Building an ADU for Mom: A Multigenerational Living Story in Atlanta

David Melton
5 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 19 hours ago

Kathy, can you tell us a little about your story and how you ended up here?

Kathy: I was born in Chicago, and after I married John, we moved to Wisconsin where we bought a restaurant. We ran that family restaurant for 19 years. The kids would work there when they weren’t in school, and I taught second grade. It was a full life, and a really special one. We were always together, at home, at work, just constantly around each other.

In 2018, we bought a house in Florida to be somewhere warmer. Around that same time, Sean bought this house in Atlanta. After John passed away, Sean said, “Why don’t you move here?” That’s when the idea of building something behind his house first came up.

What made an ADU the right fit for your family?

Kathy: At first, we looked at houses for me here in Atlanta. But everything we found felt like too much. Too big, too much upkeep, too expensive. My house in Florida was 1,400 square feet with three bedrooms and a huge kitchen, and I already knew I didn’t need that kind of space anymore.

Sean: That’s when a friend mentioned accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to me. I honestly didn’t even know what one was at the time, but I started digging in and found you guys on Instagram. Once we saw the plans, especially the Expanded Kirkwood, it immediately clicked. It was exactly what we had in mind but hadn’t been able to find.

We had looked at other options too, like adding onto the house or building something above a carport. But those either came with stairs or less usable space. This gave us more livable space, all on one level, and at a price point that actually made sense. Once we saw that, the decision felt pretty clear.

What has it been like living this close together, but in separate spaces?

Kathy: During construction, I lived in the main house with them, and that was a little tough. We were all on top of each other. But now that we each have our own space, it’s the best of both worlds.

The grandkids come over all the time! I’ll just be sitting there watching TV and suddenly they’re at the door telling me about their day. It’s those little, everyday moments that mean so much.

We’ve also created our own routines. Every Friday, we do homemade pizza together. For Easter, my granddaughter made decorations for my table and brought them over. Then on Easter morning, they had the Easter bunny at their house, came over here to show me everything, and I told them the bunny had come here too. They got to have Easter twice just by walking across the backyard. It was really special.

Sean: It’s become part of my daily routine too. I’ll get home, stop by Mom’s first, then head to the house, and sometimes circle back if I have time. It’s just easy.

For the kids, it’s been incredible. They have that built-in relationship with their grandmother, and there’s a sense of comfort knowing she’s right there. Plus, having a former second-grade teacher just steps away doesn’t hurt! If I tell them, “Grandma has ice cream,” they’re gone instantly.

What would you say to someone thinking about building an ADU for a parent or loved one?

Kathy: I would say it’s a wonderful option, especially if you want to be close to family but still have your own space. Living together under one roof wouldn’t have been the right fit for us, but this gives us the perfect balance.

I have my independence, my own routine, my own quiet when I want it. But I also know that help is right there if I need it, and I get to see my family whenever I want.

They invite me over for dinner often, the grandkids stop by constantly, and we share so much of life together now in a way that feels natural. But I can still close the door when I need to, usually just to take a nap!

It really is the best of both worlds.

Sean: Also, it’s a great to have a second set of snacks! Thanks mom!