If you’re a homeowner in Ann Arbor or the broader Washtenaw County area, you know how Michigan winters punish a house. Freeze–thaw cycles, heavy snow, and shifting clay soils can turn small foundation issues into big ones fast.
And because a surprising share of a home’s winter heat loss can originate at the foundation—especially when cracks let in air and moisture—those “hairline” gaps are worth a closer look before the cold sets in.
Not all cracks are created equal. Some are cosmetic; others point to movement and moisture that can snowball into water damage, sloping floors, sticky doors, and higher energy bills. Here are seven tell-tale signs it’s time to book a foundation crack inspection—before temperatures drop.
Why Foundation Cracks Deserve Your Attention Now
It’s easy to shrug off a hairline crack in the basement wall or a small gap along the floor. But those cracks can grow quickly as moisture seeps in, the ground shifts with frost, or snowmelt adds pressure around your home. Left unchecked, what begins as a minor repair could become a major project involving water damage, uneven floors, or even compromised safety.
For homeowners in Ann Arbor, where freeze-thaw cycles are especially harsh, acting early can save thousands later. The signs aren’t always dramatic, but knowing what to look for lets you fix the problem before winter makes it worse.
It May Be Time for an Inspection if You Notice…
1. Cracks Wider Than 1/8 Inch
Hairline cracks are relatively common in concrete, especially in older Ann Arbor homes. But if a crack is wider than a standard nickel, it’s typically a sign of more serious shifting or settling. These cracks are less likely to be cosmetic and more likely to spread once freezing moisture gets into them.
What to do: Mark the ends with a pencil and date it. If the opening grows—or is already wider than 1/8″—schedule an inspection.
2. Cracks That Grow or Reappear After Repair
If you’ve patched a foundation crack in the past and notice it reopening—or if an existing crack seems to be lengthening—this is likely a sign of ongoing movement. Seasonal shifts in Michigan’s clay-heavy soil can push against your foundation, and recurring cracks are a clear red flag to book a foundation crack inspection.
What to do: Don’t re-patch and hope. You need a pro to identify the cause and relieve the pressure before winter.
3. Water Seepage in the Basement
Foundation cracks that allow water seepage are especially urgent to address before the winter cold sets in. Even a trickle of moisture can freeze inside the crack, widening it further and accelerating structural damage. Look for damp spots, peeling paint, or musty odors in your basement as warning signs.
What to do: Document where/when you see moisture and book an inspection before hard freezes.
4. Horizontal or Stair-Step Cracks
The direction of a crack matters as well. Vertical cracks may indicate nothing more than minor settling, but horizontal or stair-step cracks in block walls are often signs of significant pressure from soil expansion. These cracks can point to weakened walls that won’t hold up well against another freeze-thaw cycle.
What to do: Treat as urgent. An inspection can determine whether reinforcement or wall straightening is needed.
Sometimes the most obvious signs aren’t in your foundation itself, but in how your home is functioning. If doors or windows that once opened easily are now sticking, it could be because your foundation has shifted—especially if you’ve already checked the latches and hinges. Cracks combined with these alignment issues mean it’s time for a professional inspection.
What to do: Rule out hinge/latch issues; if sticking persists, schedule an inspection.
6. Uneven or Sloping Floors
If you notice your floors starting to slope, dip, or feel uneven underfoot, it could be a sign that your foundation is shifting. While it might seem like just an annoyance, uneven floors often point to deeper structural movement below. Combined with visible cracks, this is a clear indicator that it’s time for a professional foundation crack inspection before winter conditions make the problem worse.
What to do: Note where the slope is most obvious and get a pro assessment.
7. Gaps Between Walls and Trim
Notice a gap forming between your walls and crown molding, baseboards, or window trim? That separation, however minor, often means your foundation is shifting, pulling parts of your home’s structure slightly out of alignment. Though easy to overlook, these small visual cues can indicate a bigger issue beneath the surface.
What to do: Photograph the gap with a ruler for scale and book an inspection.
