#Build ADU on Property

[360builders]

Maximizing Your Property: A Complete Guide to ADU Construction

Introduction: In recent years, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have gained popularity as a practical and profitable solution for maximizing property space. Whether you want to accommodate extended family, generate rental income, or create a dedicated workspace, building an ADU can be a smart investment. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of ADU construction, from planning and design to permits and construction. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of how to transform your property into a versatile and valuable asset.

Understanding ADUs: Before diving into the construction process, it's crucial to grasp the concept of ADUs. ADUs are secondary living units located on the same property as a primary residence. They can come in various forms, including converted garages, basement apartments, or standalone structures. ADUs provide separate living spaces with their own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom, allowing for independent living while still being connected to the main property. Understanding the types and potential uses of ADUs will help you determine the best approach for your specific needs.

Planning and Design: The first step in ADU construction is careful planning and design. Assess your property and determine the available space for building an ADU. Consider factors such as setbacks, lot size, and zoning regulations. Engage with an architect or designer to create a layout that maximizes space efficiency and meets your requirements. Pay attention to factors like natural light, ventilation, and privacy when designing the interior space. Additionally, consider the exterior aesthetics to ensure that the ADU complements the existing property and neighborhood.

Researching Local Regulations: Each jurisdiction has its own rules and regulations regarding ADU construction. Research the local building codes, zoning ordinances, and permitting requirements specific to your area. Some areas may have restrictions on ADU size, parking requirements, or rental regulations. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure compliance and a smooth construction process. If needed, consult with professionals familiar with local ADU regulations to guide you through the permitting process.

Securing Financing: Once you have a solid plan in place, it's important to consider financing options for your ADU construction. Explore traditional financing avenues like home equity loans, personal loans, or refinancing. Additionally, research specialized financing programs available for ADU construction, such as ADU-specific loans or grants. Consider your budget and weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

Obtaining Permits and Approvals: Before construction can begin, you'll need to secure the necessary permits and approvals from local authorities. Work closely with your architect or designer to prepare the required documentation, including construction plans, engineering reports, and permit applications. Submit these documents to the relevant building department and ensure compliance with all regulations. The permit approval process may take time, so patience is key. Stay in communication with the building department and address any inquiries or modifications promptly.

Hiring Contractors and Construction: Selecting the right contractors for your ADU construction is crucial to ensure quality workmanship and timely completion. Seek recommendations, review portfolios, and interview potential contractors. Choose professionals experienced in ADU construction who can handle all aspects of the project, from site preparation to plumbing, electrical work, and interior finishes. Obtain detailed cost estimates and enter into written agreements to protect both parties. Regularly communicate with the construction team and monitor progress to maintain transparency and address any issues promptly.

Interior Design and Finishing Touches: As the construction nears completion, shift your focus to the interior design and finishing touches. Consider the functionality and aesthetics of the ADU. Opt for durable and low-maintenance materials that will withstand regular use. Pay attention to storage solutions, lighting, and fixtures that enhance the overall comfort and appeal of the space. If you plan to rent out the ADU, choose neutral colors and versatile designs that cater to a wide range of tenants' preferences.

Connecting Utilities and Landscaping: Before the final touches, ensure that utilities such as electricity, water, and sewage are properly connected to the ADU. Coordinate with utility providers to set up separate meters if necessary. Simultaneously, invest in landscaping that complements the ADU and enhances the overall appeal of your property. Consider pathways, outdoor seating areas, and vegetation that create a pleasant environment for residents or tenants.

Compliance and Inspection: Once construction is complete, schedule a final inspection with the local building department to ensure compliance with all codes and regulations. Address any issues or corrections promptly to obtain a certificate of occupancy. Compliance with all necessary requirements is crucial not only for safety but also to protect the value and marketability of your property.

