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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in San Marcos
Comfort is a major factor in why many seniors prefer to stay in their own homes rather than move to a care facility. It offers them a sense of freedom and familiarity. The challenge, however, is finding a way to meet their care needs without raising costs, while also increasing the value of the home. This article presents a practical solution to help address these challenges.
Adding an ADU to your property provides seniors with a private, accessible living area that’s easy to navigate. These cozy units are built with safety and convenience in mind, offering features that make daily activities easier. It also keeps seniors close to family, helping them stay involved in their community. As their needs change, the space can be adapted to fit new requirements.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in San Marcos
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, self-functioning living space built on the same property as a main home. Also known as granny flats, guest houses, or backyard cottages, these units include key features like a kitchen, bathroom, and living area. ADUs can be separate buildings, attached to the main house, or created by converting existing spaces like garages.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
(1) Built for Safety and Ease
ADUs can be designed with features such as ramps, wider doorways, handrails, and slip-resistant flooring to make them safer and more comfortable for seniors.
(2) A More Affordable Option
For seniors who want to stay close to family, an ADU offers an affordable living solution. It helps lower housing costs while keeping family nearby.
(3) Adaptable for the Future
ADUs can be adjusted to fit changing needs, whether for caregiving, housing family members, or even generating rental income.
(4) Close to Loved Ones
An ADU allows seniors to live independently while being near family, so they can stay connected and get help when needed.
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?
Start by assessing how your parent is managing daily activities now and think about how their needs might change in the future. This will help you plan for their long-term care.
If your parent is still independent but has trouble with stairs, a single-level home might be the ideal solution. Having all essential areas like the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom on one floor makes it easier for them to get around.
Instead of making costly changes to your main home, consider building an ADU. Whether it's attached or separate, an ADU gives your parent a private living space while keeping them close to you.
If you're not planning to live in the main house, renting it out could be a good option. You might find a tenant who is willing to assist your parent in exchange for a lower rent, benefiting both parties.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
The advantage is that many older couples have already paid off their mortgage. If your parents are in this situation, you might want to look into a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) to help pay for building an ADU. Once the ADU is built and your parents move in, you could rent out the main house to help pay off the HELOC. The key is ensuring the main house's rent is enough to cover the payments. It might seem complicated, but breaking down the costs with an example can help clarify things.
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 San Marcos is $439,248. A loan with a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $2,776. 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 $727,200 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 San Marcos
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be built on properties that are zoned for either single-family or multi-family homes.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In a single-family zone, an ADU can be up to 1,000 square feet and cannot exceed 16 feet in height.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In a multi-family zone, an ADU can also be up to 1,000 square feet with a maximum height of 16 feet.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in San Marcos is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
If the main home requires fire sprinklers, the ADU will also need to have them installed.
Is independent access from the main house required?
The ADU should have a separate entrance from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
When planning an ADU for seniors, it’s important to incorporate features like ramps, wider doors, and handrails for easier mobility. Additional permits may be needed for these changes.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
Mobile structures are not suitable for ADUs because they rely on temporary supports, such as concrete piers. ADUs should be built on a permanent foundation and follow the California Building Code or California Residential Code.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Typically, building an ADU can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on design, permits, and construction timelines.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in San Marcos?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The property owner should live on the property when applying for an ADU, but only if the application is submitted before 2020 or after 2025. For applications made between 2020 and 2025, there is no requirement for the owner to live on-site.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
The ADU can only be rented for a minimum of 31 days.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
You’ll need a building permit for any changes to the structure, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems. If you're adding an ADU to an existing home, the city will review your application and get back to you within 60 days.
Resources and Where to Start in San Marcos
To get started, San Marcos residents can reach out to the San Marcos 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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