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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Carson
Many older adults in California prefer to stay in their own homes, enjoying the comfort and independence of familiar surroundings instead of moving to a senior care facility. The challenge is to find a solution that doesn't add extra monthly costs while ensuring someone can help keep an eye on your parents and also raise the value of your property. We've outlined a practical solution for you in this article.
Constructing an ADU, which is a close living space on your property, is a smart way to add more room. These units are an affordable option for older adults who want to stay near family but still maintain their independence. If circumstances change, the space can easily be repurposed for different needs in the future.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Carson
What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small living space located on the same property as a main house or apartment. Also known as granny flats or in-law suites, these units typically include essential rooms like a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. They can be built as attached, detached, or by converting an existing space.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Close to Family: An ADU allows seniors to live independently while staying close to family for support.
More Affordable Than Retirement Homes: Building an ADU can be a cheaper option than moving to an assisted living facility, letting families stay together without high costs.
Senior-Friendly Design: ADUs can include helpful features like wider doors, single-story layouts, and non-slip floors, making them safer and more comfortable for seniors with mobility challenges.
Flexible for the Future: If not needed for a senior family member, the ADU can easily be adapted for other uses, like renting out or providing space for other relatives.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
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How to improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
When preparing your home for an elderly parent, especially one with memory challenges, it's important to focus on comfort, safety, and ease of use. Simple changes like clear labels or rearranging furniture can help them feel more at ease and navigate the space with less confusion.
A one-story ADU with a simpler design—featuring a bedroom, bathroom, and a comfortable sitting area—can be a great fit. Ensure the space is well-lit, add handrails where needed, and opt for furniture with soft, rounded edges to prevent accidents. In the kitchen, open shelves or transparent cabinet doors can make it easier for them to find things.
For added safety, consider incorporating smart technology like motion-activated lights or sensors that can alert you if something's not right. This allows your parent to maintain their independence while giving you peace of mind knowing they’re safe and close by.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
The good part is that most of the aged couples have already paid off their mortgage for the property. If this is the situation in your case, then you can get a HELOC to pay for the cost of an ADU. Once the ADU is completed and your folks move in, you can rent the main house to start to make the payments for the HELOC. Now, the key is to be able to rent the existing house for an amount large enough to cover the HELOC payments. It may sound complicated, but you can take this example to run your numbers.
Let's consider that your parents would be happy to live in a 2 bedroom with 2 bath ADU. The size for such an ADU is approx. 1,200 sq. ft. The cost of a 1,200 sq. ft. ADU in Carson is $520,632. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,291. Ideally, you could rent the main house with at least the same amount as your payments for the HELOC. This way you'll break even on your monthly expenses, while you're having someone keeping an eye on your parents and increasing the value of this property.
Besides providing the right living spaces for your parents at potentially break-even costs per month, this ADU could add around $600,000 to the property’s market value if you decide to sell.
ADUs can increase the value of your property. Learn how much they could add.
ADU design restrictions in Carson
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be added to properties intended for either single-family or multi-family homes.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Carson, ADUs in single-family areas can be as large as 1,200 square feet and up to 16 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
ADUs in multi-family areas of Carson also have a size limit of 1,200 square feet and can reach up to 16 feet in height.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Carson is 4 feet from the property lines.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
ADUs do not require fire sprinklers if the main house doesn't have them.
Is independent access from the main house required?
The ADU should have its exterior entrance separate from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
When designing for seniors, make sure to include features like ramps, handrails, and wider doors to improve accessibility. Some of these may require special permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile structures rely on temporary supports like concrete piers. ADUs should be built on a permanent foundation and meet the California Building Code or California Residential Code.
How fast can you build an ADU?
It typically takes about 3 to 6 months to build an ADU, depending on factors like permits, design, and construction conditions.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Carson?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The rules in Carson don't state whether the property owner should live in the main house or the ADU.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
ADUs cannot be rented out for less than 30 days at a time.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build an ADU, you'll need permits for the ADU, building, and possibly grading. These permits should be processed within 60 days after the city gets a complete application if there's already a house on the property.
Resources and Where to Start in Carson
To get started, Carson residents can reach out to the Carson City Planning Department for ADU guidelines and zoning details.
ADU Analysis shows the maximum ADU size for the best return on your property.
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