There are several factors to consider when planning an ADU on your property—from location to size and design. However, another crucial aspect that requires careful consideration and execution is the utilities to service your ADU.
Whether you’re planning to use your ADU as a home office, a rental property, or a guest suite, proper ADU utility management is a cornerstone of ensuring its high functionality and efficiency.
In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about utility management for ADUs—from connecting essential services like electricity, water, sewage, and gas to exploring the benefits of separate metering.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Creating a comfortable living or functional space in your ADU means installing an efficient heating and cooling system that can accommodate the climate all year round. Naturally, the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system you choose should be tailored to the specific characteristics of your ADU, including size and regional weather conditions.
Here are some of the common HVAC systems homeowners in Canada use:
Mini-Split Heat Pumps
Mini-split heat pumps are versatile HVAC solutions that offer heating and cooling functions. They are also very energy-efficient, which makes them an appealing option for ADU owners with limited space. Because they can heat and cool small spaces efficiently, they are the most common type of HVAC system used, especially so for modular and prefabricated units!
You should note that some regions in Canada have specific requirements for ADU utilities to ensure the safety of lives and property. For instance, the Ontario Building Code mandates that homeowners provide a backup heating solution that will take over in the event of cold temperatures.
Electric baseboard heater
If you live in an area where you don’t anticipate needing an air conditioning unit (lucky you!) or your ADU is smaller than most, electric baseboard heaters can be an excellent choice. These heaters provide localized heat, which can be beneficial if you’re zoning (heating only a specific room). In addition, electric baseboard heaters do not require ductwork, making them easier to install in compact spaces.
Forced air furnace
This system is very popular as it can quickly and efficiently heat your entire ADU. So, if you live in the colder parts of Canada, a forced air furnace system may be ideal. However, it typically requires a bit more space, is more expensive to run with natural gas, and you’ll typically have to combine it with air conditioning units to create a comprehensive climate control solution.
Natural Gas and Propane Options
Depending on your preferred heating system, you may not need to invest in gas as one of your ADU utilities you can omit from your unit. If you plan to use your additional dwelling unit as a living quarter—either as a guest house or for rental—then you can use this system for various purposes.
Here are some of the use case scenarios of natural gas and propane in ADUs:
- Heating: Both natural gas and propane are excellent sources for space heating. They can power furnaces, boilers, and even floor heating systems, providing consistent and efficient warmth during colder months.
- Cooking: Many homeowners prefer gas-powered stoves and ovens, which offer quick heating and precise intensity control. Depending on what’s available in your area, you can choose between natural gas and propane.
- Water heating: Water heating is another common reason many homeowners choose to install a gas system in their ADUs. Gas-powered water heaters offer quick water heating, ensuring a steady supply of hot water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing.
If you choose to use natural gas in your ADU, connecting to existing gas lines may be the most appealing option for you. You should note that it comes with a fair bit of work, though.
For instance, extending your natural gas supply to your ADU will typically require extensive excavation to lay in the new pipes, which can be time-consuming. More importantly, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate permits before commencing any gas line work. Your local building codes will determine the specifications for installation, including pipe materials, depth, and safety measures.
On the other hand, if you opt for propane, installing propane tanks on-site is considerably more straightforward. The process can happen much faster with minimal disruption to your property. However, propane expenses may be less cost-effective in the long run.
Remember, it is usually best to secure the services of professionals when doing gas work to ensure proper installation and compliance so you can pass building inspections and avoid potential legal issues.
Water Supply and Plumbing
Your ADU utilities are incomplete without a source of water supply—even if it’s a home office. After all, it is practically impossible to live or carry out daily activities without water. This means accounting for an all-inclusive plumbing system comprising a sink, shower, and toilet.
Proper plumbing is the backbone of a functional ADU, so it’s important to get it right from the start. You’ll need to consult with professional plumbers to design and install a system that works and follows local building codes and standards. All of this happens during an On-site Assessment, where our team looks at your existing water and sewer lines to collect the data necessary for a building permit. A plumbing expert will also ensure that the slope of the plumbing system and load on the stack is optimal to prevent drainage problems, backups, or related issues.
If you plan to rent out your additional dwelling unit, it may be a good idea to create a water connection that’s separate from the main house’s system. This way, you can set independent water metering and simplify bill payments. It also helps the prospective tenants take responsibility for their water usage and management.
Stormwater Management
Effective stormwater management is a critical part of modern buildings, and your ADU is no different. As a result, you’ll need to make provisions for stormwater management structures, such as gutters and downspouts.
Without these systems in place, stormwater can accumulate around the ADU, leading to flooding, water damage, and even structural issues over time. These naturally translate to costly repairs.
By leveraging simple yet effective methods for managing stormwater, such as gutter and downspout installations, you can capture rainwater from the roof and direct it away from the ADU’s foundation. But make sure your gutters are the appropriate size for expected rainfall in your region and that your downspouts are positioned to channel water to a safe distance from your ADU.
You can also consider landscaping hacks, such as grading the land around the ADU to slope away from the structure. This way, water will naturally flow towards your designated drainage areas.
While many people don’t consider stormwater management an important aspect of ADU utilities, it can significantly affect the maintenance costs of your additional dwelling unit over time.
Electrical Connections and Compliance
Finally, what are ADU utilities without electricity? Electricity is a critical part of making your additional dwelling unit functional or ready to live. However, there are several factors you need to consider to ensure your ADU has a reliable power supply while conforming to local regulations.
Equipping your ADU with electrical connections usually means extending the existing electrical infrastructure in the main house to the new unit. So, you’ll need professional electricians to ensure all connections are safe and efficient. Also, you’ll need to check if you need to upgrade your electrical systems to handle the increased load.
Another option is to consider alternative energy sources, such as solar panels, to provide electricity to your ADU. These may come with unique challenges, though. For example, do your homeowners’ association or local zoning laws allow for solar installations?
Regardless of the decision you make, ensuring that the ADU’s electrical system complies with local building codes and safety regulations is non-negotiable, even if it means adjusting the placement of the ADU or rerouting power lines.
Separating Metering or Not for Your ADU?
Part of the considerations you should make when planning your ADU utilities is whether you want a separate meter to track utility usage or not. If you plan to rent out your additional dwelling unit, separate metering can offer distinct advantages, and some municipalities make it mandatory.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of separate metering:
Pros
- Allows for clear and precise billing of utilities consumed by the ADU occupant
- Encourages ADU tenants to take responsibility for their utility usage
- Fosters more mindful energy consumption
- Prevents disputes over utility bills
Cons
- May require more costly installations
- May require more extensive modification or upgrades to the existing utility system
- May require additional permits and city inspection
If you plan to use your ADU as a home office or extra housing for a family member, you might not need to have separate meters. On the other hand, if you’re renting out your additional dwelling unit, investing in separate metering is a good idea.
Wrapping Up
Utility management is a critical part of a functional ADU as it ensures comfort and convenience for occupants.
However, simply installing ADU utilities is not enough. Whether setting up electrical connections, installing heating, or managing stormwater, each aspect of utility management requires careful planning and adherence to local codes and regulations.
Leveraging professional services is one way to ensure things are done correctly and to code. At Resimate, we facilitate the connection between you and professional service providers to ensure your utility infrastructure is both efficient and legally compliant for your prefabricated unit
Contact Resimate today and let’s kickstart your ADU acquisition process!
