square feet, maximizing space efficiency through open-concept designs.
1-bedroom ADUs come in various styles, such as studio, loft, or single-story layouts. They serve multiple purposes, functioning as rental properties, housing for elderly relatives, or guest accommodations. Their versatile nature makes them an attractive option for homeowners looking to expand their living space or generate additional income.
Top 18 1-Bedroom ADU Floor Plans You Can Choose
#1. Truoba Mini 121
The Truoba Mini 121 house plan packs modern style into a compact 285 sq/ft. This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom ADU features an open floor plan with a small kitchen and seating area, blending seamlessly with a sleeping space. Its connection to an optional covered deck expands the living area, making it ideal for a backyard guest house, home office, or minimalist retreat.
Designed for efficiency, the Mini 121 embraces sustainable principles to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, it allows revisions to fit your needs, from layout tweaks to exterior finishes. Perfect for those seeking a functional, stylish small space, this plan delivers big on versatility and modern appeal.
#2. Truoba Mini 217
The Truoba Mini 217 house plan offers a sleek, modern solution for compact living at 858 sq/ft. With 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this ADU design maximizes space through an open floor plan and large windows that create a bright, airy feel. Its seamless connection to outdoor spaces makes it perfect for a guest house, vacation cabin, or minimalist home, blending style and functionality for those seeking a smaller footprint without sacrificing comfort.
Built with sustainability in mind, the Mini 217 incorporates energy-efficient principles to keep costs low and environmental impact minimal. Fully customizable, it allows for revisions to the layout, exterior, or even roof type to suit your needs. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy retreat in the woods or a stylish backyard addition, this plan delivers modern aesthetics and practical living in a compact package.
#3. Truoba Mini 117
The Truoba Mini 117 house plan is a 500 sq/ft masterpiece of modern minimalism, perfect for those seeking a compact yet stylish living space. This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom ADU features an open floor plan with large windows that flood the interior with natural light, creating a spacious feel. Its seamless connection to an outdoor deck enhances livability, making it an excellent choice for a backyard guest house, home office, or serene getaway.
Designed with sustainability at its core, the Mini 117 incorporates energy-efficient principles to minimize costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, it allows you to tweak the layout or exterior to match your vision. Whether you’re downsizing or adding a functional space to your property, this plan combines contemporary design with practical living in a compact, eco-friendly package.
#4. Truoba Mini 118
The Truoba Mini 118 house plan delivers modern elegance in a 1,000 sq/ft package, perfect for those seeking a balance of space and simplicity. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this ADU boasts an open floor plan with large windows that invite natural light and enhance the sense of space. Its seamless connection to an outdoor deck makes it ideal for a guest house, vacation home, or even a compact primary residence with a focus on stylish, functional living.
Sustainability is at the heart of the Mini 118, with energy-efficient design principles that reduce costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, the plan allows for adjustments to the layout, finishes, or outdoor features to suit your needs. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy retreat or a versatile addition to your property, this house plan combines contemporary aesthetics with practical, eco-conscious design.
#5. Truoba Mini 120
The Truoba Mini 120 house plan is a sleek, 532 sq/ft solution for modern, minimalist living. This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom ADU features an open floor plan with large windows that create a bright, airy atmosphere. Its connection to an outdoor deck expands the living space, making it perfect for a guest house, home office, or a cozy retreat that maximizes both style and functionality in a small footprint.
Built with sustainability in mind, the Mini 120 incorporates energy-efficient principles to lower costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, it allows for tweaks to the layout or exterior to fit your vision. Whether you’re adding a versatile space to your backyard or crafting a compact getaway, this plan delivers contemporary design and practical living with eco-conscious appeal.
#6. Truoba Mini 319
The Truoba Mini 319 house plan offers a stylish, compact living solution at 795 sq/ft, blending modern design with practicality. This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom ADU features an open floor plan with large windows that flood the space with light, creating a spacious and inviting feel. Its seamless connection to an outdoor deck makes it an ideal choice for a guest house, vacation retreat, or minimalist home, delivering both comfort and contemporary charm.