Why You Should Act Before Winter
Winter is always the toughest season on your home’s foundation. When temperatures swing, Ann Arbor’s clay-heavy soil expands and contracts, pushing against your foundation walls. Any crack, even a small one, becomes a weak point where:
Moisture intrusion accelerates. Snowmelt can seep through cracks, leading to water damage, mold growth, or even ice expansion inside the foundation wall.
Repairs become harder. Cold weather makes it more difficult to complete certain foundation repairs, potentially forcing you into costly temporary fixes until spring.
Structural risks increase. The added weight of snow and ice on your roof and around your home can compound existing foundation stress, making cracks even worse.
Energy costs rise. Research suggests up to 25% of a home’s heat can be lost through its foundation, especially when cracks compromise an already inadequate insulation. Left unchecked, this will force your home’s systems to work overtime, wearing out your furnace while driving up seasonal utility costs.
Schedule a Foundation Crack Inspection With MBK
If you’ve spotted any of these warning signs in your foundation, don’t wait until the first snowstorm comes around to shake things up—take the time to book an inspection while there’s still ample time to address the issues.
Here at MBK Constructors, we bring years of experience in Ann Arbor home construction and renovations, including foundation crack inspections and the structural repairs they so often demand. Our design-build approach means we don’t just patch cracks—we evaluate your home holistically and address problems proactively to keep your family comfortable for years to come.
Don’t let small cracks turn into big headaches this winter. Schedule a foundation crack inspection with MBK Constructors today, and protect the home you’ve worked hard to build.
Picture this: Thanksgiving morning arrives, and instead of wrestling with cramped countertops and outdated appliances, you’re effortlessly preparing the feast in your dream kitchen. The island provides ample prep space, the new range handles multiple dishes with ease, and guests naturally gather around your beautiful new layout. It’s far from wishful thinking—with the right timing and planning, this scenario is entirely achievable.
The secret? Starting your kitchen remodel well before the holiday entertaining season begins. As Ann Arbor’s trusted design-build experts for 30+ years, MBK Constructors knows that the most successful kitchen renovations are the ones that wrap up just as the holiday season kicks into high gear. In this article, we’ll share our proven pre-holiday kitchen remodel tips to help you transform your space in time for the celebrations that matter most.
The Strategic Advantage of Pre-Holiday Kitchen Planning
Kitchen renovations are among the most popular home improvement projects, and for good reason. The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, especially during holiday gatherings when cooking, entertaining, and family bonding reach their peak.
Many homeowners make the mistake of starting kitchen renovations too close to major holidays or, conversely, putting off the project until after the season passes. In reality, both approaches miss a crucial window of opportunity. The ideal timeline for a pre-holiday kitchen remodel begins in late summer or early fall, allowing for completion well before your first major gathering.
This strategic timing takes advantage of Michigan’s ideal weather conditions while ensuring your new kitchen is ready when you need it most. Better yet, it positions you ahead of the typical holiday rush when contractors become increasingly busy with last-minute projects.
5 Reasons to Start Your Kitchen Remodel Before Fall in Ann Arbor
1. Design and Materials Take Time
The design-build process starts well before demolition begins. From in-home consultations and layout planning to cabinet orders and countertop selections, many of the decisions that shape your new kitchen happen behind the scenes. Starting now gives you breathing room to make thoughtful design choices, avoid rushed material selections, and accommodate lead times without jeopardizing your holiday deadline.
2. Contractors Book Quickly for Year-End Projects
As fall approaches, reputable contractors typically see a spike in demand from homeowners eager to complete projects before the holidays. The earlier you secure your design-build team, the more flexibility you’ll have in scheduling—and the better your chances of finishing on time.
3. Dry Weather Favors Structural and Utility Work
While most kitchen remodels are primarily interior projects, many involve exterior adjustments too—like moving a window, adding a skylight, or extending a wall. For Michigan homeowners, the late summer’s dry, stable weather creates ideal conditions for any framing, roofing, or utility upgrades before the cold sets in.
