Unsplash
ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Claremont
Comfort is essential for many older adults in California who prefer the familiarity and independence of remaining in their own homes and communities over moving to senior living facilities. The main challenge lies in finding a way to maintain this comfort without extra monthly costs while ensuring they have the necessary support and possibly increasing the property’s value. This article outlines a practical approach to achieving this goal.
Adding an ADU, a close living space on your property, is a useful way to create additional room. This option offers an affordable way for older adults to live near family while still maintaining their independence. If circumstances shift in the future, the space can be conveniently repurposed for other needs.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Claremont
What is an ADU?
An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a small living space on the same property as a main house or apartment. Known as granny flats or in-law suites, ADUs should be equipped with permanent facilities for living, sleeping, cooking, eating, and sanitation. They can be added as attached, detached, or by converting an existing space.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Close to Family: ADUs allow older adults to live nearby while keeping their own space and independence, with family close by for assistance.
Affordable Alternative: ADUs can be a budget-friendly alternative to retirement communities, helping families stay close without high costs.
Easy-to-Use Features: ADUs can be set up with wider doorways, one-story layouts, and slip-resistant floors to support seniors who may have mobility concerns.
Flexible for Future Use: If a senior doesn’t need the ADU, it can be adapted for other uses, like renting it out or providing living space for other family members.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
ADU Homes
How to improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
When preparing a living space for an elderly parent, especially one dealing with memory concerns, it’s essential to create an environment that feels comfortable, safe, and easy to navigate. Simple adjustments, such as labeling items or organizing furniture, can help them move around more confidently and with less confusion.
A one-story ADU with a basic layout—featuring a bedroom, bathroom, and a cozy seating area—works well. Ensuring good lighting, adding handrails, and using furniture with smooth, rounded corners can reduce the risk of accidents. In the kitchen, open shelving or see-through cabinets make it simpler to locate items.
For added safety, smart features like motion-activated lighting or alert systems can notify you if something seems off, allowing your parent to maintain their independence while providing you with reassurance that they’re safe and close by.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
Many older couples have already paid off their mortgages, which can work in your favor. If this is your situation, you could consider a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to cover ADU construction costs. Once the ADU is finished and your parents or relatives move in, you could rent out the main house to help pay back the HELOC. The key factor is ensuring the rental income from the main house is enough to cover the HELOC payments. Although it may seem complex, using a simple example can help you see how the numbers might work.
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 Claremont 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 Claremont
Where can ADUs be built?
You can build ADUs on residential properties zoned for either single-family or multi-family homes, as long as there is already an existing or proposed main residence.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Claremont, ADUs in single-family zones can be up to 1,000 square feet. The unit should be at a maximum of 16 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
The limit in Claremont’s multi-family zones is also 1,000 square feet, with a maximum height requirement of 16 feet.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Claremont is 4 feet from the property lines.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
If the primary residence is required to have fire sprinklers, the ADU will also need them.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, the ADU should have its exterior entrance, ideally not facing the same direction as the primary home’s main entrance if visible from a public road, except alleys.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
Consider including ramps, handrails, and wider doorways to enhance accessibility for seniors. Certain adjustments might require special permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile units aren’t suitable as ADUs because they are not fixed. ADUs should have a permanent foundation that aligns with California building regulations.
How fast can you build an ADU?
The construction of an ADU usually takes 3 to 6 months, influenced by factors like permits, design, and construction site conditions.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Claremont?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The Claremont Municipal Code does not specify if the property owner should live in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
An ADU cannot be rented out for less than 30 days at a time.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build an ADU, you need an ADU permit and a building permit, as per the City's Building and Construction Codes.
Resources and Where to Start in Claremont
To get started, Claremont residents can reach out to the Claremont City Planning Department for ADU guidelines and zoning details.
ADU Analysis shows the maximum ADU size for the best return on your property.
Related Articles
All You Need to Know About Building on Properties in Claremont Under SB-9
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Claremont
How to get your permits fast or the benefits of using SB-423 in Claremont
How to Make My ADU a Profitable Investment in Claremont?