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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Rolling Hills
Many older adults in California choose to stay in their homes instead of moving to retirement communities because they feel more at ease in a place they know. The challenge is making this choice affordable, manageable, and valuable. This article presents a simple way to tackle these issues.
Adding an ADU to your property creates a safe, customized living area that fits individual needs. These small homes offer an affordable solution for seniors, keeping them close to family and allowing for adjustments as their lifestyle changes.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Rolling Hills
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a smaller living space built on the same lot as a main home. It can be a separate structure, an attached unit to the main house, or a converted garage. Typically, it includes a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, providing seniors with private space while keeping them close to family.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Flexible for Changing Needs. ADUs can serve various purposes as life evolves, such as housing family members or caregivers. They can also be rented out for extra income, making them a practical long-term option.
Close to Family. Being near family is key for seniors' emotional well-being. Instead of moving to a new location, an ADU allows them to stay independent while remaining close to loved ones for support.
Affordable. Building an ADU is often more cost-effective than relocating to a senior facility. It can also lower living costs by allowing multiple generations to live together.
Safe and Accessible. ADUs can be designed with features like ramps, wider doors, handrails, and non-slip floors, making them safer and easier for seniors to navigate.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
EcoSmart Builders
How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
Designing a living space for an aging parent involves finding a balance between giving them their own space and keeping them connected to the family. As people get older, loneliness can impact their health and happiness, so it’s essential to create an ADU that allows both independence and opportunities for socializing.
An ADU provides a private area for your parent while still being close to the main house, making it easy for family members to check in or offer help. Including cozy areas like a living room or small dining space for meals together can encourage family time. Adding features like a porch or garden gives your parent a quiet spot to relax or interact with neighbors.
Keep in mind that as mobility can become more challenging, it’s helpful to include features like ramps, good lighting, and easy-to-use furniture, making the space safer and more comfortable.
Placing the ADU near the main house lets your parent live independently, while still staying close to family for support, helping them feel cared for and connected.
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 Rolling Hills is $524,724. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,317. 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 $1,440,000 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 Rolling Hills
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be built on properties zoned for single-family or multi-family homes.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In single-family zones, an ADU can be up to 1,000 square feet in size and 25 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
The size and height rules for ADUs in multi-family zones are the same as those in single-family zones: up to 1,000 square feet and 25 feet tall.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Rolling Hills is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
If the main house has fire sprinklers, the ADU should also have them. However, adding an ADU does not require fire sprinklers in the main house unless they were already required.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, the ADU should have its entrance separate from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
For seniors, it’s important to include accessibility features like ramps, wider doors, and handrails, which may need special permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
Mobile homes cannot be used as ADUs because they don’t have a permanent foundation. ADUs must comply with California’s building codes.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU typically takes between 3 to 6 months, including time for permits, design, and construction.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Rolling Hills?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
For ADUs approved between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2025, there is no requirement for the property owner to live in the main house.
However, starting January 1, 2025, all ADUs should have the property owner live on the property as their primary and permanent residence, unless the law states otherwise.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
ADUs cannot be rented for periods shorter than 30 days.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build or convert an ADU, a building permit is required, covering construction, plumbing, electrical systems, and other necessary work.
Resources and Where to Start in Rolling Hills
To get started, Rolling Hills residents can reach out to the Rolling Hills City Planning Department for ADU guidelines and zoning detail.
ADU Analysis shows the maximum ADU size for the best return on your property.
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