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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Rosemead
A lot of older adults in California prefer staying in their homes and neighborhoods because it feels more comfortable and gives them a sense of independence, compared to moving into senior care centers. The main issue is figuring out how to make this option work without increasing expenses, while also having someone to help take care of them and boosting the value of their home. This article looks at a simple way to meet these needs.
Adding an ADU to your property creates a safe and comfortable living area tailored to individual preferences. These compact homes are an affordable choice for older adults, allowing them to stay close to loved ones and adjust to different life circumstances easily.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Rosemead
What is an ADU?
An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a smaller home built on the same lot as a main house. It can be a separate building, an addition to the main house, or even a converted garage. These units usually include a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, offering seniors a private place to live while staying close to family.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
- Adaptable for Changing Situations: ADUs can house family members or caregivers and generate rental income, making them a flexible choice for the future.
- Proximity to Family: Staying close to loved ones supports emotional health and allows seniors to maintain independence without leaving familiar surroundings.
- Budget-Friendly: Adding an ADU often costs less than moving to a retirement home and helps reduce overall living expenses by sharing property with family.
- Senior-Friendly Design: Features like ramps, wide doorways, and slip-resistant flooring make ADUs safer and more accessible for older adults.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
Gather ADU
How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
Creating a comfortable home for an aging parent means giving them their own space while keeping them close to family. Staying socially connected is essential for their well-being, so designing a setup that combines independence with opportunities to interact is key.
An ADU provides a separate home for your parent that’s still close enough for family support or visits. Adding a small living or dining area encourages quality time with loved ones, while a porch or garden offers a peaceful spot for relaxing or chatting with neighbors.
To make the space safer and more comfortable, consider features like ramps, bright lighting, and furniture that’s easy to use for someone with limited mobility.
Placing the ADU near the main house gives your parent the freedom of their own space while ensuring they’re never far from family 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, many older couples have already paid off their homes, giving them more options financially. If that’s your case, you could use a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to finance building an ADU. After the ADU is ready and your parents move in, renting out the main house could help cover the HELOC payments. The key is making sure the rent from the main house is enough to handle those payments. While it might seem a little challenging, this method can help you calculate your costs and expected 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 Rosemead is $524,400. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,314. 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 $1,080,000 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 Rosemead
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be constructed on properties zoned for single-family or multifamily housing, such as R-1, R-2, and R-3 zones.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In single-family home areas, ADUs can be up to 1,200 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 restrictions are the same for multifamily zones: 1,200 square feet and a height of 25 feet.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Rosemead is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
Although Rosemead doesn’t have specific details, ADUs generally need fire sprinklers if the main home has them.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, an ADU should have its own exterior entrance and cannot connect to the main home through an interior doorway.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
Adding ramps, wider doorways, and handrails can improve accessibility, though extra permits may be needed for these features.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, ADUs should have a permanent foundation and meet California building codes, so mobile homes are not permitted.
How fast can you build an ADU?
From permits to construction, the entire process usually takes between 3 and 6 months.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Rosemead?
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, after January 1, 2025, the city might require the owner to live on the property.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
ADUs cannot be rented out for short-term stays, like on vacation rental platforms.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
A building permit is necessary for constructing or converting an ADU. This permit covers approvals for structural changes, plumbing, and electrical work.
Resources and Where to Start in Rosemead
To get started, Rosemead residents can reach out to the Rosemead 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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