Updating your home
There are many different reasons to think about adding an ADU to the size of your home. We have all heard the term forever home. Also, many of us have had life changes in the last few years, requiring updating to our existing home. And sometimes you need to move your parents in or help your children save because the housing market is so expensive.
The option to add additional living quarters is becoming more appealing with the flexibility that we have in life. You can add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to most homes in the area.
There are many options when we are talking about ADU’s. First consider what you would like to use this space for. A home office now and later move Mom and Dad in, in a few years. ADU’s are all about maximizing flexibility. You can design a Murphy bed or fold away table to utilize the space in different ways. Whatever your idea for the space you must choose whether it’s attached to the home or detached structure. You can also consider repurposing space in your existing home, if you’re lucky enough to have a large home. Converting garages is also an idea, but usually it is more expensive than you think because of the need to supply AC and heat, electricity, plumbing, etc. in the garage.
ADU’s increase your value
ADU’s increase the value of the home immediately. So, you may be just thinking about building an ADU or something may have happened where you already need that space. Take the time to imagine the ADU in different locations and see what you think would work best. When you are ready to proceed with your ADU, having a General Contractor, like Trust Company, with experience can help to walk through all the different options.
A typical ADU is a 2nd dwelling on the property that provides complete and independent living quarters for someone. This square footage cannot exceed 50% of the original home square footage and must provide a full bathroom, kitchen, living and sleeping areas. The general rule is that it cannot be more than 1200 square feet, but the ADU must have at least 220 square feet, defined as a living room, so no sharing space. There are guidelines and minimum square foot requirements in each city, so checking with your city planning department is important.
An ADU also must maintain the easement setbacks, usually 4 feet, for the sides and back of the yard. Depending on the size of your property, is dependent on the size of your ADU. Some areas may be able to have multiple ADU’s or a combination of an ADU and a Junior ADU.
Different type’s of ADU’s
A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit, which is a smaller version of an ADU. The usual maximum size of Junior ADU is 500 square feet. It can have just an efficiency cooking area, not a full kitchen. And for the bathroom in the Junior ADU, it can have its own or it may share with the existing home. Both options must have a separate entrance, designating it as a separate dwelling. A small amount of Home remodeling usually will occur.
And these two types of ADU’s can also be rented for extra income but usually must be rented for longer than 30 days. Of course, you want to check with any local HOA’s or city regulations also. This is where an experienced professional like Trust Company, can help you navigate this whole process.
Another type of unit are guest quarters, or a granny flat. These are not considered ADU’s and are separate guest quarters for temporary use. They usually don’t have a kitchen or wet bar and they are considered accessory structures and are not allowed to be rented. This would be a repurpose or a small addition to the home, usually and also requires some Home Remodeling.
Attached or detached ADU
When choosing whether to have the ADU attached or detached from your home, the design cannot deviate from approximately 150 square feet beyond the original living space. Meaning that you cannot change the exterior dimensions and have a structure that sticks away from your home in an awkward way. These options all need to match or compliment the existing structure in color, trim, windows, etc. Communities are essentially trying to make sure their color palette and layout don’t get changed that much.
HOA’s and ADU’s
Each HOA has different rules and regulations and an ADU should be inspected and permitted on the property. Regulations have relaxed and there are an increase in ADU’s being built in many different areas. All these options require a building permit, and some may even require engineering. Make sure that the company you work with is licensed, bonded, and insured. Having experience with building ADU’s is also something that helps Trust Company give our clients the best.
ADU Design
When considering the design for your ADU, looking at maximizing space is key. Watching a show like Tiny House Nation gives some creative ideas. Design and efficiency are great to consider helping save the environment and your wallet. Your ADU will usually be attached to your electrical panel, so maximizing efficiency will save you money.
There are a great many things to think of when deciding on building an ADU. Here at Trust Company, we have your back!! We can help with the latest energy efficient products, and we are able to see areas to maximize space and create the concept you envision for your ADU. Making a choice to build an ADU, whether it’s for income or someone in your family is a big decision. Budget should always be considered before you embark on a project like this.
Sometimes, just driving around communities or looking online will help with creating a vision. Whatever your plan for this additional space, remember that life throws us curveballs all the time. Plan your ADU with the flexibility to help you handle these and make your forever home the most enjoyable.
Credit to Danielle Boushay
Trust Company ADU
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