Maximizing Returns: Finally, capitalize on the investment potential of your ADU. If renting, advertise the space through various channels and screen potential tenants thoroughly. Set competitive rental rates based on market analysis and maintain good communication with tenants. If using the ADU for personal use, enjoy the additional space while monitoring the property's appreciation over time. Periodically assess the ADU's functionality, make necessary repairs or improvements, and keep up with regular maintenance to preserve its value.

Conclusion: Building an ADU on your property can unlock a multitude of benefits, from increased living space to rental income and property value appreciation. By following this comprehensive guide, you're well-equipped to embark on your ADU construction journey and maximize your property's potential.

[avalonstudiodesignbuilder]

Unlock Your Home's Potential with ADUs by Avalon Studio Design Build

Avalon Studio Design Build specializes in transforming spaces with high-quality ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) construction services. Our expert team ensures every ADU project is seamlessly integrated into your property's existing design, providing a perfect blend of functionality and style. Enhance your living space or create a rental opportunity with a custom-built ADU that meets all your needs. Contact Avalon Studio Design Build to start your ADU project today!

Avalon Studio Design Build Huntington Beach, CA (714) 459-2821 https://avalonstudiodesignbuild.com/

[please-picturemeintheweeds]

Me finishing up a long talk about labor politics and how airport 🛩️ workers should strike next -> logging on to girlblog about my favorite jet setting pop star Taylor Swift ✨🦄🎆💖⚡️ because having a fandom tumblr account or not isn’t actually praxis 🌹💪🏻👩‍🌾

[hometoursandotherstuff]

This 2004 home on a hillside in San Diego, California feels like living in Italy. 5bds, 6ba, there is a sale pending for $2.995M.

The entrance is marble with rich wood, gold, and classic art.

Why do I feel that the windows are too plain? They're bare, yet there's fancy gold crown molding, a bas relief ceiling, medallions and chandeliers, plus a carved fireplace. Even if there was just a valance.

The guest powder room has a very fancy gold sink table and toilet.

The dining room and kitchen share a large space. There's a fireplace, and it's spacious. I think it's convenient to have the dining room right near the kitchen, especially if you're doing the cooking and serving.

I like the cabinetry, counters and backsplash, but I don't care much for the lighting.

A simple pantry is off the kitchen.

A lovely marble terrace is off the dining room/kitchen.

All of the fireplaces match, even in the primary bedroom. There is also a terrace off this room.

Marble primary en-suite. I like that the shower doesn't have glass doors.

The primary bedroom closet.

A balustrade that matches the exterior is in this very wide hall. Marble stairs go to the upper level.

A game room with access to a patio and what appears to be 2 bars.

A secondary bedroom.

And, one of the other baths with marble and a copper tub.

A simple home office.

The wine cellar has a capacity for 750 bottles.

There's no home theater, but there's a family movie room.

Wow, there's a fancy little entertaining kitchen here, too.

Isn't that interesting? Look at the big wine barrel. I wish the description said what if it's a room or what.

Doesn't this look like ruins? (Perfect ruins, but ruins nevertheless.)

There's a little over an acre of land, but it's very hilly.

This is a small building that can be used for an ADU, or small adult living unit, for parents.

The property is gated- well, it already has my last initial on it. That's the closest I'll ever get to a property like this.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/900-W-Quince-St-W-San-Diego-CA-92103/2058623810_zpid/

[racefortheironthrone]

Re zoning regulation reform: could you go into detail as what that would look like in terms of wiping the slate clean. I feel like it would be better to go the houston route and just be zoning free

You do not want to go the Houston route.

Houston may claim to be "zoning-free" - and to be fair, it doesn't have some of the more common regulations on land use, or density, or height restrictions (more on this in a minute) - but the reality is far more complicated and the status quo is not one that's friendly to the interests of working-class and poor residents, or to the possibility of sustainable urbanism.

The answer to NIMBYism isn't to abolish all regulations and let the free market rip, it's to surgically target zoning, planning, and litigation that is used against affordable housing, public/social housing, mass transit, clean energy, and walkable neighborhoods, and to replace it with new forms of regulation that encourage these forms of development.

