If your mind is in a tizzy trying to keep up with all of the new home technology to hit the market (especially with AI finding it’s way into everything), you’re not alone. And with ADUs (accessory dwelling units), the pressure to “modernize” can feel even stronger because every square foot and every decision actually matters.

In reality, the smartest choices are usually the simplest ones. Today, we’re breaking down the modern enhancements that are totally worth it to add to your ADU, and which ones are maybe just going to make your life harder.

But, if you just want to cut to the chase and talk to a human, we also free ADU phone calls to help you get started on the right foot for your project. Got an ADU question? Or just need to figure out where to start? Schedule a free phone call with Maxable today.

How to Choose Modern Enhancements for Your ADU

Before you ask your ADU designer to integrate the latest home tech into your design, take a moment to think about whether it makes sense to add it to begin with.

There are a couple questions to take into consideration:

  • Who is going to live in the ADU?
    • How old are they?
    • How tech-savvy are they?
  • Are tenants staying long-term or short-term?
  • How tech-savvy are you?
  • Does this enhancement improve daily living or is it just “cool” or “trendy”?
  • How easy is it to repair or replace?
  • Will it reduce or increase operating costs?
  • Does it add real value, or just complexity?

As what seems to be the case in all aspects of an ADU, there’s no one-size fits all solution for how modern you want your unit to be. It all comes down to what is going to fit best for you and/or your tenant.

Regardless, there are some options that have become quite popular over the years.

Most Popular Tech For Your ADU

At this point at Maxable, we’ve pretty much seen it all. So, we’ve combed through the modern enhancements that have proven to be worthy investments for your ADU and compiled all into this list.

Smart Locks

Best for: Short-term rentals, vacation swaps

Smart locks are nothing new, but the fact that they’ve become a staple in so many homes should say enough.

They eliminate the need for physical keys, make it easy to grant or revoke access remotely, and are especially helpful when multiple people will be coming and going from the ADU.

For ADU owners, the biggest benefits are:

  • Unique access codes for each guest or tenant
  • Easy code changes between stays
  • No lock rekeying costs
  • Added security without added complexity

If you’re planning to rent out your ADU, or even just use it as a guest space, a simple keypad-based smart lock with a physical key backup is usually more than enough. Avoid overly complicated systems that rely heavily on apps or subscriptions. Reliability matters more than bells and whistles in a small living space.

Smart Thermostats

Best for: all ADU uses

Smart thermostats are one of the few tech upgrades that make sense in almost every ADU scenario whether it’s a rental, a guest house, or a space for family.

Because ADUs are smaller, temperature changes happen fast. A smart thermostat helps keep the space comfortable without wasting energy, which is especially helpful if utilities are included in the rent.

There’s the added benefit of simple scheduling for day and night use or adjustments when you’re not home if you have an app enabled one.

In fact, if your primary home doesn’t have this already, go ahead and add a second one to your cart, because this is a feature that is going to be useful everywhere.

EV Chargers

Best for: long-term housing, personal use ADU

EV chargers are one of those upgrades that may not feel essential today, but they’re quickly becoming a long-term advantage.

For ADUs intended for full-time living, especially owner-occupied or long-term rentals, having dedicated EV charging can be a major convenience and a quiet value-add. Even if the current occupant doesn’t drive an electric vehicle, installing a charger or at least preparing the electrical infrastructure now can save significant time and cost down the road.

As EV adoption continues to grow, this is one of the few modern enhancements that’s more about future-proofing than trend-chasing.

Solar Panels

Best for: Detached ADUs (required), and all ADU uses

Solar panels have gone from a “nice-to-have” to a standard part of ADU construction, especially for detached units in California, where they’re often required by state law.

Beyond compliance, solar can significantly offset operating costs, which matters whether the ADU is rented out or used by family. In many cases, pairing solar with efficient appliances and a well-designed electrical layout delivers more value than oversizing the system itself.

The key is designing solar as part of the ADU from day one, rather than treating it as an afterthought, so it integrates cleanly with the roof, electrical panel, and long-term energy needs of the unit.

ADU Tech You Can Probably Skip

Take the next list with a grain of salt because there are certainly folks out there that will find the following convenient, but for most, you can probably pass on these modern enhancements for your ADU.

Fully Automated Lighting Systems

Fully automated lighting systems, where lights turn on, off, or change settings based on schedules, sensors, or apps, sound great on paper. In reality, they’re often overkill for a small living space like an ADU.

ADUs already have fewer rooms and shorter walking distances, so the convenience factor is limited. What you’re more likely to get is confusion from guests or tenants, frequent troubleshooting, and frustration when a system doesn’t behave the way someone expects.

For most ADUs, simple, high-quality fixtures paired with dimmer switches offer the same comfort without the learning curve, maintenance issues, or reliance on apps and Wi-Fi.

App-Dependent Appliances

Appliances that require an app to unlock their full functionality can quickly become more annoying than helpful in an ADU. What seems like a modern upgrade at first often turns into a usability issue, especially for older tenants who may have trouble navigating complex apps.

There’s also the long-term risk. Apps change, companies discontinue support, and Wi-Fi hiccups happen. When that occurs, you’re left with an appliance that’s harder to use or troubleshoot than a standard model. In an ADU, reliability matters more than novelty, and appliances that work well without an internet connection usually age far better.

Modern Problems Require Modern Solutions

Still unsure about the path you want to take for your ADU project? Let Maxable help!

We’ve been helping homeowners connect to vetted ADU designers and contractor for the last five years. Don’t believe us? Check out our clients’ ADU tours and what they have to say about how their projects changed their lives for the better.

You could be the next ADU success story.

Schedule a free ADU phone call with us and get put on the right track from the get-go.