The Difference Between A Tiny House and A DADU

• Typically refers to any very small house, often on wheels, usually under 400–500 square feet.
• Designed to be mobile and often doesn’t require a foundation.
• Can sometimes be parked in RV parks or on private land (depending on local laws)
• Often considered a lifestyle choice focused on minimalism, mobility, and lower cost.
  

What are the Uses and Benefits of a Tiny Home

1. Freedom to Travel – A mobile tiny house allows the owner to live in different locations without giving up the comforts of home. It’s ideal for people who want to explore the country or move seasonally.

2. Flexibility – Life changes—jobs, relationships, family needs—and a mobile tiny house can move with you. No need to sell a house or find a new place to rent.

3. Cost Savings – Avoids some of the costs of land ownership, property taxes (depending on jurisdiction), and traditional home maintenance. Some choose to stay at low-cost RV parks or even boondock for free on public land.

4. Minimalist Lifestyle – A mobile design encourages simple living with fewer possessions and less space to maintain.

5. Temporary Use or Transitional Housing – Useful for people in transition: downsizing, retiring, post-divorce, or saving for a larger home later. It can also serve as a temporary living space while building a permanent home.

6. Permitting and Zoning Advantages – In some areas, mobile tiny houses (especially on wheels) are classified as RVs, which can avoid restrictive building codes or zoning regulations that apply to permanent structures.

7. Work-From-Anywhere Lifestyle – Remote workers and digital nomads often love mobile tiny homes—they can take their home office wherever they go.

• A permanent structure on a foundation, separate from the main house but located on the same lot.
• Also called backyard cottage, granny flat, or laneway house.
• Fully permitted and hooked up to utilities like a regular house.
• Subject to local zoning and building codes.
• Intended as a long-term housing option — for family members, tenants, or guests.

What are the Uses and Benefits of a DADU

1. Rental Income – A DADU can generate long-term passive income. Whether it’s a full-time rental or a short-term Airbnb, it helps offset mortgage or living expenses.

2. Multi-Generational Living – Perfect for aging parents, adult children, or extended family. Everyone gets privacy and independence while staying close.

3. Increased Property Value – Adding a DADU typically increases the overall resale value of the property and makes it more attractive to future buyers.

4. Home Office or Studio – A quiet, separate space for work, creative projects, or clients—without the distractions of the main house.

5. Guest House – comfortable accommodations for visiting friends and family that don’t intrude on your main living space.

6. Downsizing Without Moving – Some homeowners choose to live in the DADU and rent out their main house to simplify life or prepare for retirement.

7. Flexible Use Over Time – It can start as an office, become a guest suite, then a rental later. DADUs adapt as your needs change.