So let's take take these categories in order.

Zoning

As I tell my Urban Studies students, zoning is both one of the most subtle and yet comprehensive ways in which the state shapes the urban environment - but historically it has been used almost exclusively in the interests of racism and classism. Reforming zoning requires going over the code with a fine-toothed comb to single out all the many ways in which zoning is used to make affordable housing impossible:

The most important one to tackle first is density zoning and building heights limitations. The former directly limits how many buildings you can have per unit of land (usually per acre), while the latter limits how big the buildings can be (expressed either as the number of stories or the number of feet, or as both). Closely associated with these zoning regulations are minimum lot size regulations (which regulate how much land each individual parcel of real estate has to cover, and thus how many how many housing units can be built in a given area), and lot coverage, setbacks, and minimum yard requirements (which limit how much square footage of a lot can be built on, and what kinds of structures you can build).

the other big one is use zoning. To begin with, we need to phase out "single use" zoning that designates certain areas as exclusively residential or commercial or industrial (a major factor that drives car-centric development, makes walkable neighborhoods impossible, and discourages the "insula" style apartment building that has been the core of urbanism since Ancient Rome) in favor of "mixed use" zoning that allows for neighborhoods that combine residential and commercial uses. Equally importantly, we need to eliminate single-family zoning and adopt zoning rules that allow for a mix of different kinds of housing (ADUs, duplexes and triplexes, rowhouses/terraced houses, apartment buildings).

finally, the most insidious zoning requirements are seemingly incidental regulations. For example, mandatory parking minimums not only prioitize car-dependent versus transit-oriented development but also eat up huge amounts of space per lot. The most nakedly classist is "unrelated persons" zoning, which is used to prevent poorer people from subdividing houses into apartments, which zaps young people who are looking to be roommates and older people looking to finance their retirements by running boarding houses or taking in lodgers, as well as landlords looking to convert houses from owner-occupied to rental properties.

So I would argue that the goal of reform should be not to eliminate zoning, but rather to establish model zoning codes that have been stripped of the historical legacies of racism and classism.

Planning

Similar to how zoning shouldn't be abolished but reformed, the correct approach to planning isn't to abolish planning departments wholesale, but to streamline the planning process - because the problem is that right now the planning process is too slow, which raises the costs of all kinds of development (we're focusing on housing right now, but the same holds true for clean energy projects), and it allows NIMBY groups to abuse the public hearings and environmental review process to block projects that are good for the environment and working-class and poor people but bad for affluent homeowners.

As those Ezra Klein interviews indicate, this is beginning to change due to a combination of reforms at both the state and federal level to speed up the CEQA and EPA environmental review process in a number of ways. For example, one change that's being made is to require planning agencies and environmental agencies to report on the environmental impact of not doing a project as well, to shift the discussion away from petty complaints about noise and traffic and "neighborhood character" (i.e, coded racism and classism) and towards real discussions of social and environmental justice.

At the same time, more is needed - especially to reform the public hearing process. While originally intended by Jane Jacobs and other activists in the 1970s as a democratic reform that would give local communities a voice in the planning process, "participatory planning" has become a way for special interests to exercise an unaccountable veto power over development. Because younger, poorer and more working class, and communities of color often don't have time to attend public hearing sessions during the workday, these meetings become dominated by older, whiter, and richer residents who claim to speak for the whole of the community.

Moreover, because community boards are appointed rather than elected and public hearings operate on a first-come-first-serve basis, an unrepresentative minority can create a false impression of community opposition by "stacking the mike" and dialing up their level of militancy and aggression in the face of elected officials and civil servants who want to avoid controversy. (It's a classic case of diffuse versus concentrated interests, something that I spend a lot of classroom time making sure that my students learn.)

