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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Pasadena
Many seniors in California prefer to stay in their own homes rather than move to a retirement community because they feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings. However, the challenge lies in how to make this arrangement affordable, provide the necessary care, and increase the value of their property. This article presents a simple solution to address these concerns.
Building an ADU on your property is an excellent way to offer a secure and customized living space. These small homes are perfect for older adults, providing a cost-effective and adaptable option that keeps them near family, while also allowing for adjustments as their needs change.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Pasadena
What is an ADU?
An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a smaller home built on the same property as a main house. It can be a detached building, an extension of the main house, or even a converted garage. ADUs typically include a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, providing older adults with a private and independent living space while keeping them close to family.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Flexibility for the Future
ADUs are flexible, offering homeowners the ability to change how the space is used as their needs evolve. Whether it's used by family members, or caregivers, or rented out for extra income, these units can adjust to different stages of life, making them a valuable long-term investment.
Proximity to Family and Support
For older adults, moving away from a familiar home can be difficult. Being surrounded by friends and a strong support network is important, and adjusting to a new living situation can take a lot of energy. Placing an ADU on the same property as family members allows seniors to maintain their independence while still being close enough for help when needed. This setup provides peace of mind for both the elderly person and their family.
Cost Savings
Building an ADU is often less expensive than moving to a retirement home. It also helps families save money by allowing multiple generations to live together, avoiding the need to purchase additional properties.
Designed for Safety and Accessibility
ADUs can be tailored to meet the needs of seniors, with features such as single-level floor plans, wider doors, grab bars, and non-slip floors, which help older adults move around more easily and safely.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
ADU Homes
How to improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
As parents age, they may experience feelings of loneliness, which can affect their overall health and well-being. When planning or upgrading an ADU for your elderly parent, it's crucial to focus on their comfort while also finding ways to keep them connected to family and their community.
An ADU gives your parent their own living space, but because it's on the same property as the main house, family members can easily visit and offer assistance when needed. To help fight isolation, consider creating spaces for socializing, like a comfy living room or a small dining area for shared family meals. Adding outdoor areas such as a porch or garden can also give them a peaceful spot to relax and interact with neighbors.
For some seniors, moving around can become challenging. Installing features like wheelchair ramps, brighter lighting, and comfy seating can make it easier for them to move around and stay engaged, both inside and outside their space.
By placing the ADU close to the main house, your parent can enjoy independence while having easy access to family support. This balance of privacy and proximity can help prevent feelings of isolation, improving both their emotional and physical health.
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 Pasadena specifically the Washington Square neighborhood is $521,448. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,296. 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 $780,000 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 Pasadena
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be constructed in areas designated for single-family or multi-family homes.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Pasadena, an ADU on a single-family property can be up to 1,200 square feet and 25 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In Pasadena's multi-family zones, the maximum size for an ADU is 1,200 square feet, and the height cannot exceed 18 feet.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Pasadena is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
While Pasadena does not specify, generally, if the main house has fire sprinklers, they are also needed in the ADU.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, The ADU has exterior access from the proposed or existing single-family dwelling.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
To make the ADU safer and more accessible for seniors, include features like ramps, handrails, and wide doorways. These adjustments may require additional permits.
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 must meet California's building standards and be securely anchored on a stable foundation.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU typically takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on how long it takes to get permits, complete the design, and carry out the construction.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Pasadena?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The Pasadena Hills Municipal Code does not specify if the property owner should live in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
For renting an ADU, short-term rentals are not allowed. Any rental of an ADU built after January 1, 2017, should be for at least 30 days.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build or convert an ADU, a building permit is necessary. This permit generally covers construction, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work.
Resources and Where to Start in Pasadena
To get started, Pasadena residents can reach out to the Pasadena 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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