Sustainability drives the Mini 319’s design, with energy-efficient features that reduce costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, the plan allows for personalized adjustments to the layout or exterior to match your needs. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy backyard addition or a functional small home, this plan combines modern aesthetics with eco-conscious living for a versatile, stylish result.
#7. Truoba Mini 1021
The Truoba Mini 1021 house plan is a modern, 972 sq/ft retreat that blends style and efficiency. With 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this ADU features an open floor plan with large windows, creating a bright, spacious feel. Its seamless connection to an outdoor deck enhances livability, making it perfect for a guest house, vacation home, or compact primary residence that prioritizes contemporary design and comfort.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the Mini 1021 incorporates energy-efficient principles to minimize costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, it allows for tailored adjustments to the layout or exterior to suit your vision. Whether you’re adding a stylish backyard space or crafting a cozy getaway, this plan delivers modern aesthetics and practical, eco-friendly living in a versatile package.
#8. Truoba Mini 922
The Truoba Mini 922 house plan is a chic, 784 sq/ft solution for modern, compact living. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this ADU boasts an open floor plan with large windows that create a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Its seamless connection to an outdoor deck makes it an excellent choice for a guest house, vacation retreat, or minimalist home, blending style with practical functionality.
Sustainability is key in the Mini 922, with energy-efficient design elements that lower costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, the plan allows for personalized tweaks to the layout or exterior to fit your needs. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy backyard addition or a stylish small home, this plan delivers contemporary aesthetics and eco-conscious living in a compact, versatile package.
#9. Truoba Mini 822
The Truoba Mini 822 house plan offers a stylish, 800 sq/ft solution for those embracing modern, minimalist living. With 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this ADU features an open floor plan and large windows that create a bright, spacious ambiance. Its seamless connection to an outdoor deck enhances its appeal, making it perfect for a guest house, vacation home, or compact primary residence that balances form and function.
Built with sustainability in focus, the Mini 822 incorporates energy-efficient principles to reduce costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, it allows for tailored adjustments to the layout or exterior to match your vision. Whether you’re adding a functional backyard space or designing a cozy retreat, this plan delivers contemporary design and eco-friendly living in a versatile, compact package.
#10. Truoba Mini 222
The Truoba Mini 222 house plan is a modern, 1,200 sq/ft haven designed for comfort and style. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this ADU offers a spacious open floor plan with large windows that flood the space with natural light. Its seamless connection to an outdoor deck makes it an ideal choice for a guest house, vacation home, or primary residence, blending contemporary aesthetics with practical living.
Sustainability is at the core of the Mini 222, with energy-efficient features that minimize costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, the plan allows for personalized tweaks to the layout or exterior to suit your needs. Whether you’re dreaming of a versatile backyard addition or a stylish small home, this plan delivers modern design and eco-conscious functionality in a roomy, adaptable package.
#11. Truoba Mini 219
The Truoba Mini 219 house plan is a sleek, 910 sq/ft retreat that combines modern style with compact efficiency. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this ADU offers an open floor plan with large windows that create a bright, inviting atmosphere. Its seamless connection to an outdoor deck enhances its versatility, making it perfect for a guest house, vacation home, or minimalist residence that prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the Mini 219 incorporates energy-efficient principles to reduce costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, it allows for adjustments to the layout or exterior to fit your vision. Whether you’re adding a stylish backyard space or crafting a cozy getaway, this plan delivers contemporary design and eco-friendly living in a practical, compact package.
#12. Truoba Mini 615
The Truoba Mini 615 house plan is a modern, 880 sq/ft gem designed for stylish, compact living. With 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this ADU features an open floor plan and large windows that create a bright, airy feel. Its seamless connection to an outdoor deck makes it an excellent choice for a guest house, vacation retreat, or minimalist home, blending contemporary design with practical functionality.
Sustainability is central to the Mini 615, with energy-efficient features that lower costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, the plan allows for personalized tweaks to the layout or exterior to match your needs. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy backyard addition or a functional small home, this plan delivers modern aesthetics and eco-conscious living in a versatile, compact package.