4. Avoid Winter Complications and Delays
Michigan winters can cause all kinds of construction challenges, from supply chain disruptions to frozen pipes and ventilation issues. Starting your kitchen renovation in August or September means most of the work will be complete before snow, ice, and sub-zero temps start slowing things down.
5. Holidays Go Smoother Without Construction Chaos
Perhaps the biggest reason to remodel your kitchen now? Peace of mind. A late-summer start allows for realistic timelines, thoughtful planning, and smooth execution—so your new kitchen is ready for warm gatherings, home-cooked meals, and all the joyful chaos the holidays bring. No dust, no tarps, no backup toaster oven in the living room.
Essential Pre-Holiday Kitchen Remodel Tips
Reworking an entire kitchen in time for the holidays is easier said than done—it demands specialized expertise. So, from the experts, here are a few pre-holiday kitchen remodel tips to get your project started on the right track:
Start With Realistic Timeline Planning
A typical full kitchen renovation takes 6–8 weeks from demolition to completion, though this can vary based on scope and complexity. Working backward from your first major holiday gathering, allow for a buffer period of at least 2–3 weeks. This cushion accounts for potential delays and gives you time to settle into your new space.
Prioritize High-Impact Elements
If time constraints require phased completion, focus on elements that most directly impact holiday entertaining. Functional appliances, adequate counter space, and proper lighting should take precedence over finishing touches that can be completed later.
Plan for Temporary Kitchen Solutions
Even with the best planning, you’ll need alternative cooking arrangements during construction. Try setting up a temporary kitchen in another area of your home, complete with basic appliances, prep space, and storage for essentials. This will allow you and your family to maintain some normalcy during the renovation process.
Consider Material Lead Times
Custom maple cabinets can take 12–16 weeks, specialty appliances up to 10 weeks—factor these lead times into your schedule to stay on track for the holidays. Factor these timelines into your project schedule, and consider placing orders for long-lead items before construction begins. Delays could push your project past that all-important holiday deadline, so take a proactive approach. We like to use lily ann cabinets who have a very short lead time. 2-3 weeks after selections are made
Build in Flexibility for Holiday Hosting
Lastly—and you may not want to hear this—it pays to have a backup plan. Even if your project takes longer than expected, the results will make the process worthwhile. Consider some alternative hosting arrangements to fall back on, just in case. Maybe this year’s gathering moves to a different location, or you focus on simpler menu options. Having a backup plan reduces stress and allows you to enjoy the process rather than constantly worrying about timing.
Find Your Partners in Holiday-Ready Kitchen Renovation
At MBK Constructors, we believe kitchen renovations are about creating spaces where meaningful moments and memories happen, not just about the finishes or appliances. With more than 30 years of experience in the Ann Arbor area, we’ve perfected the art of timing kitchen renovations to meet our clients’ most important deadlines. Our team knows how to navigate Michigan’s unique construction challenges to produce the quality and attention to detail that your home deserves.
Why Late Summer Is Ideal for Starting Major Home Projects
If you’ve been dreaming about opening up your floor plan, remodeling your outdated kitchen, or adding a much-needed bathroom, timing is everything. In a region like Ann Arbor, where seasons affect everything from permits to contractor availability, timing a renovation can matter as much as the renovation itself.
In Ann Arbor, the question comes up often: when’s the best time to renovate? With three decades of design-build experience, we can say with confidence—it’s late summer. In this article, we’ll explore a few of the strategic factors that make this slim timeframe the best time for home renovation—and a few ideas for your next project.
If you’ve lived in Michigan long enough, you know that our seasons can be as unpredictable as they are beautiful. Renovation projects that involve excavation, structural work, or even window installation can be severely impacted by weather conditions. Planning your renovation around the local calendar is key to avoiding costly delays and securing your preferred contractor.
Late summer—especially the window from mid-August through early September—offers a unique sweet spot between peak construction activity and early fall preparation season. This timing takes advantage of Michigan’s most stable weather period while positioning your project ahead of the typical fall rush.
