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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Redondo Beach
A lot of seniors in California prefer staying in their own homes rather than moving to retirement communities because they feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings. The difficulty lies in finding a way to make this option affordable, and practical, and still increase the home’s value. This article offers an easy solution to address these concerns.
Building an ADU on your property gives you a secure and tailored living space designed to meet specific needs. These smaller homes are an affordable option for seniors, allowing them to stay near family while also offering the flexibility to adapt as their needs change over time.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Redondo Beach
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a smaller home built on the same property as a main house. It can either be a separate building, an addition to the main house, or a converted garage. Typically, an ADU has a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, offering seniors their own private space while staying close to family.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Adaptable for Changing Needs. ADUs are versatile and can be used for different purposes as life changes. They can provide housing for family members or caregivers, and if rented out, can offer extra income. This makes them a great long-term solution.
Near Family. Staying close to family is important for older adults' emotional health. Moving to a new place can be hard, but an ADU lets seniors maintain their independence while being close to their loved ones for support.
Cost-Effective. Building an ADU is often cheaper than moving to a senior living facility. It also lowers overall living costs by allowing multiple generations to live on the same property.
Designed for Safety. ADUs can be designed with senior-friendly features like no-step entrances, wider doors, handrails, and slip-resistant floors, making it easier and safer for seniors to move around.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
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How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
Creating a living space for an elderly parent requires a balance between giving them privacy and comfort, and staying connected with family. As people age, feeling isolated can negatively affect both their health and happiness, so it's important to design an ADU that allows for both independence and social interaction.
An ADU offers a private living space for your parent while keeping them close to the main house, making it easier for family members to visit or assist when needed. Including a comfortable living area or a small dining space for shared meals encourages interaction. Outdoor features like a porch or garden provide a peaceful area for your parent to relax and engage with neighbors.
Since mobility can become more difficult with age, it’s helpful to add features like wheelchair ramps, bright lighting, and comfortable furniture to make the space easier to navigate. These updates improve safety and overall comfort.
By placing the ADU near the main house, your parent can enjoy independence while still having family support close by, helping them feel cared for and connected, which enhances their 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 Redondo Beach is $520,752. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,292. 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 $840,000 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 Redondo Beach
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be constructed on properties that are designated for either single-family or multi-family use.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In areas intended for single-family homes, an ADU can be up to 1,000 square feet in size and 16 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
The size and height limits for ADUs in multi-family zones are the same as in single-family zones: 1,000 square feet and a height of 16 feet.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Redondo Beach is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
ADUs are not required to have fire sprinklers unless the main house also requires them.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, the ADU should have a separate entrance from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
For seniors, it's important to include accessibility features such as ramps, wider doors, and handrails. These may require additional permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
Mobile homes cannot be used as ADUs because they lack a permanent foundation. ADUs need to follow California’s building codes.
How fast can you build an ADU?
It generally takes 3 to 6 months to build an ADU, which includes time for permits, planning, and construction.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Redondo Beach?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
Yes, for ADUs approved after January 1, 2025, in single-family zones, the property owner should live in either the main house or the ADU.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
An ADU can be rented out for stays of 30 days or longer, but it cannot be rented out for shorter periods, such as for vacation rentals.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
You will need a building permit to construct or convert an ADU. This permit covers the work needed for construction, plumbing, electrical systems, and other necessary features.
Resources and Where to Start in Redondo Beach
To get started, Redondo Beach residents can reach out to the Redondo 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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