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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Manhattan Beach
Seniors often prefer to stay in their own homes instead of moving to a retirement community. For many in California, staying in a familiar environment is important. The challenge is how to make this happen without increasing monthly expenses, while still providing the necessary care and improving the home’s value. This article offers a practical solution to achieve this balance.
ADUs are a great way to create secure and personalized living areas on your property. These compact homes can be tailored to fit the needs of older adults, providing an affordable and long-term solution that keeps them connected to their community and flexible for future changes.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Manhattan Beach
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small living space located on the same property as your main house. It could be a separate structure, an attached unit to the main house, or a converted space like a garage. With essentials like a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, ADUs are a great choice for people who want to live independently but stay near family.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Made for Safety and Comfort. ADUs can be customized to meet the needs of older adults, with features like single-floor designs, wider doors, and slip-resistant floors. These changes help create a safer environment and make it easier for seniors to maintain their independence.
Adaptable to the Long Term. ADUs are flexible spaces that can be used by family members or caregivers. If not needed for senior living, they can be rented out, making them a valuable long-term investment that can adjust to your family's needs.
Cost-Effective Housing. Building an ADU can be a more affordable option than moving to a senior care facility. It also allows different generations to live together, helping lower overall housing expenses.
Close to Family and Care. For many older adults, leaving their homes is hard. An ADU on the same property allows them to stay independent while remaining close to family for support, creating a safe and caring environment.
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?
As seniors age, staying connected with others becomes even more important. Losing touch with friends and family or having fewer chances to socialize can lead to feelings of isolation, which can affect both mental and physical health. When designing or updating an ADU for your elderly parent, it's important to address both their physical needs and their social well-being.
An ADU provides a private living space with its entrance, but since it's on the same property as the main house, family members can easily visit and offer support. To help reduce loneliness, think about including comfortable areas like a cozy living room or a small dining spot for family meals. Outdoor spaces, like a porch or garden, give your parent a quiet place to interact with neighbors or enjoy the outdoors.
It's also important to consider your parent's mobility. Adding wheelchair-accessible ramps, good lighting, and easy-to-reach seating can make moving around and interacting with others more comfortable, both indoors and outside.
By keeping the ADU near the main house, your parent can maintain their independence while staying close to family. This mix of privacy, accessibility, and social connection can greatly enhance their quality of life.
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 Manhattan Beach is $524,724. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,317. 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 $1,140,000 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 Manhattan Beach
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be built in residential areas, including single-family and multi-family zones.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Manhattan Beach, the maximum size for an ADU in a single-family zone is 1,200 square feet, and it can be up to 26 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In Manhattan Beach's multi-family zone, ADUs can also be up to 1,200 square feet and 26 feet in height.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Manhattan Beach is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
If the main house requires fire sprinklers, the ADU should have them as well.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, the ADU should have its separate entrance.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
When designing an ADU for seniors, it may need features like ramps, handrails, or a level entry. Additional permits may be required to ensure accessibility.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes cannot be used as ADUs because they don't have a permanent foundation. ADUs need to be built on a solid foundation and comply with California building codes.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU usually takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on permits, design, and construction factors.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Manhattan Beach?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The Manhattan Beach Municipal Code does not specify if the property owner should live in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
ADUs should be rented for periods of at least 30 days.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build an ADU, you need both an ADU permit and a building permit, to ensure the ADU meets the city's standards.
Resources and Where to Start in Manhattan Beach
To get started, Manhattan Beach residents can reach out to the Manhattan Beach 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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