Why Premium Materials Make Sense in Small Footprint Homes and ADUs

TL:DR

Small doesn’t have to feel cheap

Every inch is visible and experienced 

Every surface is a feature

Fewer materials = bigger impact per dollar

The small details in the materials elevate the aesthetic 

How Premium Materials Maximize Value in Small Spaces

High construction costs are often a major factor in the desire to build a small footprint home or accessory dwelling unit (ADU). In seeking cost savings, many builders will use lower-quality materials that end up making the space feel cheap. This ends up being counterproductive in a small space. With small homes, every surface becomes a feature of the space as every inch is visible and experienced in daily life. 

The smaller the space, the more important it is to be intentional about the materials used. By nature of being a smaller space, it requires fewer materials, meaning you can get a bigger impact per dollar than you do in a large home. 

In ADUs and small footprint homes, the small details will elevate the aesthetic more than decor. It is easy to get carried away with decor and make the space feel cluttered and busy. Instead, you should rely on the material choice to bring the details into the space. Think wood grain and natural materials to create the accents and visual appeal. 

Best Wood Finishes for Small Homes and ADUs

Accent walls and ceilings add big impact without additional square footage. Using high-quality wood adds texture, warmth, and architectural interest to the space. Tongue and groove paneling and nickel gap/shiplap paneling come in a range of prefinished colors or unfinished to meet most style preferences. If you want more texture, consider Ghostwood, which is available in 3 colors. We also have a 1x12 smooth channel rustic and a 1x10 bandsawn face channel rustic that you could paint or stain in any color you like. 

The image below is an example of our 1x8 Nickel Gap used in a project by Prefab Pads.

Image source: Mycabin.us

The best results come from clean lines, simple profiles, letting grain, texture, and finish do the heavy lifting for the space. 

High-ROI Upgrades: Cabinets, Countertops, and Floors

Flooring - The foundation of the space

We believe that engineered hardwood flooring is the best choice for flooring. Specifically, a wide plank, such as the Viking Big Sky Collection. For ADU housing, wide plank is a better choice than narrow plank flooring as it will reduce the visual “noise”. 

We choose real wood flooring because it ages better, and the natural grain adds depth. It is also recommended to run the planks parallel to the longest wall to make the space feel larger than it is. With limited square footage to cover, you can get premium options without breaking the bank. 

The same goes for carpeting; it is worth it to get the more premium option that will stand up to wear and tear better. In smaller spaces, the traffic flow is limited, which will cause more wear, so it is very important to choose an option that will stand up to this abuse. 

Cabinetry and Built-ins

Small kitchens and baths get used harder than in larger homes. Premium cabinetry is built better, and you will feel the difference in how solid it feels. Quality cabinetry adds to the perceived value far beyond the footprint. 

Choosing a cabinetry line, such as Showplace Cabinetry, that allows customization will also allow you to get the best layout, as storage space comes at a premium in small spaces. Working with a designer who understands your lifestyle will also allow you to get the most out of your space.

Similarly, built-ins are a great option for small spaces as they increase the storage space without taking up valuable space. Built-in bookshelves or storage will maximize the utility of an otherwise unused space, your walls. Just like accent walls, they add great visual interest to the space without taking up room. 

Countertops

In small footprint homes and ADUs, countertops do far more than provide a work surface; they often become one of the most visually dominant materials in the entire space. Because kitchens and bathrooms are compact, the countertop is always in view, which means material choice has an outsized impact on how high-end the space feels.

This is one area where upgrading to a premium material almost always pays off. The total square footage is limited, so the cost difference between entry-level and higher-quality options is relatively small, while the visual and functional payoff is significant.

A well-chosen countertop can anchor the room, elevate otherwise simple cabinetry, and make the entire home feel custom instead of builder-grade.

Curb appeal

While we have been focused on the inside features, don’t neglect the exterior. Small accent siding areas or soffit that stands out go a long way in elevating the exterior and curb appeal. 

Take this image, for example, the clear Cedar soffit makes that whole exterior pop much more than if they used a normal aluminium soffit. 

Source: Modern ADU Plans