#13. Truoba 321
The Truoba 321 house plan is a stunning 1,410 sq/ft modern retreat, perfect for mountain settings or contemporary living. With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, it features an open floor plan that maximizes space and light through large windows, creating a bright, airy ambiance. Its seamless indoor-outdoor connection, highlighted by a covered porch, makes it ideal for a primary residence or vacation home, offering both style and functionality in a minimalist design.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Truoba 321, with energy-efficient principles that reduce costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, the plan allows for adjustments to the layout, roof type, or exterior to suit your vision. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy mountain escape or a modern family home, this plan delivers clean lines, practical living, and eco-conscious design in a versatile, elegant package.
#14. Truoba Mini 721
The Truoba Mini 721 house plan is a modern, 1,162 sq/ft masterpiece designed for stylish, efficient living. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this ADU offers an open floor plan with large windows that create a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Its seamless connection to an outdoor deck enhances its versatility, making it perfect for a guest house, vacation retreat, or compact primary residence that blends contemporary aesthetics with practical comfort.
Built with sustainability in focus, the Mini 721 incorporates energy-efficient principles to minimize costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, it allows for tailored adjustments to the layout or exterior to fit your vision. Whether you’re adding a functional backyard space or designing a cozy getaway, this plan delivers modern design and eco-conscious living in a spacious, adaptable package.
#15. Truoba Mini 221
The Truoba Mini 221 house plan is a sleek, 650 sq/ft solution for modern, minimalist living. With 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this ADU features a compact open floor plan and large windows that create a bright, airy feel. Its seamless connection to an outdoor deck expands the living space, making it perfect for a guest house, home office, or cozy retreat that maximizes style and functionality in a small footprint.
Sustainability drives the Mini 221’s design, with energy-efficient principles that reduce costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, it allows for tweaks to the layout or exterior to suit your needs. Whether you’re adding a versatile backyard space or crafting a compact getaway, this plan delivers contemporary aesthetics and eco-conscious living in a practical, stylish package.
#16. Truoba Mini 522
The Truoba Mini 522 house plan is a modern, 1,250 sq/ft retreat that blends style and functionality. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, it offers an open floor plan with an airy kitchen and great room, enhanced by large windows and an exposed ceiling for a spacious feel. Its wrap-around porch connects indoor and outdoor spaces, making it ideal for a vacation home or primary residence that embraces contemporary living with a focus on comfort.
Designed for sustainability, the Mini 522 incorporates energy-efficient principles to reduce costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, it allows for adjustments to the layout, such as enclosing the open home office or reconfiguring the flexible second bedroom as a den or hobby room. Whether you’re envisioning a serene getaway or a modern home, this plan delivers minimalist elegance and eco-conscious design in a versatile package.
#17. Truoba Mini 220
The Truoba Mini 220 house plan is a stylish, 570 sq/ft solution for compact, modern living. This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom ADU features an open floor plan with large windows that create a bright, spacious feel despite its small footprint. Its seamless connection to an outdoor deck enhances versatility, making it perfect for a guest house, home office, or minimalist retreat that blends contemporary design with practical functionality.
Sustainability is at the heart of the Mini 220, with energy-efficient principles that lower costs and environmental impact. Fully customizable, the plan allows for tweaks to the layout or exterior to match your vision. Whether you’re adding a functional backyard space or designing a cozy getaway, this plan delivers modern aesthetics and eco-conscious living in a compact, elegant package.
#18. Truoba Mini 419
The Truoba Mini 419 is a 1,170 sq/ft modern cabin with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, perfect for small families or retreats. Its open layout connects the kitchen and living areas to a covered porch, blending indoor and outdoor spaces. A private master suite and a flexible office that can become a bedroom add versatility, all for $1,700.
This plan shines with customization options, from foundation choices to layout tweaks like adding bedrooms or reversing the design. A utility room keeps things tidy, and the modern aesthetic suits compact, sustainable living. The Truoba Mini 419 offers style and function, easily tailored to your needs.
Benefits of 1 Bedroom ADU Floor Plans
1 bedroom ADU floor plans offer numerous advantages. These compact living spaces maximize property potential while remaining cost-effective. You’ll find them practical for individuals or couples seeking independence. Their flexibility allows customization to match the main house or meet specific occupant needs. As a homeowner, you can generate rental income from these units. They’re also ideal for aging in place, accommodating seniors or those with mobility challenges. ADUs provide an affordable housing option without requiring land purchase or major infrastructure investments.
