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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in La Habra Heights
Many older adults in California choose to stay in their own homes as they get older to maintain their independence. However, as they age, they may need extra help, which can be costly. This article explores a cost-effective and practical option that could also boost the value of their property.
Adding an ADU to your property is a great way to increase living space. These compact units can be tailored to improve safety and convenience for older adults. They provide an affordable and long-term solution, allowing seniors to stay close to home while adjusting to their changing needs.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in La Habra Heights
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small home built on the same property as your main house. It can be a separate building, attached to your home, or even a converted ADU from a garage. These units are designed to have everything needed for independent living, including a place to sleep, cook, and bathe.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Affordable Choice
ADUs are a more cost-effective alternative to moving into an assisted living facility. They also allow families to live on the same property, saving money on maintaining separate homes.
Senior-Friendly
These units can be customized with safety features like ramps, wider doors, handrails, and slip-resistant floors to make them safer and easier for seniors to live in.
Stay Close to Family
Seniors can continue living in a familiar environment, close to family, without the emotional difficulty of moving away.
Adapts to Changing Needs
ADUs are flexible and can be adjusted over time. They can provide space for caregivers, and other family members, or even be rented out, making them a valuable investment in the long run.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
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How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
Making a few easy changes around the house can help your aging parent feel more comfortable and secure, especially if they have memory issues. For instance, labeling everyday items or removing excess furniture can help them find things more easily and move around without obstacles.
You could create a space on one level, with a bedroom, bathroom, and a comfortable sitting area. Make sure the area is well-lit, add handrails where needed, and choose furniture with soft, rounded edges to avoid accidents. In the kitchen, open shelves or clear cabinet doors can help them easily locate items.
For added safety, consider installing motion-sensing lights or using smart tech to alert you in case of an emergency. These changes can help your parent live more independently while keeping them safe and close to home.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
For older couples who no longer have a mortgage, taking out a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to build an ADU can be a practical option. After the ADU is finished and the parents move into it, the main house can be rented out. The income from renting the house might be enough to pay off the loan, making it a cost-effective solution. The important part is ensuring the rent from the main house is high enough to cover the loan payments.
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 La Habra Heights is $522,036. A loan with a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,253. 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 La Habra Heights
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be built on properties zoned for residential or mixed-use purposes.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In La Habra Heights, an ADU on a single-family property can be up to 1,000 square feet and 25 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In La Habra Heights, an ADU on a multi-family property can also be up to 1,000 square feet and 25 feet tall.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in La Habra Heights is 4 feet from the property lines.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
If fire sprinklers are required in the main house, they should also be installed in the ADU. Building an ADU doesn’t require adding fire sprinklers to the main house if they weren’t already needed.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, the ADU should have a separate entrance from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
When designing an ADU for seniors, it’s important to include features like ramps, handrails, and wider doorways. Some changes might need special permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes can’t be used as ADUs because they don’t have permanent foundations. ADUs should be built on stable, long-lasting foundations that meet local building standards.
How fast can you build an ADU?
It usually takes about 3 to 6 months to build an ADU, depending on factors like permits, design, and site work.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in La Habra Heights?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
For ADUs approved between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2025, there’s no requirement for the property owner to live in the main house. However, for ADUs approved after January 1, 2025, the owner should live on the property as their primary and permanent residence unless other laws say otherwise.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
An ADU can’t be rented for less than 30 days, regardless of when it was built.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build an ADU, you’ll need a building permit. In some cases, additional permits may be required based on the property and the ADU’s design. Most ADU applications should be processed within 60 days.
Resources and Where to Start in La Habra Heights
To get started, La Habra Heights residents can reach out to the La Habra Heights 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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