ADU Office Guide for East Atlanta Professionals

In April of 2025, according to the Current Population Survey (CPS), about 34.3 million people in the US worked from home. This figure represents approximately 21.6% of the working population in the country. With figures like these, it's easy to understand why Atlanta professionals need a home office, especially those who work from home. 

If you're a professional considering creating an office space in an ADU, you've come to the right place. In this blog, our team at SmartSpaces ADUs is going to discuss everything you need to know about home office ADU construction, including home office designs in East Atlanta. We'll also touch on permitting, the benefits that might not be immediately apparent, and design tips.

So, if you're as excited as we are about building an ADU office or following through with an ADU conversion, you'll want to keep reading to see what we have to say.

What Is an ADU Home Office?
What Types of ADU Offices Can You Build?
Do You Need Permits?
Creative Office Space Ideas: Designing Your ADU Office
Benefits Beyond Day-to-Day Work
How Do You Get Started With a Home Office ADU
Speak With SmartSpaces ADUs About Your Office ADU Build

What Is an ADU Home Office?

An ADU in Atlanta, otherwise known as an accessory dwelling unit, is a self-contained structure on the same property as your main house. When it is designed for work, it becomes an adu home office. These spaces are intended to be private and tailored to your working needs. Many find that instead of paying for an Atlanta office space for rent, building an office ADU provides more benefits and is far more affordable in the long run.  

What Types of ADU Offices Can You Build?

If you're considering a remote work space ADU in East Atlanta for your property, you're likely interested in learning more about the different types. Although we can't go into too much detail – you can talk to us to learn more – we can share the different types to give you an idea:

• Attached ADU conversions: These are ideally suited for those who want a home office that is close to their primary residence but still feels like a defined workspace. These can often feel like home offices that are a part of the main house and don't usually need kitchens or bathrooms. 
• Detached ADU home offices: These are wholly separate buildings from the main home and are often best for those who work full-time from their homes. These home offices are usually equipped with a small kitchenette and a bathroom for convenience. 
• Hybrid designs: Hybrid designs combine an office with a guest suite, which is useful for families who want flexibility or for homeowners considering future rental options.

When we plan your workspace in an accessory dwelling unit, we help you think about more than the present. Do you need a quiet place for video calls, or do you plan to welcome clients into the space? Or, will you want the office to serve as a guest suite one day? These conversations guide the design so your ADU works now and can grow with you later.

Do You Need Permits?

Yes. In East Atlanta, zoning and building permits play a significant role in every ADU project. 

Common permit requirements include:

• Setbacks, or how far your ADU must sit from property lines.
• Size limits, which depend on your lot size.
• Height restrictions, particularly for detached structures.
• Parking rules, which sometimes require additional spaces for ADUs.

Sorting through these rules and the specifics to be granted a permit, alone, when planning an ADU for office use, can be confusing. That is why we step in as your adu planner since we know everything you need to know about securing a permit. 

Our team manages paperwork, city coordination, and inspections, while also clearly explaining the requirements. With SmartSpaces ADUs handling your permitting needs, you can move forward knowing your home office build is on track and legal.

Creative Office Space Ideas: Designing Your ADU Office

When it's time to design your ADU home office after you've secured permitting and decided on a type, it's time to explore modern office design ideas for small spaces. To help you out, we've shared a few design options you might want to consider if you plan on creating a workplace ADU in East Atlanta: 

1. Built-in storage to keep clutter out of the way.
2. Window placement that brings in natural light without causing screen glare.
3. Multipurpose furniture, like foldaway desks or modular seating.
4. Sliding or glass doors that open onto a patio or garden.
5. Colour palettes and finishes that match your working style, from calm neutrals to energizing accents.
6. Integrated technology with outlets and reliable Wi-Fi coverage.
7. Soundproofing, so meetings and calls stay private and the space feels peaceful.
8. Comfort features like a reading nook or a small lounge area.

Many people do not realize how important sound design choices like the above are until after construction. We encourage clients to plan for it early because it's a space you're going to spend a fair amount of time in that needs to meet your current and future needs. 

Benefits Beyond Day-to-Day Work

A home office ADU in East Atlanta is valuable today, but it also gives you options for the future. You may decide on renting out an Adu as office space for freelancers or small business owners, or as a home. You may also find that adding office space in an ADU in East Atlanta increases the value of your property when it comes time to sell. We often tell our clients that buyers usually look for homes with flexible layouts, and an ADU gives you that advantage. 

How Do You Get Started With A Home Office ADU

If you have been asking yourself how to create a home office in an ADU, the best way to begin is with a conversation. At SmartSpaces ADUs, we will listen to your ideas, walk your property with you, and share suggestions based on what is possible. 

From there, we guide you through design, permits, and construction, making sure you feel supported at every stage. When your office is ready, you will see exactly how ADUs can work as home offices and why so many East Atlanta professionals are choosing them. 

It's also worth noting that we can offer a feasibility study as well, before any work begins, to give you an indication of whether a home office ADU is a good investment. 

Speak With SmartSpaces ADUs about Your Office ADU Build

Building a home office setup in an ADU in East Atlanta lets you create a dedicated place to focus on work, away from household distractions, and it adds lasting value to your home. If you are ready to explore how to build an ADU for home office use or want to learn more about how ADUs can work as home offices, we would be glad to help. 

At SmartSpaces ADUs, we bring local knowledge and a client-first approach to every project. When we work together, we can create an office that supports the way you live and work in East Atlanta. Contact us here.