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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Pico Rivera
In California, many older adults choose to remain in their own homes instead of relocating to a retirement community, as they find comfort in their familiar environment. The difficulty, however, is figuring out how to make this living situation affordable, ensure proper care, and enhance the home's value. This article offers an easy solution to tackle these issues.
Adding an ADU to your property is a great way to create a safe and tailored living space. These compact homes are ideal for seniors, offering an affordable and flexible solution that keeps them close to family and can easily be modified as their needs evolve.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Pico Rivera
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a smaller living space built on the same property as a main house. It could be a separate building, an addition to the existing house, or a converted garage. These units usually have a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, offering older adults a private, independent space while staying close to family.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Adaptable for Future Needs
ADUs offer flexibility, allowing homeowners to change how the space is used as their needs shift. They can be used by family, and caregivers, or rented out for extra income, making them a great long-term investment that adapts to different life stages.
Close to Loved Ones and Support
Moving away from a familiar home can be challenging for seniors. Being near family and friends is essential, and adjusting to a new home can be stressful. Adding an ADU to the same property allows seniors to stay independent while being close enough to family for support, providing peace of mind for everyone.
Cost-Effective Option
Building an ADU is usually more affordable than moving to a retirement home. It also saves money by allowing multiple generations to live together, cutting down on the need for additional properties.
Customized for Safety and Accessibility
ADUs can be designed with safety in mind, featuring things like single-story layouts, wider doors, grab bars, and slip-resistant flooring to make it easier and safer for seniors to get around.
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?
To design your property for your elderly parent’s needs, focus on enhancing comfort and maintaining strong family connections. As parents grow older, loneliness can affect both their mental and physical well-being, so it’s essential to design the ADU with both independence and community in mind.
The ADU provides a private space for your parent, but because it’s located on the same property as the main house, family members can easily visit and offer help when necessary. Consider designing social areas like a cozy living room or a small dining space for family meals to reduce feelings of isolation. Adding outdoor areas like a porch or garden also gives your parent a place to relax and connect with neighbors.
Note that mobility may become a challenge as some seniors age. Adding wheelchair ramps, brighter lighting, and comfortable seating can make it easier for your parent to navigate their space and stay connected with others, both inside and outside.
Having the ADU close to the main house allows your parent to maintain independence while staying near family support, ensuring they feel connected and cared for, which promotes their emotional and physical 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 Pico Rivera is $521,796. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,298. 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 Pico Rivera
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs are allowed on properties zoned for single-family or multi-family housing.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Pico Rivera, ADUs in single-family areas can be built up to 1,200 square feet and a height of 16 feet.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In multi-family zones in Pico Rivera, ADUs have the same maximum size and height limits as single-family zones: 1,200 square feet and 16 feet tall.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Pico Rivera is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
Fire sprinklers are generally not required for ADUs if they are not required for the main house under existing building codes.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, an ADU should have its external entrance separate from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
To ensure safety and accessibility for seniors, ADUs should include ramps, handrails, and wider doorways. These modifications might need additional permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes do not qualify as ADUs since they lack a permanent foundation. ADUs should comply with California's building codes and be built to a solid foundation.
How fast can you build an ADU?
The timeline for constructing an ADU usually ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on the time needed for permits, design, and construction.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Pico Rivera?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
No, the property owner doesn’t have to live in the main house or the ADU. State law removed the requirement for owner-occupancy for new ADUs starting January 1, 2020. This rule will stay in effect until December 31, 2024.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
Local regulations may require that ADUs be rented for periods longer than 30 days.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
A building permit is required to construct or convert an ADU. This permit usually includes approvals for structural work, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
Resources and Where to Start in Pico Rivera
To get started, Pico Rivera residents can reach out to the Pico Rivera 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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