When renovating your home or designing a new space, the smart home features you include can really shape how you live day to day. They aren’t just fun gadgets; they’re ways of making your home feel safer, more comfortable, and more responsive to how you actually live. And with nearly 60% of U.S. consumers projected to adopt smart technology by the end of 2025, companies are racing to get the best and the brightest technologies developed to stay ahead of ever-changing trends and consumer needs.

We love seeing how our clients incorporate brand-new technologies into their builds, and we bet you do too. As you plan your next project, here are five of our favorite smart home trends that we believe are worth investing in for your space.

1. Monitoring & Security Systems

Putting a modern monitoring or camera system in your home allows you to keep an eye on things even when you’re away. A doorbell camera, a common and accessible technology, is linked to your phone and gives you visibility into your property and peace of mind.

What homeowners are liking: The sense of control, safety, and remote connectivity. With smart security you don’t have to worry “what if I forgot to lock that door” or “what’s going on outside while I’m gone.” It brings practical safety into everyday life rather than being an afterthought.

2. Unified Ecosystems & Interoperability

As your home gathers more “smart” bits—such as lights, locks, cameras, and climate controls—the challenge is making them work together. That’s why ecosystems built around a unifying technology are gaining steam; they help devices from different brands speak the same language and be controlled in a simpler, more unified way.

What this means for your property: Fewer individual apps, less “device A works but device B doesn’t,” and more chance that your smart home setup grows with you rather than being locked or isolated. In a new build, it’s smart to plan wiring, hub placement, or infrastructure with that interoperability in mind.

3. Predictive AI & Automation

This is one of the coolest smart home developments we’ve seen in a while! Instead of simply turning devices on or off, your home is increasingly able to anticipate what you’ll need. These new systems are using AI and sensors to learn your habits—such as when you tend to arrive, what your lighting preferences are, and when your HVAC should kick in—and then act accordingly.

For homeowners, the appeal is the hands-off experience: Your home begins to feel like it knows you—automatic adjustments happen without you pushing a single button. From a build-planning standpoint, this means thinking ahead about sensor placement, wiring for automation, and systems that can expand over time rather than being one-and-done.

4. Smart Energy & Sustainability Systems

Energy management is becoming a smart-home pillar. From monitoring usage, integrating solar or battery storage, and smarter HVAC/lighting scheduling, these systems let your home do more than consume; they can track, respond, and optimize, saving your wallet and the planet on energy costs.

What homeowners appreciate: Lower bills, less waste, and a home that aligns with longer-term sustainability goals. From a design and construction perspective, this means prepping the infrastructure—conduits, zones, smart breakers or panels—so that the energy tech you install isn’t an afterthought, but built-in.

5. Design-Smart Integration

Smart-home tech doesn’t have to feel “techy”! The trend now is toward devices that disappear into your architecture or finishes. We’re talking hidden sensors, integrated lighting, and controls that blend into the space rather than dominate it.

For your home, this means the look and feel stays high-end and cohesive while still delivering smart-home capability. If you’re working on a new structure, planning for finishes that accommodate built-in smart tech ensures it feels intentional, not retrofitted.

Smart Homes: A Summary

As you plan or build, each of these trends contributes something slightly different: safety and visibility, system cohesion, automation and comfort, energy intelligence, and aesthetic integration. They’re not one-size-fits-all, but they’re worth thinking and getting excited about. The goal is a home that feels right for your lifestyle today and remains adaptable for tomorrow.

Ready to build a home designed for the future? Every DC Structures kit can be customized to support the smart-home technology and energy systems that matter most to you—so your space works as beautifully as it looks.

Give us a call at 888.975.2057 or request a catalog to get started on your journey!

Today is Adventure Day—a day dedicated to living life to the fullest, embracing bravery (sometimes in scary, adrenaline-seeking ways), and venturing into the unknown in all our passions, travels, and personal journeys.

It’s also International Raw Milk Cheese Appreciation Day, but that’s neither here nor there.

The point is that today is cause for celebration, and maybe a little reflection on what it means to be adventurous—both in our pursuits and in the everyday adventures of work, family, and life itself.

While many of us dream of traveling the open road and experiencing the world, the reality is that sometimes life’s circumstances make this type of bold adventure less frequent. And even though that can feel limiting in the moment, there’s a beauty in having a sense of home and rootedness. It’s what makes the adventures we do get to take all the more meaningful.

