Accessory Dwelling Units: What Are They? Why Are They Popular?
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is simply a second small dwelling located on the same grounds as your regular single-family home. An ADU can be in the form of a small house, backyard retreat, or even a home office. ADU’s are oftentimes called granny flats, in-law units, tiny houses, or secondary dwelling units. In addition, many multi-family attached properties can add two detached ADU’s per property. ADU’s are appealing because they cost less than other forms of housing and make use of existing land.
IN CALIFORNIA ADU’S ARE BECOMING EXTREMELY APPEALING FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS
Pictured: Perpetual Homes ADU - The Piedmont Elevation
People build ADU’s for many reasons but the most common one is to provide housing for multi-generation family members or for gaining rental income. In fact, Alamo ADU’s command approximately $3,600 per month. That is a 15% return on investment!
The cost of housing has increased so much that young families and aging parents are finding it difficult to be able to afford to live in this area. For aging parents ADU’s allow for people to age in place or form multi-generational households to ease caregiving responsibilities and cost.
ADU’s can be used as an incredible source of rental income. Some people rent out the ADU or even decide to downsize and live in the ADU while renting out their primary dwelling.
More companies are allowing their employees to work from home and that can be extremely difficult with small children or pets present. An air conditioned office shack (prices start at $26,500) can provide that perfect quiet retreat for someone that works from home.
NEW CALIFORNIA LAWS HAVE MADE ADDING AN ADU MORE ATTRACTIVE THAN EVER. SOME OF THESE NEW LAWS INCLUDE:
• No minimum lot size required.
• A setback of only four feet which opens up a vast number of properties to ADU development in their backyards.
• Homeowners can no longer prohibit ADU’s.
The presence of an ADU can enhance the attractiveness of a house on the market, typically increasing the value of the property. The ADU units can be fully equipped with a bathroom, kitchen, heating and air conditioning, as well as washer and dryer making them fully functioning living spaces. Quite simply an ADU can be the perfect solution for housing extended family, for gaining monthly rental income or for allowing people to simplify their lives and still live in a neighborhood setting.
Written by Benjamin Donel:
The highly regarded ADU builder, Perpetual Homes, specializes in providing affordable,sustainable, turn-key backyard ADU’s in the BayArea. Perpetual Home ADU’s are placed on a permanent foundation so they are earthquake resistant. Assembled off -site to ensure the highest standards of quality, with minimal disruption to the homeowner, Perpetual Homes offers a huge array of floorplans/exterior design options, and dwelling sizes (that can range in size from the 120 sq ft office shack all the way up to two bedroom, two bath, 700 sq ft dwelling). To find out more about adding an ADU, please email perpetualhomesadu@gmail.com or call 925-980-2351.
adu | perpetual | perpetual homes | perpetual adu | perpetual homes adu | perpetualhomes | perpetualhomesadu | prefab | palo alto | accessory dwelling unit | accessory dwelling units | backyard home | backyard homes | bay area | california | granny flats | modular | granny flat | san jose | construction | tiny homes | homes
Please Note: All sizes and dimensions are nominal or based on approximate builder measurements. 3D Tours and photos may include dealer and/or factory installed options. Perpetual Homes reserves the right to make changes due to any changes in material, color, specifications, and features at any time without notice or obligation. Homes may require optional features to be eligible for financing, consult with your retailer for more information.
T: (925) 309 0205 E: Perpetualhomesadu@gmail.com
DL#1557865
**Authorized Skyline Homes Dealer
Contact Us
Perpetual Homes representations and the actual look of your ADU may vary. The measurements provided will make up the floor plan approximating the length and width from exterior wall to exterior wall. We will continue to invest in our product and process improvements. Our models, floor plans, specifications, dimensions, features, materials, appliances, furniture, and availability displayed on our website and/or other marketing platforms are subject to change.
The project timelines and schedules provided are based on our research and knowledge but it does not account for unforeseen city, town, county, state and/or other municipal agency (collectively the Government) processes such as, but not limited to, appeals, special permits, or processing delays. The portions of the timelines relating to the Government can and will change without notice. The project timeline/process is based on the assumption that the customer will be available and able to make quick decisions. Perpetual Homes cannot guarantee and/or be responsible for the time it takes the Government to complete its checks and verifications. Construction timelines are estimates and cannot be guaranteed by Perpetual Homes.
For the avoidance of doubt, Perpetual Homes is not a licensed general contractor. All of the construction jobs associated with the project which require a licensed general contractor will be performed by a licensed contractor who will engage with the property owner directly with applicable law.