5 Reasons Late Summer is the Best Time for Home Renovation in Ann Arbor
1. Stable Weather Supports Exterior and Structural Work
By late summer, Michigan has typically settled into more consistent, dry conditions. The soil is warm, the risk of spring flooding has passed, and contractors can perform excavation or framing without frequent weather delays. This makes it a great time to begin additions, foundation upgrades, or whole-home remodels that need exterior access.
2. Getting Ahead of the Autumn Rush
Most homeowners begin thinking about remodeling projects in the fall—especially once school starts or the holidays are on the horizon. But by that time, the best contractors may already be booked. Starting your project in late summer puts you just a little bit ahead of the demand curve and secures your place on the calendar before schedules fill up.
3. Easier Permit Approvals and Inspections
Local building departments often experience slower processing times in midsummer. This is due to vacation schedules and reduced staffing. However, many municipal offices pick up speed again in August. Staff returns, and preparation begins for the busy fall season.
Starting your project later in the summer often means faster turnaround on permits and inspections. This is especially important for major renovations and design-build projects requiring multiple sign-offs.
4. More Livable Conditions During Renovation
Renovating while continuing to live in your home can be one of the most stressful aspects of any major project. Tackling renovations during the late summer allows you to take full advantage of Michigan’s pleasant weather conditions—think backyard patio dinners during kitchen renovations or open windows during drywall work. You’re less dependent on your HVAC system and more likely to keep dust and disruption at bay.
5. Project Completion Before Winter Holidays
One of the most compelling benefits of starting a renovation in late summer is the realistic potential to finish before winter weather arrives and holiday entertaining begins. This timing is particularly valuable for kitchen renovations and any other projects that may affect critical entertaining spaces.
Whether you’re working on a kitchen refresh, a basement overhaul, or a substantial addition, getting started now improves your chances of enjoying the new space by Thanksgiving or the December holidays—without having to host guests amid the chaos of construction.
What Should You Tackle This Time of Year?
Late summer timing is particularly well-suited for several types of major renovation projects, including:
Kitchen and main-floor remodels benefit from the stable weather for any exterior work (like expanding openings for larger windows or patio doors) and the comfortable conditions for indoor work. The moderate temperatures make it easier to work around temporarily displaced appliances and cooking arrangements.
Basement renovations with egress installation take advantage of the dry soil conditions ideal for excavation work, while the comfortable temperatures make the often-challenging basement work environment more manageable.
Structural repairs and foundation improvements are best tackled when soil conditions are stable and dry, making the late summer the best time for home renovation projects involving foundation work, basement waterproofing, and structural reinforcement projects.
Demolish-and-rebuild projects like our signature Ann Arbor lot rebuilds benefit from having a full construction season ahead, allowing for foundation work, framing, and exterior completion before winter weather arrives.
If you’re still in the early planning and design stages, late summer is also an ideal time to schedule design consultations, finalize floor plans, select materials, and complete permit applications. This preparation work can be completed during the pleasant late summer weather, positioning your project to begin construction as soon as conditions are optimal.
MBK: Local Renovation Experts Through Any Season
With 30+ years of remodeling experience in the greater Ann Arbor area, MBK Constructors helps homeowners plan and complete projects in step with Michigan’s building seasons—so each phase runs smoothly, stays on schedule, and delivers the space you’ve been envisioning.
Through our design-build approach, we’ve helped homeowners in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Brighton, Chelsea, and beyond transform their living spaces—maximizing timing, budget, and long-term value. Whether you’re envisioning a complete home reimagining or exploring what’s possible on your property, we guide you through each step with clarity and expertise.
If you’ve been waiting to make some big changes to your home, consider this your sign—late summer is the best time for home renovation in our region. Let’s talk about your renovation goals—book a free design-build consultation with MBK’s experts.
Here in Michigan, where winter heating bills can make homeowners wince and summer humidity yields its own challenges, a properly finished basement can do wonders for your home’s overall energy performance while adding the livable space you’re looking for.
