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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Lawndale
Aging in place is important to many older adults in California who want to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes and neighborhoods rather than moving to senior care facilities. The goal is to create a plan that avoids extra monthly costs, ensures someone is there to care for your parents, and adds value to the property. We’ve outlined a solution for this here.
ADUs provide a smart way to create safe, customizable living spaces on your property. These small units can be designed to meet the specific needs of seniors, offering a cost-effective, long-term living solution that keeps them connected to their community and allows for future changes if needed.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Lawndale
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small living space located on the same property as your main house. It can be built as a detached or attached to the main house, or even created by converting an existing space like a garage. ADUs are designed to have all the essentials, such as a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, making them perfect for someone who wants to live independently.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Customizable for Safety and Accessibility
ADUs can be customized to fit the needs of older adults, offering features like one-level layouts, wider doorways, and slip-resistant floors to make it easier and safer for them to move around. These modifications ensure that seniors can live more comfortably and independently while minimizing the risk of accidents.
Long-Term Flexibility
ADUs offer flexibility as they can be adapted for different uses over time. They can serve as a living space for family members or caregivers, or even be rented out to generate extra income if they’re no longer needed for senior living. This makes an ADU a wise investment that can grow with your family’s needs.
Cost-Effective
Building an ADU is often more affordable than relocating to a retirement community. It also allows multiple generations to live together, cutting down on the need for additional homes and providing cost savings for the family.
Close to Family and Support
For older adults, moving from their long-time home can be overwhelming and stressful, as they leave behind their familiar surroundings and social circles. Having an ADU on the same property as family members allows them to maintain their independence while being close by for help and companionship when needed. It offers a sense of security for everyone involved.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
Cali ADU Design + Build
How to improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
As people age, social isolation can become a significant issue. Losing friends and family members, or having fewer social opportunities can lead to feelings of loneliness, which affect both mental and physical health. When designing or improving an ADU for your elderly parent, it's important to focus on both their physical needs and maintaining social connections.
An ADU is an independent living space with a separate entrance, but since it's on the same property as the main house, it allows for easy family interaction and support. To reduce isolation, consider creating inviting spaces that encourage socializing, such as a cozy living room or a small dining area where family can gather. Outdoor features, like a porch or garden, can also provide opportunities for your parent to engage with neighbors or enjoy the outdoors.
Keep in mind that mobility limitations can impact your elderly parent’s ability to engage socially. Adding features like wheelchair-accessible ramps, improved lighting, and easy-to-reach seating areas can make it easier for them to interact with those around them, as well as feel more comfortable moving around both indoors and outdoors, fostering more social engagement.
With the ADU close to or attached to the main house, your parent can maintain their independence while still staying connected to family and avoiding feelings of loneliness. This balance of privacy, accessibility, and mobility helps ensure their overall well-being.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
The good news is that many older couples have already paid off their home, which gives them more flexibility financially. If this applies to you, you could use a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to cover the cost of building an ADU. After the ADU is built and your parents move in, you could rent out the main house to help cover the payments on the HELOC. The key is ensuring the rent from the main house is enough to cover those payments. While it might sound a bit tricky, you can use this example to figure out your costs and potential income.
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 Lawndale is $530,196. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,351. 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 Lawndale
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be built in areas zoned for residential mixed-use properties.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Lawndale, the maximum size an ADU can be in a single-family area is 1,000 square feet, with a height limit of 25 feet.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In a multi-family zone in Lawndale, an ADU can also be up to 1,000 square feet, with a height limit of 25 feet.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Lawndale is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
If the main house doesn't require fire sprinklers, the ADU doesn't need them either.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, the ADU should have its separate exterior entrance, not shared with the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
If the ADU is intended for seniors, it may need special features like ramps, handrails, or no-step entryways, and might require additional permits for accessibility.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes aren’t allowed because they rely on temporary support. ADUs should be built on a permanent foundation and follow California building codes.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Typically, building an ADU can take between 3 to 6 months, depending on permits, design, and construction conditions.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Lawndale?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The Lawndale Municipal Code does not specify if the property owner should live in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
Both the main house and the ADU cannot be rented out for less than 30 days at a time.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build or convert an ADU, you'll need a building permit, which typically covers areas like construction, plumbing, electrical work, and other essential systems.
Resources and Where to Start in Lawndale
To get started, Lawndale residents can reach out to the Lawndale 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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