Again, the point shouldn't be to eliminate public hearings and other forms of participatory planning, but to reform them so that they're more representative (shifting public hearings to weekends and allowing people to comment via Zoom and other online forums, conducting surveys of community opinion, using a progressive stack and requiring equal time between pro and anti speakers, etc.) and to streamline the review process for model projects in categories like affordable housing, clean energy, mass transit, etc.

Litigation

Alongside the main planning process, there is also a need to reform the litigation process around development. In addition to traditional tort lawsuits from property owners claiming damage to their property from development, a lot of planning and environemntal legislation allows for private groups to sue over a host of issues - whether the agency followed the correct procedures, whether it took into account concerns about this impact or that impact, and so forth.

As we saw with the case of Berkeley NIMBYs who used CEQA to block student housing projects over environmental impacts around "noise," this process can be used to either block projects outright, or even if the NIMBYs eventually lose in court, to draw out the process until projects fall apart due to lack of funding or the proponents simply lose their patience and give up.

This is why we're starting to see significant reforms to both state and federal legislation to streamline the litigation process. The categorical exemptions from review that I discussed above also have implications for litigation - you can't sue over reviews that didn't happen - but there are also efforts to speed up the litigation process through reducing what counts as "administrative record" or by putting a nine-month cap on court proceedings.

Again, this is an area where you have to be very surgical in your changes. Especially when the politics of the issue divide environmental groups and create odd coalitions between labor, business, climate change activists, and anti-regulation conservatives, you have to be careful that the changes you are making benefit affordable housing, clean energy, mass transit and the like, not oil pipelines and suburban sprawl.

[palmtreepalmtree]

Nearly every article the LA Times has run about ADUs in their fucking style section is a story of a boomer parent adding an ADU to their property for their child and their spouse to live in.

Here are the questions I am left with:

How do ADUs make housing more affordable for people who do not have boomer parents with a big backyard and a big wallet?

If it's the adult-children making the investment in adding the ADU how does that investment build equity when they don't actually own the property?

The plan here is that the parents eventually die and leave the whole property to the children, right? And that's their equity?

What if there are siblings who are co-inheritors of the property? How do you divide that?

What if you want to buy a house but you don't want to live 20 feet from your parent?

For the record, today's story is a $475,000 pre-fab ADU. $475,000. That would be a whole-ass house in a different city or state where you could in fact actually build some equity.

I am so sick of these fucking articles. This is a fucking ridiculous suggestion for the vast majority of people hoping to buy a home. And they're always accompanied by these ridiculously rosy stories about how happy the people are to have made this choice or investment and ALWAYS a quote from the parent about how happy they are to have the kids so close.

I feel like the LA Times is just printing propaganda about the housing market here. Is it for boomers? Is that who is feeling better about themselves when reading these articles?

Make this make sense to me. I do not understand.

[imonthemoonitsmadeofcheese]

Eris' Tax Shelter

This one is both timely and a PSA for anyone wanting to make use of their Legendary Shards prior to the launch of TFS. So I give this to you here. Direct link to Ao3 if you prefer to read it there: https://archiveofourown.org/works/56339362

ACCESS: RESTRICTED DECRYPTION KEY:0GLVP1A437$IKO-006 REP#: 303-DERELICT-AUDIO AGENT(S): AUN-326 SUBJ: VIP#1316 AND ERI-223 INTERACTIONS - POTENTIAL BRIBERY, ILLEGAL LOBBYING & MANIPULATION OF TAX LAWS

[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]

"Finally, someone I actually want to check up on me!"

"I am observing some very strange Guardian behaviour on Luna and believe it may fall under your area of expertise, Rat."

"My area of expertise? How so?"

"It seems financially motivated and of questionable legality."

"Ha! This doesn't sound like a conversation we should be having on Vanguard comms. Why don't you come over for lunch?"

"Hmmm... you are probably correct. Will you make... the sticky rice?"

"Sticky rice needs to soak for several hours before I cook it. How about sandwiches for today and you come over for sticky rice lunch tomorrow."

