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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Monrovia
A lot of older people prefer staying in their own homes instead of moving to a retirement center because they feel more comfortable in a familiar place. The tricky part is figuring out how to make this work without increasing expenses while still giving them the care they require and improving the home’s worth. This piece offers a simple way to address these concerns.
Building an ADU is a great option for creating a secure and personalized living area on your property. These smaller homes can be tailored for seniors, providing an affordable and durable way to keep them near their community while staying flexible for any future changes.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Monrovia
What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small home located on the same property as the main house. It can be a separate building, an addition to the main house, or a converted unit like a garage. ADUs come with essentials like a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, making them ideal for independent living while staying close to family.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Built for Comfort and Safety
ADUs can be customized with features like single-level layouts, wider doorways, and non-slip flooring to make them safer and easier for older adults to live in independently.
Adaptable for the Future
ADUs can serve multiple purposes, from housing family members or caregivers to generating rental income if not needed for senior living. This flexibility makes them a smart long-term investment for changing family needs.
Cost-Effective Housing
Building an ADU is often less expensive than moving to a senior facility. It also allows different generations to live on the same property, reducing overall housing expenses.
Staying Close to Loved Ones
For seniors who want to keep their independence but find it hard to leave their homes, an ADU offers the perfect solution. It lets them live nearby while still being part of a supportive family environment.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
Oasis Builders
How to improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
As people age, staying connected with family and friends becomes even more important. A lack of social interaction can lead to feelings of isolation, which can negatively affect both mental and physical health. When creating or updating an ADU for an elderly parent, it's essential to consider their social and physical needs.
An ADU provides a separate living space with its entrance while being close enough to the main house for regular visits and support. To create a more welcoming environment, think about adding areas like a comfortable living room or a small dining nook where family gatherings can take place. Outdoor spaces, like a patio or garden, can offer a relaxing setting for your parent to enjoy fresh air and chat with neighbors.
Making the space easy to navigate is also important. Features like wheelchair-friendly ramps, bright lighting, and easily accessible seating can help your parent move around more safely and comfortably, both indoors and outdoors.
Positioning the ADU near the main house allows your parent to maintain their independence while staying connected with family. This combination of privacy, convenience, and opportunities for social interaction can make a big difference in 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 Monrovia is $523,992. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,312. 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 Monrovia
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be constructed in areas designated for single-family or multi-family housing.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Monrovia, an ADU in a single-family zone can be up to 1,000 square feet in size and no taller than 16 feet.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
For multi-family zones in Monrovia, the size limit is 800 square feet, and the height limit remains 16 feet.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Monrovia is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
If the main house is required to have fire sprinklers, the ADU should also include them.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, an ADU should have a separate entrance from the main house, but no interior access to the main house is required.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
To make an ADU more accessible for seniors, consider adding ramps, handrails, or a level entry. Additional permits may be needed for these modifications.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes cannot qualify as ADUs because they lack a permanent foundation. ADUs should meet California building standards and be built on a stable base.
How fast can you build an ADU?
The process generally takes 3 to 6 months, depending on permitting, design, and construction timelines.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Monrovia?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The Monrovia Hills Municipal Code does not specify if the property owner should live in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
ADUs cannot be rented out as short-term rentals. They should be leased for at least 30 consecutive days.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
A building permit is required to construct or convert an ADU. This covers approvals for construction, plumbing, electrical work, and other related tasks.
Resources and Where to Start in Monrovia
To get started, Monrovia residents can reach out to the Monrovia 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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