Executive Voice
How To ADU & Ryan O’Connell: Revolutionizing the Housing Industry and Bringing Communities Together

As the housing crisis worsens in the United States, governments and individuals are scrambling to find affordable and practical solutions. A significant figure in the flurry of innovation in the housing industry is Ryan O’Connell, the founder of How To ADU. Dedicated to educating homeowners on all things related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs), he has earned a devoted following among thousands of housing professionals.
While social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook aren’t usually associated with dry subjects like housing policy and city meetings, Ryan’s unique voice and perspective have cut through the noise. How To ADU is significantly impacting the way information and news is shared in the housing industry. In just three years, How To ADU has grown to over 26,000 members in California alone on Facebook. Ryan’s influence extends beyond the social media giant, with 54,000 followers on TikTok and 10,000 subscribers on YouTube. His approach to ADUs frequently helps homeowners save thousands of dollars during permitting, planning, and construction, resulting in the creation of more affordable housing throughout the state.
Ryan’s content on ADUs is a goldmine of practical advice and easy-to-digest information, particularly for those looking to explore ADUs in California. From size limitations to free floor plans, he covers various topics to help homeowners with their ADU projects. He also goes the extra mile to empower his audience to make informed decisions, providing insights into the most popular uses for ADUs, such as accommodating elderly family members or downsizing for retirement. In addition, Ryan sheds light on the latest housing legislation in California, specifically SB9, through a comprehensive article and video that covers the two most critical provisions of the law and specific topics requested by his clients.
While Ryan specializes in ADUs and other small-footprint houses, he recognizes that ADUs alone cannot resolve the housing crisis. In an effort to highlight the broad scope of his volunteer housing advocacy work, he introduced the “Housing Watchdogs” series, available on TikTok. The series roots out political corruption, administrative malfeasance, and other challenges that obstruct affordable housing. Although the series may not cater directly to those seeking ADU advice, it provides a broader perspective on Ryan’s work, making it insightful for those who want to understand the bigger picture.
Ryan’s vision for How To ADU is ambitious: to address the housing shortage in California and beyond. Instead of relying on a few slow, massive solutions to housing, Ryan hopes to empower millions of homeowners to make their personal contributions to housing. With the aim of creating a housing movement that prioritizes affordable and sustainable housing, Ryan envisions a future where everyone can afford to live where they work. Through his unwavering commitment to educating homeowners and fostering a community, Ryan has established himself and his platform as a trusted and respected expert in the field.