In this article, we break down five strategies for energy-efficient basement finishing that can reduce your utility bills while creating comfortable year-round living space. From moisture management to smart zoning, here’s what every Michigan homeowner needs to know.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters in Michigan Basements
Michigan’s intense climate presents what you might call unique challenges for local homeowners—many of which make energy efficiency a crucial goal of basement finishing projects. According to some sources, the average Michigan home can lose as much as 25% of its heat through the basement during the winter. The impact is felt financially and physically:
Cold floors on the main level
Significant temperature variations throughout the home
Noticeable drafts
Moisture and condensation issues
Frozen pipe risks
Higher heating bills
Here’s a counterintuitive truth about finishing your basement: doing it wrong can actually make energy problems worse. Trap moisture behind the wrong materials, skimp on insulation quality, or ignore vital ventilation features, and you could end up with mold, mildew, and sky-high utility bills.
Energy-Efficient Basement Finishing: 5 Professional Strategies
The good news is that an effective approach to finishing is well within your reach—assuming, of course, you tap the proper expertise. So, from the experts at MBK, here are a few little-known factors of energy-efficient basement finishing for local homeowners.
1. Master the Moisture-Energy Connection
The foundations of energy-efficient finishing begin with understanding that moisture and energy efficiency go hand-in-hand. Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles, spring melts, and summer humidity create constant moisture challenges that, if ignored, will undermine any energy improvements.
Some research shows that damp or wet insulation can lose its R-value (the measure of how well it insulates) by as much as 40% or more. A strategic approach, therefore, requires several layers of protection:
Interior drainage systems with properly sloped floors direct water away from living spaces
Vapor barriers installed correctly prevent moisture migration through foundation walls
Whole-home dehumidification systems maintain optimal humidity levels year-round, protecting both your investment and your comfort
Here’s a pro tip from our experience: many Michigan homes need humidity control solutions that work differently in winter versus summer. A properly designed system accounts for heating season dryness and cooling season moisture loads, adjusting automatically to maintain that sweet spot where both comfort and efficiency peak.
2. Insulation Strategy for Michigan Foundations
Not all insulation is created equal. The key to energy-efficient basement finishing lies in choosing the right insulation for your specific foundation type and local climate conditions.
For most Michigan basements, continuous insulation on the interior side of foundation walls provides the best performance. Rigid foam boards create an unbroken thermal barrier that eliminates thermal bridging—those spots where heat escapes through structural elements. This approach also moves the dew point outside the wall assembly, preventing a variety of condensation-related problems.
Spray foam insulation offers another excellent option, particularly for irregular foundation walls or areas with numerous penetrations. Its air-sealing properties address infiltration issues while providing excellent R-value. However, proper installation is critical. Done wrong, spray foam can trap moisture and create bigger problems—so get an expert to handle it.
3. Zoning and Climate Control Integration
One of the biggest advantages of energy-efficient basement finishing is the opportunity to create a separate climate zone that works with your home’s existing systems. Michigan’s temperature swings make this particularly valuable—your basement can maintain comfortable temperatures while reducing the load on your main HVAC system.
The trick is strategic zoning that treats your basement as its own thermal environment. This might involve extending your existing ductwork with proper sizing calculations, installing a separate mini-split system for independent control, or creating hybrid solutions that provide both heating and cooling capacity.
Ventilation also plays a crucial role in energy efficiency for Michigan basements. Mechanical ventilation systems ensure proper air exchange without wasting conditioned air. Energy recovery ventilators can capture heat from outgoing air to warm incoming fresh air, maintaining air quality while minimizing energy loss.
4. Strategic Lighting and Electrical Efficiency
Basement finishing provides the perfect opportunity to incorporate energy-efficient lighting and electrical systems that serve your home for decades. LED technology has revolutionized residential lighting with a comfortable, customizable option that uses significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Smart electrical planning should include:
LED fixtures with dimming capability for flexible lighting control
Occupancy sensors that automatically adjust lighting based on room use
Dedicated circuits for high-efficiency appliances and future upgrades
Strategic outlet placement to minimize extension cord use and energy waste
Consider how Michigan’s long winter months affect your lighting needs. Basements naturally have limited natural light, making artificial lighting crucial for comfort and functionality. Planning circuits for potential additions like electric fireplaces, home theaters, or exercise equipment ensures your electrical system can handle future loads efficiently.
