All About Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit w/ Tom Mulhern Part 1 ( Ep 90)
From The Unconventional Investor by Michelle Moses | CFP® & Realtor®
May 26, 2026 · 26 min · Season 1 · Episode 90
About this episode
This episode discusses the complexities and benefits of building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) with expert Tom Mulhern.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are transforming family living as more people are building ADUs to care for parents or make space for grown kids. If you’ve wondered about converting a garage, adding a modular unit, or starting fresh from the ground up, then tune into this episode! We discuss the real costs, challenges, and benefits of building an ADU. In this two-part episode, we are joined by expert Tom Mulhern, co-founder of AzADU, to explain the real costs, legislative changes, and why most ADUs are actually built for families and not as rental income. Key Takeaways: ADUs Are More Than Instagram DIYs: Reality TV and social media make ADUs look easy, but there are a multitude of complexities including permitting, plumbing, electrical, and zoning. Building an ADU is a significant undertaking that requires understanding local ordinances and construction realities. Family First, Rentals Second: Contrary to media hype, most ADUs are built for multi-generational living, not rental income. Rising costs have families consolidating, using ADUs to keep loved ones close and reduce housing costs, while also freeing up larger homes for sale in the market. Cost…
People in this episode
Host: Michelle Moses
Guest: Tom Mulhern
Topics covered
- Accessory Dwelling Units
- multi-generational living
- housing costs
- construction challenges
- legislative changes
Keywords
- Accessory Dwelling Units
- ADU costs
- multi-generational living
- construction
- housing market
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: AzADU
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