I Was 33 Years Early to the ADU Party

The early 1990s were tough for many Canadians, including my partner and me. The recession of 1990-1991 hit us hard, leaving both of us without jobs and staring at an unemployment rate that had climbed to a record 10.23%. With bills piling up and options dwindling, we had to get creative—and fast. That’s when we found an unexpected lifeline in an unlikely place: my partner’s grandmother’s house.

Grandma, a 90-year-old fireball from Newfoundland, was sharp as a tack and fiercely independent. However, her home was starting to feel too large for her to manage on her own. Meanwhile, we needed a place to live that wouldn’t drain our limited savings. Over cups of tea at her cozy kitchen table, a plan started to take shape: we would build a basement apartment in her house, move in, and exchange affordable rent for assistance around the house. It was a perfect win-win.

I didn't know it, but I was an ADU pioneer

Today, this living arrangement may be recognized as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), a secondary housing unit on a single-family property. However, in 1991, this concept was far from mainstream. For us, it was simply a matter of survival—a practical solution born from necessity.

We rolled up our sleeves and got to work. With a few friends and determination, we transformed Grandma’s basement into a modest but functional living space. It was basic, even a bit wonky—you had to walk through the bedroom to get to the living room-kitchen combo—but it was ours. We managed most of the construction ourselves, and hired an electrician for the wiring and a plumber to handle the pipes. The rest was pure sweat equity.

Living in that basement was an adjustment, to say the least. Space was tight, and our DIY craftsmanship wasn’t exactly HGTV-worthy. However, it provided us with a fresh start. But as ADU pioneers, we got much more than we could have imagined. A much closer connection to family.

Grandma’s wit and energy were the heart of the house, and we grew closer to her than we ever imagined. Her stories about growing up in Newfoundland in the late 1800s mesmerized me. I would sit there, wide-eyed, as she recounted winters so cold that tea froze before it hit the cup and evenings illuminated by whale oil lamps. We laughed constantly, and she quickly became the grandmother I never had since my grandparents had passed before I was born.

Grandma and I stayed close even after my relationship with my partner ended. I couldn’t imagine life without our Friday lunches, which became a cherished tradition. Every week, I’d visit, and she’d share more stories or critique my cooking attempts with her quick wit and that unmistakable Newfoundland twang. She continued to be a beacon of joy and wisdom in my life.

Grandma thrived on independence, which she held onto with great determination. At 90 years old, she re-tarred her driveway by herself, much to the neighbours' surprise and my immense admiration. The tar application was as wrinkled as her skin, and she couldn't care less. She beamed with pride while I took her picture!

She loved having visitors, and the parish clergy were frequent guests. She always welcomed them with a twinkle in her eye and a sharp sense of humour. Once, when the parish priest asked her if she ever thought about "the hereafter," she shot back, “Oh, I think about it every day when I go into the basement and ask myself, ‘What am I here after?’” That was Grandma: quick-witted, strong, and full of life.

Our basement apartment was more than just a place to live; it was a lifeline.

The benefits extended beyond us. Grandma stayed in the home she loved until she passed away peacefully at 96 years old, sitting at her kitchen table on my birthday. It was a poignant moment that reminded me how much she had shaped my life.

The modest basement apartment not only sheltered us but also added value to her home. We inadvertently enhanced the property’s functionality and appeal by converting unused space into livable quarters.

This represents a key advantage of ADUs in today’s economy. Given the housing shortages and rising costs, ADUs provide a practical solution by offering affordable rental options, increasing property values, and creating opportunities for intergenerational living.

In recent years, governments have acknowledged the importance of ADUs, making it easier and more affordable for families to construct them. Changes to mortgage lending policies have been introduced to promote ADU construction. For instance, insured loans now cover up to $1.5 million, and the amortization period has been extended to 30 years, enhancing financing accessibility. Furthermore, the federal government has announced new refinancing options to allow up to 90% of the property’s value. At the same time, low-interest loans for ADU construction have doubled to $80,000, with repayment terms of 15 years. These welcome changes will lower financial barriers and assist homeowners in creating secondary housing units, addressing both affordability and housing shortages.

This intergenerational arrangement we set up over three decades ago was a win-win in every way. It provided mutual support, strengthened family bonds, and created a housing solution that benefited both generations. Seniors can age in place with dignity and companionship while younger generations gain access to affordable housing and the chance to learn from their elders. The laughter, shared meals, and stories crafted memories that will last a lifetime.

Moreover, ADUs can help ease housing shortages and increase the availability of affordable rentals. They represent a practical, cost-effective method to utilize existing properties better. For families, they offer flexibility—a space for aging parents, adult children, or even potential rental income. For communities, they supply essential housing stock without necessitating large-scale development. For a deeper dive into ADUs, here's a link to a post we shared last year https://expertfile.com/spotlight/10346/additional-dwelling-units--adus-

What's Old is New Again

It's often said that many things come back in style if you wait long enough. This may hold for ADUs, simply an old concept whose time has come again. Nonetheless, ADUs empower our younger generation to afford housing and achieve homeownership. They also provide vital support for our older generations, enabling them to age in place while generating much-needed income for a dignified retirement.

Reflecting on the past, I often ponder who saved whom. Grandma’s indomitable spirit and sharp humour made every bump in the road worthwhile. She would tease me about the crooked shelves we installed and joke that our kitchen was so small we could stir the soup without getting off the couch. In truth, she gave me more than I ever gave her. Her strength, love, and unwavering sense of humour helped me navigate one of the most challenging times in my life.

The quirky basement we built in 1991 may not have been perfect, but it served its purpose. Today, as ADUs gain popularity, they represent more than just housing; they embody connection, resilience, and finding creative solutions to life’s challenges. Whether it’s a basement apartment, a backyard cottage, or a garage conversion, ADUs can foster connection and help families thrive—just as we did all those years ago.

And as for Grandma? She demonstrated that a touch of humour, plenty of love, and the occasional jab at a priest could keep anyone young at heart. Every time I think of her now, I can’t help but smile and wonder if, somewhere, she’s still re-tarring driveways and asking herself, ‘What am I here after?’

Don’t Retire … Re-Wire!

Sue