For those who may not always be able to hit the land, sea, or sky at a moment’s notice, having a barn, garage, or barn home with a garage that houses your most prized vessels of freedom—from ATVs and RVs to jet boats, dirt bikes, and kayaks—can make those bold impulses feel thrilling and achievable.

With a custom barn, RV garage home, workshop, or backyard space from DC Structures, you don’t have to choose between grand adventures and a comfortable home—you can fully embrace both.

Feeling inspired? Explore our gallery to see how other adventure-seeking clients have seamlessly combined their passions, hobbies, and homes.

Whenever you’re ready to take the next step toward your life’s next adventure—or keep it close until the right moment—feel free to call us at (888) 975-2057 or request a digital catalog.

Backyard cottages, granny flats, and tiny homes are no longer niche—they’re the future of housing. With demand for flexible living spaces and affordable housing at an all-time high, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our very first accessory dwelling unit (ADU) kit line—designed to meet these needs with customizable, compact models.

For years, our team has crafted pre-engineered building models that meet the evolving needs of modern homeowners. We’ve seen barndominiums surge in popularity and responded with our own line of wood-framed barndominium kits, delivering the warmth, durability, and value that set us apart. Now, with ADUs on the rise nationwide, we’re proud to bring our expertise to this new frontier in housing design.

ADUs aren’t just a stylish addition to your property; they’re also one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make. In some markets, studies show that building an ADU can increase property value by as much as 30%. Beyond the financial upside, ADUs offer incredible flexibility for your vision, with these designs often used as backyard retreats, guest cottages, rental units, music studios, or even resort cabins.

As innovators in the design and prefabrication space, our goal with this new line is simple: make it easier than ever to bring your ADU project to life. By offering pre-engineered models that are highly adaptable, budget-friendly, and efficient, our clients can take advantage of a straightforward, design-forward path to creating a new living space—one that’s both beautiful and entirely their own.

Meet the Sitka ADU Kit

The Sitka ADU Kit is the first of several pre-engineered ADU models we’ll be rolling out in the coming year. Versatile and thoughtfully designed, Sitka blends the latest ADU trends with the timeless character our clients love from our existing kits.

Available in two distinct styles—Classic and Modern—the Sitka offers five different size options, ranging from a studio-sized 405 sq. ft. floor plan to a much larger 884 sq. ft. layout. Each model offers studio and one-bedroom layouts that you can adapt from our samples or fully customize to suit your vision. Whether you’re planning a granny flat, backyard guest suite, tiny home, or vacation rental, the Sitka is designed to flex with your goals.

And because every kit comes with our premium material options, modifiable structural elements, and endlessly customizable layouts, you can make your Sitka ADU as distinct as you are.

Ready to Build Your ADU?

If you’re ready to start designing your dream ADU, our team is here to help you launch your project. Call us anytime at (888) 975-2057 or request a quote here.

Looking for ideas and inspiration before you dive in? Check out our blog posts like The Best U.S. Cities to Invest in an ADU Rental or Using AI & Visualization Tools to Design Your Dream ADU.

You can also explore our ADU Inspo Pinterest board for fun, helpful planning. Whatever your vision, we’ll make your ADU journey seamless, creative, and rewarding.

MyArchitectAI

HomeByMe

Renovate AI

Bring Your ADU Vision to Life

Accessory dwelling units—often called ADUs—are quickly becoming one of the most versatile and profitable ways for homeowners to generate passive income. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy short-term vacation rental, a long-term backyard cottage, or a flexible space for multigenerational living, ADUs offer exciting new possibilities for property owners.

With roughly 32.6 million Americans now working remotely, domestic travel on the rise, and demand for affordable housing at historic highs, the market for alternative rental options has never been stronger. And thanks to updated zoning laws, streamlined approvals, and even grants aimed at expanding affordable housing, many U.S. cities are making it easier than ever to build one.