Key Features to Consider in 1 Bedroom ADU Designs
Creating a functional 1 bedroom ADU requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some essential features to incorporate into your design:
Efficient Space Utilization
Maximize every square foot in your 1 bedroom ADU. Use multifunctional furniture like sofa beds or dining tables that double as workspaces. Incorporate built-in storage solutions such as shelves and cabinets to keep the space organized. These strategies help create a comfortable living environment without sacrificing functionality.
Natural Light and Ventilation
Optimize natural light and airflow in your ADU design. Install large windows or skylights to brighten the space and provide views of the outdoors. Use light-colored walls to enhance the sense of openness. Consider open shelving to maintain an airy feel throughout the unit. These elements contribute to a more pleasant and inviting living space.
Storage Solutions
Implement smart storage options to keep your ADU clutter-free. Install floor-to-ceiling cabinets to maximize vertical space. Use under-bed storage or ottomans with hidden compartments for additional storage capacity. Incorporate closet organizers to efficiently store clothing and personal items. These solutions help maintain a tidy and organized living environment.
Popular 1 Bedroom ADU Floor Plan Layouts
1 bedroom ADU floor plans offer versatile layouts to maximize space and functionality. These designs cater to various preferences and living styles, providing comfortable and efficient living spaces.
Open Concept Designs
Open concept designs combine living, dining, and kitchen areas into one spacious room. This layout creates an illusion of a larger space and improves flow. It’s ideal for entertaining guests and allows for flexible furniture arrangements. The bedroom and bathroom remain separate for privacy.
Separate Living and Sleeping Areas
This layout features distinct zones for living and sleeping. The bedroom is separated from the main living area, offering more privacy. It’s perfect for those who prefer defined spaces for different activities. The living room, kitchen, and dining area are typically arranged in a linear fashion to optimize space usage.
Customizing Your 1 Bedroom ADU Floor Plan
1 bedroom ADU floor plans offer extensive customization options to match your specific needs and preferences. You can tailor these self-contained living spaces to complement the main house or accommodate unique requirements.
Incorporating Outdoor Spaces
Integrate outdoor areas into your 1 bedroom ADU floor plan to expand the living space. Add a small patio or deck for relaxation and entertainment. Consider French doors or large windows to create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Incorporate built-in seating or planters to maximize functionality in limited spaces.
Accessibility Considerations
Design your ADU with accessibility in mind for long-term usability. Install wider doorways and hallways to accommodate mobility devices. Choose lever-style door handles and easy-to-reach light switches. Include a curbless shower and grab bars in the bathroom for added safety. Opt for slip-resistant flooring throughout the unit to prevent accidents.
Cost Factors for 1 Bedroom ADU Construction
Size and layout significantly impact 1 bedroom ADU construction costs. Larger units require more materials and labor, increasing expenses. Complex designs with intricate features or custom elements also drive up costs. Consider the balance between space and budget when planning your ADU.
Site conditions play a crucial role in determining construction expenses. Sloped terrain or poor soil quality may necessitate additional foundation work. Existing utilities and access to the building site can affect costs. Evaluate your property’s characteristics to anticipate potential challenges.
Local regulations and permit fees vary by location. Some areas have stricter building codes or specific ADU requirements. Research your local zoning laws and permitting process to factor in these expenses. Compliance with regulations is essential for a successful ADU project.
Material selection influences both cost and quality. High-end finishes and premium materials increase expenses but can enhance durability and aesthetics. Opt for a mix of cost-effective and quality materials to strike a balance. Consider long-term value when making material choices for your ADU.
Permits and Regulations for 1 Bedroom ADUs
Navigating permits and regulations for 1 bedroom ADUs can be challenging. Local zoning laws and building codes vary significantly between jurisdictions. Check with your city or county planning department for specific requirements. Some areas offer pre-approved ADU plans to simplify the process. For example, the City of Salinas provides pre-approved 1 bedroom ADU plans for use within city limits. These plans expedite permit approvals and reduce costs. Research setback requirements, height restrictions, and parking regulations in your area before starting your project.
