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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Signal Hill
In California, many seniors choose to remain in their own homes and neighborhoods because it allows them to maintain their independence and feel more at ease, instead of relocating to a care facility. The difficulty is finding an affordable way to make this possible while ensuring they get the support they need and boosting the value of their property. This article provides a straightforward solution to these concerns.
ADUs are an excellent option for adding secure and personalized living spaces to your property. These small, standalone units can be customized to suit the needs of older adults, including safety features. They provide a cost-effective, long-lasting solution that keeps seniors close to loved ones while also offering the flexibility to adapt as circumstances change.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Signal Hill
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small living area located on the same lot as a main house. These units are sometimes called granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard cottages. They include a kitchen, bathroom, and living area, and can be a separate building, a unit attached to the main house, or even a converted part of the home.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
1. Staying Close to Family and Support
For many older people, leaving their homes can be emotionally difficult, as it means moving away from familiar places and close connections. Adding an ADU to the property allows seniors to remain independent while staying near family, making it easier to offer help when needed. This setup provides comfort and peace of mind for both seniors and their families.
2. A More Affordable Option than Assisted Living
Building an ADU is generally cheaper than moving into an assisted living facility. It also helps families save money, as there’s no need to purchase or rent an additional property.
3. Designed for Comfort and Safety
ADUs can be tailored to include features that improve safety and accessibility for seniors, such as wider doors, ramps, handrails, and slip-resistant flooring, making them more comfortable and secure.
4. Adaptable for Future Use
ADUs are versatile spaces that can serve various needs over time. They can be used by family members or caregivers or even rented out for extra income when no longer needed for senior living. This makes ADUs a smart, long-term investment.
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?
As people age, they may feel disconnected from others, which can affect their health and happiness. When modifying your home for an elderly parent, it's important to think about both their comfort and their ability to stay engaged with family and friends.
An ADU offers a private living space with its entrance, but since it’s located on the same property as the main home, family members can easily help out and stay involved. To combat loneliness, consider creating areas where your parent can interact with others, such as a comfortable living room or a small dining area for family meals. Adding a porch or garden allows them to socialize with neighbors or enjoy fresh air.
When designing the ADU, think about any mobility issues your parent might have, as these could affect their ability to move around and connect with others. Features like ramps, better lighting, and easy-to-use furniture can help them move around more easily and engage with others inside and outside.
By having the ADU close by, your parent can maintain their independence while still being near family, which helps reduce isolation. This combination of privacy, easy access to family, and a design that supports movement can enhance their well-being.
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 Signal Hill is $519,612. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,284. 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 Signal Hill
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be constructed on properties zoned for single-family, multi-family, or mixed-use areas.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In single-family zones, ADUs can be as large as 1,200 square feet and as tall as 16 feet.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In multi-family zones, the size and height limits for an ADU are the same as in single-family areas: 1,200 square feet and 16 feet tall.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Signal Hill is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
Fire sprinklers are not required unless they are also required for the main home.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Although Signal Hill doesn’t specifically mention it, most places require an ADU to 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 doors, and handrails to make it easier to move around. These changes might require additional permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes can't be used as ADUs because they are not built on permanent foundations. ADUs should be built on solid, permanent foundations that follow California’s building codes.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU typically takes about three to six months, including the time needed for permits and construction.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Signal Hill?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
Signal Hill does not have specific rules about whether the property owner should live in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
ADUs cannot be rented out for short stays under 30 days.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
You will need a building permit to construct or convert an ADU, which covers any necessary updates to the structure, plumbing, or electrical systems.
Resources and Where to Start in Signal Hill
To get started, Signal Hill residents can reach out to the Signal Hill 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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