5. Integrated Systems Approach
The final strategy to energy-efficient basement finishing is thinking about your basement as part of your home’s total energy system, not as a separate project. This integrated approach considers how basement improvements affect your home’s overall performance.
Water heater efficiency becomes part of the equation when you’re creating conditioned basement space. While older water heaters may waste energy heating unconditioned spaces, a finished basement captures that waste heat for useful purposes. Modern high-efficiency water heaters provide even better performance in properly conditioned spaces.
Air sealing throughout your basement ceiling creates another opportunity for whole-home energy improvements. Sealing gaps around plumbing, electrical, and HVAC penetrations prevents conditioned air from escaping to unconditioned spaces.
What Makes Michigan Basement Finishing Unique?
Like most places, homeownership in Michigan breeds unique benefits and risks. Local freeze-thaw cycles affect foundation movement and moisturemanagement. Spring snowmelt creates seasonal water management challenges. And our heating-dominated climate means different insulation and heating strategies than homes in milder areas. By learning how to work with our environment, we can achieve greater levels of both beauty and efficiency with our custom-built homes.
Local building codes also reflect these realities, with specific requirements for basement insulation, ventilation, and moisture control. Working with contractors who understand Michigan’s unique conditions keeps your project code-compliant and performance-ready.
The MBK Approach: Efficiency Meets Comfort
At MBK Constructors, we understand that energy-efficient basement finishing depends on professional expertise, planning, and execution that accounts for Michigan’s unique challenges. Our design-build approach ensures every aspect of your project works together to create optimal performance. With MBK, you can count on:
Comprehensive Planning: We start with a thorough assessment of your home’s current energy performance, identifying opportunities for improvement that extend beyond the basement itself.
Michigan-Specific Solutions: Our team understands local climate challenges, soil conditions, and building codes, ensuring your project performs optimally in our unique environment.
Full-Picture Strategy: We consider how basement improvements affect your home’s overall energy profile, optimizing for both immediate comfort and long-term efficiency.
An unfinished basement presents a great opportunity for energy improvement. With proper planning and thorough execution, professional basement finishing can give your family the comfort they crave with the savings you want to see.
Transform Your Basement into an Energy Asset
Michigan homeowners who invest in energy-efficient finishing often discover they’ve gained more than just living space—they’ve also improved their home’s overall performance, comfort, and value.
If you’re ready to transform your basement into a comfortable, energy-efficient living space, MBKis here to help. Speak with a project manager to learn more about finishing your basement..
For many families, the idea of bringing aging parents closer to home is both a deeply personal and practical decision. Whether it’s about caregiving, emotional closeness, or simply better day-to-day convenience, adding an auxiliary dwelling unit to your property can be a powerful solution. As you explore auxiliary dwelling unit options, the debate that typically comes into focus is attached versus detached.
This isn’t just a design choice—it’s a lifestyle decision that affects how your family functions, how your property feels, and how well your space accommodates long-term needs.
In this article, we’ll distinguish the key differences between attached and detached ADUs and help you determine which option best supports your goals as you create space for your loved ones.
What Is an ADU—and Why Are More Families Choosing Them?
An auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU)—sometimes called a mother-in-law suite, casita, backyard cottage, or secondary suite—is a fully functional, self-contained living space built on the same residential lot as a single-family home. Typically including a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or kitchenette, and living area, these additions can attach to the primary home or be completely detached, depending on your needs and property layout.
For families considering long-term housing solutions for elderly parents, ADUs offer a thoughtful middle ground. They provide the proximity that makes caregiving and connection easier while still giving parents a sense of autonomy and privacy.
In recent years, ADUs have gained traction for several reasons:
Multigenerational living is rising. According to Pew Research Center, nearly 60 million Americans now live in multigenerational households—a 400% rise since 1971.
Real estate costs are climbing. Adding space for family is typically a more economical decision than buying or renting an entirely separate home for an aging parent.
