Auxiliary Living Unit or ALU

Auxiliary LivingUnit or ALU is an additional living unit, including separate kitchen, sleeping, and bathroom facilities, separate from the owner-occupied primary residential living unit, on a single-family lot, not to exceed four hundred (400) square feet.

The unit may be attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. It may include permanent living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation provisions on the same parcel as the single-family dwelling.

An ALU can be a cottage on your property or a remodeled room above your garage, but most often, the space in your basement can be remodeled into an additional living space. ALUs have become affordable, realistic housing options to help their loved ones thrive.

What are the benefits of ALUs?

  • ALUs are an affordable type of home to construct because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators.
  • ALUs can provide a source of income for homeowners. When used as rentals, they provide an incredible return on investment.
  • ALUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy.
  • ALUs can provide as much living space as newly-built apartments and condominiums, and they’re suited well for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors.
  • ALUs allows homeowners to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care.

These ALUs may need additional plumbing setup, which will need waterproofing to avoid water leaks.

Before beginning any basement remodel or renovation, you must waterproof it.
Because basements are surrounded by soil, they are notoriously susceptible to water infiltration. Small cracks in the foundation allow moisture to seep in, damaging property. Mold is one dangerous side effect that can cause serious structural and health problems.

Even if your basement shows no warning signs of water damage—such as water stains and standing water—it may still have moisture problems.

The professionals at Total Basement Finishers have the knowledge and experience to prevent future water damage to your basement ALU. Give us a call today to schedule your free estimate.