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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Cudahy
Many older adults in California would rather remain in their familiar homes and communities than relocate to assisted living. The main concern is figuring out how to maintain this lifestyle without higher monthly expenses, while still receiving necessary support and potentially boosting their property value. This piece shares a simple approach to achieving this goal.
Building a small additional unit on your property is a practical way to create extra living space. It’s a cost-effective option for seniors who want to stay close to family while remaining independent. Over time, this space can be repurposed to meet different needs.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Cudahy
What is an ADU?
An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a small home on the same property as a main house. Often called granny flats or in-law suites, these units provide essential living features 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
Staying Close to Family: ADUs allow seniors to live near loved ones while keeping their independence, with support available when needed.
Cost-Effective Option: Building an ADU can be more affordable than moving into a senior living facility, making it a practical way to keep families together.
Easier to Navigate: ADUs can be customized for seniors with features like wider doorways, one-story layouts, and non-slip flooring for safety.
Versatile Use: If the ADU is no longer used by a senior, it can serve other purposes, like a rental space or a home for other family members.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
Cali ADU Design + Build
How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
Creating a safe and comfortable living space for an elderly parent, especially one with memory challenges, can make their daily life easier and more enjoyable. Small changes like labeling items or rearranging furniture to reduce clutter can help them feel more at ease and avoid confusion.
A simple, one-story unit with a bedroom, bathroom, and a cozy sitting area is a great option. Ensure the space is well-lit, add handrails where needed, and choose furniture with rounded edges to minimize the risk of injury. In the kitchen, using open shelves or see-through cabinets can make it easier for them to locate items.
For extra safety, consider installing motion-sensor lights or smart devices that can send alerts if something goes wrong. These updates allow your parent to maintain their independence while reassuring you that they’re safe and close by.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
If older couples have already paid off their homes, this can provide a financial advantage. In such cases, using a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could fund the construction of an ADU. After the ADU is ready and your parents move in, renting out the main house could generate income to repay the HELOC. The important part is making sure the rent from the main house is enough to cover the loan payments. While it might seem complicated, breaking it down with a simple example can show how it could be manageable.
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 Cudahy is $520,284. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,289. 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 $540,000 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 Cudahy
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs are allowed on properties zoned for either single-family or multi-family housing.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Cudahy, ADUs in single-family zones can be up to 600 square feet, with a maximum height of 28 feet.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
Cudahy doesn’t provide guidelines for ADUs on multi-family properties.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Cudahy is 4 feet from the property lines.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
Although Cudahy doesn’t specify, ADUs generally need fire sprinklers if the main house has them.
Is independent access from the main house required?
While not directly mentioned in Cudahy’s code, most cities require ADUs to have a private entrance separate from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
To make an ADU accessible for seniors, consider adding ramps, handrails, and wider doorways. These features might need additional permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes can’t be used as ADUs because they lack permanent foundations. ADUs should follow California building codes and be built on stable foundations.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on permits, design, and site conditions.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Cudahy?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
Cudahy’s regulations don’t specify whether the owner should live in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
While not directly mentioned in Cudahy’s code, ADUs are usually limited to rentals of at least 30 days in many areas.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
Cudahy’s code doesn’t list specific permits, but most cities require a building permit, an ADU permit, or both for construction. If significant changes or demolition are needed, a demolition permit is typically necessary.
Resources and Where to Start in Cudahy
To get started, Cudahy residents can reach out to the Cudahy 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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