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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Santa Fe Springs
Many older adults in California prefer to stay in their own homes and communities because it gives them a sense of comfort and independence, rather than moving to a care facility. The challenge is finding an affordable way to make this work, while also providing the necessary support and increasing the value of their property. This article presents a simple solution to help meet these needs.
ADUs are a great way to create safe and customized living spaces on your property. These compact, separate units can be designed to meet the specific needs of older adults and include safety features. They offer an affordable, long-term housing solution that keeps seniors near family and friends, while also providing flexibility for future needs.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Santa Fe Springs
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, independent living space located on the same property as a main home. Also known as granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard cottages, an ADU has its own kitchen, bathroom, and living area. It can be a separate building, an addition to the main house, or a remodeled space within the home.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
1. Close to Family and Support
For older adults, moving away from their homes can be tough, as it often means leaving behind their community and familiar surroundings. Having an ADU on the same property allows seniors to stay independent while being close to family, who can provide support when needed. This setup provides peace of mind for both seniors and their families.
2. Affordable Option
Building an ADU is often more affordable than moving to an assisted living facility. It also helps families save by keeping everyone together in one place, without the need for extra homes.
3. Designed for Safety and Comfort
ADUs can be designed with features that make life easier for seniors, like wide doorways, ramps, grab bars, and non-slip floors, making their daily routine safer and more accessible.
4. Flexible for the Future
ADUs are adaptable spaces that can be used in different ways as time goes on. They can accommodate family members or caregivers, or even be rented out for extra income when not needed for senior living. This makes ADUs a smart long-term investment.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
Oasis Builders
How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
As people get older, they can feel isolated from friends, family, or social activities, which can negatively affect their health. When making changes to your property for an elderly parent, it's important to address both their physical needs and their social connections.
An ADU offers a private living space with its entrance, but since it's on the same property as the main house, it makes it easy for the family to provide support and stay involved. To help reduce feelings of loneliness, consider creating spaces for socializing, like a comfortable living room or a small dining area for family meals. Adding outdoor areas, such as a porch or garden, gives your parent a chance to interact with neighbors or enjoy the outdoors.
When planning the ADU, think about any mobility issues your parent may have, as these could affect their ability to interact with others. Features like ramps, brighter lighting, and easy-to-reach seating can help them move around more comfortably and socialize both inside and outside.
Having the ADU close by allows your parent to stay independent while being near family, which helps prevent isolation. This combination of privacy, easy access to family, and mobility features supports their health and overall happiness.
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 Santa Fe Springs is $515,244. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,256. 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 $540,000 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 Santa Fe Springs
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be built on properties zoned for single-family homes, multi-family buildings, or mixed-use areas.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In single-family areas, an ADU can be up to 1,200 square feet and as tall as 25 feet.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In multi-family areas, ADUs can also be up to 1,200 square feet and 25 feet high.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Santa Fe Springs is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
ADUs should follow all safety, building, fire, and health codes and any other applicable laws. The ADU does not require fire sprinklers if not in the main house.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, an ADU should have a separate entrance from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
When designing an ADU for seniors, it's important to include features like ramps, wider doorways, and handrails to make it easier for them to move around. These features may require additional permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes cannot be used as ADUs because they are not built on a permanent foundation. ADUs should be constructed on a stable foundation and comply with California's building codes.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU usually takes between three and six months, including time to get permits and complete the construction.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Santa Fe Springs?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The property owner or buyer should live in either the main house or the ADU as their primary residence.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
Both the ADU and the main house can be rented out, as long as the rental period is 31 days or longer.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build or convert an ADU, a building permit is required. This permit covers any necessary changes to the structure, plumbing, or electrical systems.
Resources and Where to Start in Santa Fe Springs
To get started, Santa Fe Springs residents can reach out to the Santa Fe Springs 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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