If you are looking to add some extra space to your home, Home Planning Hawaii is ready to help you map out a perfect addition. Whether you hope to earn additional income through a rental property, or just want to give Grandma easy access to the grandkids while maintaining her independence, we are the experts in successful home additions.Before you start imagining your new dream space, it’s important to determine what type of project we’ll be helping you create. In 2015 Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed Bill 20, which grants some homeowners the option to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU, on their property. But is an ADU right for you? Or are you looking for the benefits of an Ohana Unit?Let’s look at the benefits of both additions for homeowners.For families looking to create a functional multi-generational living space, an Ohana Unit might be the perfect fit. Multi-generational living is a rising trend- as highlighted in January’s National Building Show. With parents and grandparents leading long and healthy lives, families often build additions to their homes to maintain practical yet affordable living accommodations for their loved ones.An Ohana Unit must be attached by the roof to the existing home, and can only be rented to family related to the homeowner by blood, adoption, or marriage. In seeking a building permit, the Building Department requires homeowners to sign a restricted covenant agreement—promising to only rent their space to a family member.Because Ohana units are an addition to the home, Ohana kitchens can only maintain a “wet bar,” and not a fully functional kitchen. However, if you are interested in converting your Ohana Unit to a legal ADU, we can help you transition your space to an income property legally and efficiently.In order to qualify a space as an ADU, a sink, stovetop range and refrigerator must all be installed, in addition to water and sewer lines. The ADU must have road access and one parking spot. However, unlike the Ohana Unit, an ADU can be rented to anyone- as long as the lease is at least six months long. This means that your converted Ohana Unit, or newly built ADU is a potential income property, increasing the value of your home and helping off-set the costs of construction.Visit us at Home Planning Hawaii and try our instant free estimate calculator and browse through our resources—including tips on finding the right home-building resources.