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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Santa Monica
In California, many seniors choose to remain in their own homes and neighborhoods for the comfort and independence it offers, instead of relocating to a care facility. The difficulty lies in finding an affordable way to make this possible while ensuring they have the support they need and enhancing the value of their property. This article provides an easy solution to address these challenges.
ADUs provide an excellent way to add secure and personalized living spaces to your property. These small, independent units can be tailored to suit the needs of older adults, with added safety features. They offer an affordable, long-term housing option that keeps seniors close to family and friends, while also being adaptable for future changes.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Santa Monica
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, separate living space built on the same property as the main home. Often called granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard cottages, an ADU includes its own kitchen, bathroom, and living area. It can be a detached building, attached to the main house, or a converted part of the home.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
1. Staying Close to Family and Support
For older adults, moving away from their homes can be emotionally difficult, as it often means leaving their community and familiar places behind. Adding an ADU on the same property allows seniors to remain independent while staying close to family who can help when needed. This arrangement brings peace of mind to both seniors and their loved ones.
2. A Cost-Effective Solution
Building an ADU is typically more affordable than relocating to an assisted living facility. It also helps families save by keeping everyone under one roof, without the need for additional homes.
3. Customized for Safety and Comfort
ADUs can be designed with special features that make life easier for seniors, such as wider doorways, ramps, grab bars, and non-slip floors, helping them live more comfortably and safely.
4. Long-Term Flexibility
ADUs are versatile spaces that can serve various purposes as time goes on. They can be used to house family members and caregivers or even rented out for extra income when no longer needed for senior living. This makes ADUs a smart investment for the future.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
Socal Casitas ADU Construction Specialists
How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
As people age, they may feel disconnected from friends, family, or social activities, which can impact their well-being. When adjusting your home to accommodate an elderly parent, it’s important to consider both their physical comfort and their ability to stay connected with others.
An ADU provides a private space with its entrance, but because it's located on the same property as the main house, it allows easy access for families to offer help and stay involved. To combat feelings of isolation, you could create spaces that encourage social interaction, like a cozy living room or a small dining area for shared meals. Adding outdoor spaces like a porch or garden can also give your parent a chance to interact with neighbors or enjoy some fresh air.
When designing the ADU, think about any mobility challenges your parent may face, as this could affect their ability to socialize. Consider adding ramps, brighter lighting, and accessible seating to make it easier for them to move around and engage with others inside and outside the home.
By having the ADU nearby, your parent can maintain their independence while still being close to family, reducing isolation. This balance of privacy, easy family access, and mobility-friendly features can contribute to their health and 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 Monica is $525,852. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,324. 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 $720,000 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 Monica
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be built on properties that are zoned for single-family homes or multi-family buildings.
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 in size and 24 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In multi-family areas, ADUs can also be as large as 1,200 square feet and 24 feet in height.
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?
In most cases, if the main house has fire sprinklers, the ADU will also need to have them, although Santa Monica doesn't have specific requirements for this.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, an ADU should have its entrance separate from the main house or any other units on the property.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
When designing an ADU for older adults, it’s important to include features like ramps, wider doors, and handrails to make it easier for them to get around. You may need additional permits for these changes.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes cannot be used as ADUs because they aren’t built on permanent foundations. ADUs should be built on stable foundations that meet California’s building codes.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU typically takes three to six months, including time for permits and construction.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Santa Monica?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
There is no requirement for the property owner to live in the main house when there is an ADU.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
An ADU cannot be rented out for periods of 30 days or less.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build or convert an ADU, you will need a building permit, which covers any structural, plumbing, or electrical work needed.
Resources and Where to Start in Santa Monica
To get started, Santa Monica residents can reach out to the Santa Monica 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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