Aging in place is a growing priority. ADUs allow seniors to retain independence while staying close to family for support, a major step in late-stage quality of life.
Zoning strategies are evolving. Many cities are loosening restrictions to encourage ADU construction as a way to expand affordable housing options.
If you’re looking for a future-proof way to care for family, support aging in place, or even increase your property’s long-term value, adding an ADU could be one of the smartest—and kindest—real estate decisions you make.
An attached ADU is structurally connected to your existing home—either as a converted garage, basement suite, or newly built wing. Here’s when it makes the most sense:
When You Need Easy Access
If your parent or loved one needs frequent assistance or mobility support, attached ADUs offer immediate accessibility. You can check in often without stepping outside, and modifications like ramps, stair lifts, or grab bars are easier to integrate into your home’s existing layout.
When You Want to Save on Utilities
Because attached ADUs can share plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems with the main house, you’ll often save on both construction and utility installation costs. This can be especially beneficial for homeowners working within a specific budget.
When Lot Size Is Limited
For smaller lots or homes in urban neighborhoods, zoning regulations may limit the footprint of detached structures. In cases like these, an attached ADU might be the most effective way to add extra living space.
Still, attached ADUs aren’t for everyone. The personal boundaries are typically blurrier, and some families may find it harder to maintain a healthy sense of independence. Even with a separate entrance, the shared walls can lead to noise issues or lack of privacy. The decision will ultimately depend on the needs and temperament of those involved.
Detached ADUs: Privacy, Independence, and Long-Term Value
A detached ADU is a stand-alone structure, often taking the form of a tiny house in your backyard. These are ideal for families who want their loved ones close—but not too close. Some families find the extra degree of separation, however minor, an important factor. Here are a few signs a detached dwelling is your best bet:
When Privacy Is a Top Priority
For parents who are still active and independent, a detached ADU provides a space that feels more separate. It allows them to continue their own routines, entertain their own guests, and maintain a sense of personal dignity without sacrificing the emotional connection or proximity to assistance when needed.
When You’re Thinking Long-Term
Detached ADUs offer a bit more flexibility for the future. If your family only needs a temporary place to stay, you may eventually want to use the space as a rental unit, home office, guesthouse, or studio. Detached structures also tend to command higher resale value, offering better return on investment if and when you decide to sell.
When You Want More Design Freedom
Because they don’t rely on your home’s existing layout or structure, detached units naturally offer more creative leeway in terms of design. This is especially helpful when planning for aging-in-place features like single-level living, extra-wide doorways, and step-free entries.
Here’s the trade-off: Detached ADUs typically cost more to build. You’ll likely need to run new utility lines, pour a separate foundation, and meet additional permitting requirements. But for many families, the long-term value—both financial and emotional—outweighs the initial investment.
Making the Right Choice For Your Family
Choosing between an attached and detached ADU will likely come down to how your family lives today—and how you want that to look five, ten, or even twenty years from now. Here are a few decision factors to consider:
Decision Factor
Attached ADUs
Detached ADUs
Caregiving needs
Easier proximity
Slightly less accessible
Cost efficiency
More affordable upfront
Higher cost, better long-term ROI
Privacy needs
Moderate
High
Future flexibility
Moderate
High
Design control
Limited by existing structure
Greater creative freedom
Size constraints
Limited by a compact lot
More outdoor space available
If your parent needs close support and you’re looking to build quickly and economically, an attached ADU may be your best route. If your top priorities are independence, flexibility, and long-term property value, a detached ADU is worth the extra investment.
Still undecided? The good news is that both options can be tailored to create beautiful, functional spaces that enhance your home and strengthen your family bond. The right design-build partner can help you make the decision that’s best for you.
Explore Your Auxiliary Dwelling Unit Options With MBK
Here at MBK Constructors, we help homeowners in and around Ann Arbor create additions that support their family’s changing needs without compromising comfort, privacy, or quality of life. Our team will guide you through every step, from zoning regulations to thoughtful design that balances care with value.
We bring a personal approach to every build because we know you’re not just adding square footage—you’re creating a place for someone you love.
