The concept of keeping multiple generations of family on the same property isn’t new. Elder Cottages, granny flats, ECHO Housing, granny pods – no matter what name you call them have essentially the same purpose; to keep a family member safe, ease the providing of care for the family, and to keep the family member nearby.
English, Scottish, or Welsh custom that upon the death of the male estate owner, to place his widow into a rather large home in the rear of the estate. This allowed her to live on the property while her husband’s heir moved their family into the main estate house.
Australia introduces a Granny Flat Program run by the government to build panelized homes and place them on a foundation for pensioners or low-income older adults.
The Accessory Dwelling Unit appears in U.S. building codes. These homes are meant to help create housing in locations were limited housing is available and insure that poorly built housing is eliminated.
AARP holds first conference on the concept of Granny Flats in the U.S. in association with the National Retired Teachers Association.
Australian concept is imported to U.S. and Elder Care Housing Opportunity (ECHO) term is born.
Program in Australia reaches placement of 3,000 homes.
Canada introduces a program to promote cottages for use by the elderly.
HUD program produced and distributed a limited amount of housing units to a number of states to introduce the concept in the U.S.
A number of local providers and builders start to create unique and custom products to meet niche needs. These are typically standalone modules built in a modular or manufactured home factory.
PBS Series Downton Abbey becomes a hit and Violet’s Dower House Cottage becomes known to millions.
In the U.S. these units are known more formally as auxiliary dwelling units, or accessory dwelling units (ADU) in local building codes. While granny pods or granny flats are still commonly used terms, Better Living Express has introduced Family Alternative Care Solutions (FACS) housing.
We have taken this concept to the next step in its evolutionary path by providing both cottages and additions that meet the needs of the occupant and combine it with strong, safe modular building techniques to deliver move in ready space quickly.