But not all markets are equally supportive—and location is key when it comes to maximizing your ADU’s potential. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best U.S. cities where homeowners face fewer barriers to backyard construction—and where demand for detached rentals, whether for short-term stays or long-term housing, continues to grow.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles may be known as the “City of Dreams,” but in recent years, it’s also earned another title: one of the top U.S. cities people are leaving due to skyrocketing housing costs. To combat this trend and address staggering housing costs, the city has rolled out several initiatives designed to make building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) easier and more appealing for homeowners. These programs often include reduced permitting fees, streamlined approvals, and even property tax exemptions for ADU owners, particularly those willing to rent to low- to moderate-income tenants.

Even if income-restricted rentals aren’t part of your plan, it’s worth noting that Los Angeles remains one of the most desirable places in the country—if not the world—to live and visit. As the heart of the entertainment industry and home to world-famous attractions, beaches, and cultural landmarks, the city draws roughly 49 million visitors each year. This constant flow of tourists means ADU rentals here aren’t just practical—they’re highly profitable. Whether you’re catering to vacationers seeking a short-term stay near Hollywood or local professionals searching for affordable long-term housing, a well-designed ADU in Los Angeles offers a reliable path to steady passive income and increased property value.

Portland, Oregon

Second only to California, Oregon is one of the most ADU-friendly states in the country. Homeowners in many cities, from the southern valley to the central high desert and Portland in the north, can take advantage of ADU-specific grants, low-interest financing programs, permit fee waivers, and reduced building costs. Of all these cities, however, Portland offers the strongest potential for homeowners looking to profit from an ADU rental, especially those catering to short-term visitors or local professionals seeking flexible housing.

One of the biggest reasons to build an ADU in Portland is its thriving tourism and short-term rental market. Visitors are drawn to distinctive, detached accommodations—from tiny homes and backyard cottages to converted garages tucked into quiet residential neighborhoods. In fact, many of Portland’s most desirable destinations are found in its vibrant Northeast and Southeast districts, where walkable streets, quirky shops, and craft breweries make staying in an in-neighborhood ADU particularly appealing. For homeowners, that demand translates into consistent bookings and an opportunity to generate meaningful passive income while adding long-term value to their property.

Seattle, Washington

Like Oregon, Washington is an incredibly ADU-friendly state, with the region allowing up to two ADUs per lot, removing strict owner-occupancy requirements, and easing parking restrictions in many urban areas. Seattle, in particular, has embraced these changes and streamlined the process of building backyard cottages and basement apartments, opening the door to new income opportunities for homeowners.

Combine that with the city’s thriving tech-driven economy, persistent demand for affordable housing, and steady influx of professionals seeking flexible living options, and it’s easy to see why Seattle is one of the most promising markets for ADU investment. For property owners, building an ADU here means reliable rental income, added property value, and a chance to help shape the future of housing in one of the Pacific Northwest’s fastest-growing cities.

Denver, Colorado

Over the past two decades, Denver has transformed from a laid-back mountain city into one of the fastest-growing urban hubs in the country. A surge of new residents in the 2010s—drawn by the city’s strong job market, access to outdoor recreation, and desirable semi-arid climate—fueled impressive economic growth and rapid urban development. However, that same boom has also driven housing costs sharply upward, creating challenges for both buyers and renters.

In response, accessory dwelling units have emerged as a mutually beneficial solution, helping homeowners offset rising housing expenses by generating rental income while expanding access to standalone, flexible housing for local professionals and new arrivals. Whether you’re purchasing property in Denver or already own a home within city limits, adding an ADU offers a proven way to boost your property’s value and contribute to the city’s broader push for more affordable housing.

Where Will You Build Your ADU?

No matter where you live, accessory dwelling units represent one of the most flexible and forward-thinking ways to generate passive income and add lasting value to your property. As cities across the country continue to embrace ADUs as part of broader housing solutions, opportunities for homeowners are more abundant than ever.

While Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, and Denver stand out as some of the best cities to invest in an ADU rental today, they’re far from the only places worth considering. Smaller cities like Bend, Oregon, and Portland, Maine, are making headlines with streamlined permitting processes and rising demand for alternative housing, while Southern California as a whole remains a powerhouse market for vacation rentals and backyard units thanks to its year-round tourism and generous ADU incentives.

With the right location and thoughtful planning, your ADU can become more than just extra space—it can be a lasting investment that builds equity and adds value for years to come. Ready to explore your options? Our team is here to help. Request a personalized quote or call us at (888) 975-2057 to speak to a representative and start planning your ADU project today.