Tell us a little about yourself and how long you have lived in Atlanta?
I have lived in Reynoldstown since 1998, and I love it here. I have no interest in moving anywhere else. As a gardener and a dog owner, I spend every day in my backyard. My neighbors come over almost daily with their dogs, creating a real sense of community that I truly love.
What led to your decision to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in your backyard?
The very first spark of inspiration came from my next-door neighbors, who have an ADU and worked with ATL ADU. What I love about theirs is that they didn’t have to take down any trees to build it, and they were really happy with ATL ADU. I wanted more space to foster community while also preserving the natural environment - I didn’t want to fill my entire yard with dwellings. I wanted to have both, so an ADU made a lot of sense to me. I also wanted a place where my family could visit and stay for any length of time. They all live in New Orleans, where hurricanes are a reality. During Katrina, my entire family had to evacuate for a month. Having an ADU gives me a real sense of security, knowing they would have a place to come if another disaster like Katrina were to happen.
Why did you decide to work with ATL ADU CO?
I chose ATL ADU because my neighbors had such a great experience. I reached out to a few other people, but I spoke with Adam on the phone a year before I started, and he was incredibly knowledgeable about zoning. He took the time to explain everything in detail, which really impressed me.
How do you utilize your ADU currently?
I’ve hosted lots of friends for dinner parties, game nights, and book club, so the ADU has primarily been a social space and guest house so far. It’s a wonderful gathering place that fosters the sense of community I deeply value. Everyone in my family loves music, and with The Eastern just down the street, it’s amazing to be able to walk there. My brother and nephew are coming in April to stay for a while because they want to see a show there. I also appreciate the flexibility of potentially turning it into a rental in the future. I’ve even considered living in the ADU and renting out my primary home. And since my main house is over 100 years old, the ADU would be a perfect place to stay if I ever need to have major work done on it.
What would you say to others who are considering building an ADU?
I would definitely recommend building an ADU because of its many potential uses—whether for extra space, a guest house, or a rental property. I had a big party in early November, and so many people said, 'I want to do this!' One thing they really loved was how the ADU looks like it belongs here. The design blends seamlessly with the neighborhood, which I love too. It doesn’t feel like this weird thing in the backyard. It also looks like it’s been here for a long time because we preserved the trees. I spend every day in my backyard, and the ADU is a perfect fit—it feels like a little house in the woods!
If we can help you build an ADU like this, and you're in the Atlanta area, we'd love to chat!