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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Montebello
Many seniors choose to remain in their own homes rather than relocate to a retirement community, as being in a familiar environment feels more reassuring. The challenge lies in making this possible without raising costs, while also ensuring they receive proper care and adding value to the property. This article explores an easy solution to meet these needs.
Adding an ADU to your property is a smart way to create a safe and customized space. These compact homes are ideal for seniors, offering a cost-effective and reliable solution that keeps them close to their community while allowing for future adaptability.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Montebello
What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small, secondary home built on the same lot as the main house. It can be a detached structure, an extension of the main home, or a converted space like a garage. Equipped with essentials like a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, ADUs are perfect for independent living while staying near family.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Designed for Safety and Comfort
ADUs can be tailored with features such as single-story layouts, wider doors, and slip-resistant floors, making them safe and convenient for seniors to live on their own.
Flexible for Changing Needs
These units can house family members or caregivers and can later be rented out if not used by seniors, offering a practical option for long-term family needs.
Affordable Living Option
Building an ADU is usually more affordable than relocating to a senior care facility. It also allows families to share a property, lowering overall living costs.
Staying Connected with Family
For seniors who value independence but want to stay close to loved ones, an ADU provides the perfect balance. It ensures privacy while keeping them within a supportive environment.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
Socal Casitas ADU Construction Specialists
How to improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
As people age, being cut off from social interaction can become a serious problem. Losing close connections or having fewer chances to socialize can lead to loneliness, which negatively affects mental and physical health. When creating or upgrading an ADU for your elderly parent, it’s essential to consider their physical needs and their ability to stay connected with others.
An ADU offers an independent living space with its entrance, but because it's on the same property as the main house, it allows for easy visits and support from family. To help reduce feelings of isolation, consider designing welcoming areas that encourage socializing, like a comfortable living room or a small dining space for family meals. Outdoor spaces, like a porch or garden, can also give your parent a chance to relax or interact with neighbors.
Mobility challenges can make it harder for your parent to connect with others. Adding features like wheelchair-friendly ramps, better lighting, and easily accessible seating can help them move around more comfortably and engage with others both inside and outside.
Having the ADU near the main house helps your parent enjoy their independence while still staying close to family, minimizing loneliness. This mix of privacy and easy access promotes both their social well-being and physical comfort.
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 Montebello is $518,940. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,280. 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 $660,000 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 Montebello
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be built in areas zoned for single-family or multi-family homes.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Montebello, an ADU on single-family property can be up to 1,200 square feet and no taller than 25 feet.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In multi-family areas of Montebello, the ADU size limit is also 1,200 square feet, with a height limit of 25 feet.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Montebello is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
Both the main home and the ADU should have hardwired smoke alarms with battery backups and fire sprinklers, as required by the fire department unless it's considered not possible by the fire department.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, the ADU should have its separate entrance, and this entrance should not be visible from the street.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
For seniors, features like ramps, handrails, and level entries can make the ADU more accessible. Additional permits may be needed for these changes.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes cannot be used as ADUs because they do not have a permanent foundation. ADUs should meet California's building standards and be built on a stable foundation.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the time needed for permits, design, and construction.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Montebello?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
If the property owner holds at least 50% of the property, they should live in either the main house or the ADU as their primary residence.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
While Montebello’s rules don’t specifically mention this, ADUs are usually only allowed to be rented out for 30 days or longer.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build or convert an ADU, you’ll need a building permit, which covers approvals for things like construction, plumbing, electrical work, and other related tasks.
Resources and Where to Start in Montebello
To get started, Montebello residents can reach out to the Montebello 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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