"I enjoy your sandwiches. Unfortunately, I will be on Mars tomorrow."

"I'll bring it to ya. You coming over now or what?"

"I will be there soon."

.

"So, do tell me what Guardian behaviour requires my... what'd you call it? Expertise?"

"They are lined up at my Lectern of Enchantment to purchase Phantasmal Fragments at a rate and volume that is... extreme. I cannot imagine why."

"Oh! I do know all about that, actually."

"You do?"

"So, city administration just passed a law. Tax law. Goes into effect Tuesday. War effort stuff."

"I knew they were doing... something... I had not paid attention to what."

"Course not. Doesn't affect ya on the Moon, but that is, in fact, why it is currently affecting ya on the Moon."

"How does city tax law have any impact on the Moon?"

"It's the fact that it don't that's the impact. You, oh beautiful, three-eyed, former god of vengeance, happen to live in a zone which has never been part of city or Vanguard taxation."

"I am well aware. At one point the Cryptarchy attempted to claim some sort of jurisdiction over Sanctuary on Luna. Thankfully Ikora was able to put a stop to... whatever that bureaucratic ridiculousness was."

"Good thing too. You know those bits of legendary weapons everyone gets from disassembling shit they find lying around?"

"The shards, yes. That's what they are using at the lectern. They are not generating fragments with glimmer."

"Right. Come Tuesday, all legendary shards become property of the city to help with the war. They need the components to help fight off the pyramid forces on the ground, shore up the ADU's, build weapons for civilians, generally help keep shit movin' an' functional."

"This makes sense, although would that not render the shards financially useless?"

"Exactly."

"I can understand why they would spend them now then, but why on the Moon?"

"In addition to bein' outside any city taxation zones, and therefore, not technically by the letter of the law evadin' anything, your Phantasmal Fragments take up very little space, Moondust. And several places will still exchange 'em for glimmer, in particular the Cryptarchy and our friend who likes us ever so much, Rahool."

"Rahool is terrified of me and he loathes you."

"He and I have a uh... complicated relationship. But yeah.  Because the Moon is where it is, legally-speakin' there ain't any laws being broken.  And your fragments are super portable."

"I would assume so. They are ethereal whisps of nightmares manifested from the Ascendent plane. Their corporeal instantiation is minimal. They are barely quantified concretions from the energies of phantoms which only manifest fully under specific circumstances."

"Pieces of ghosts. Not like... Guardian ghost-ghosts, but actual ghost-ghosts."

"That is one way of putting it."

"And ghosts don't take up much room."

"I do not follow."

"They use your table to turn the shards into Phantasmal Fragments and then they can keep the fragments and sell them for glimmer later, rendering the soon-to-be-useless shards, useful, long after they cease to be able to be used."

"Hmmm..."

"People've been calling it 'Eris' tax shelter' on Vannet."

"The Lectern of Enchantment is something I built and utilized to harness the vile magic of the Hive in order to transform the negative energies on the Moon into components which can be used to fight the forces of the Witness. It is not a tax shelter! I must inform Ikora."

"You can do that, sure. But they are still using it as intended. It's just that its current intended use for this specific purpose happens to currently be... profitable."

"Are you using it?"

"Me? Nah. Do I currently have several high-density containment units filled with your Phantasmal Fragments? Yeah. But I've had that for a while. I got components for everything. You've seen what's on my ship. I ain't currently buying any from ya right now, nor am I gettin' anyone to buy 'em for me as a favour, if that's what you're wonderin'. I do enough things of... questionable legality already. Tax evasion is such an easily proveable activity. And since I am not a Guardian, when I'm not on the Moon hangin' out with you, I am, technically, under the jurisdiction of the city and subject to its tax laws as a resident thereof. I run a business outta the tower after all. I got several shipping crates of legendary shards just waitin' to be turned over to city authorities. And all the paperwork for it prepared too. Ol' Drifter's gonna be on record for being among the biggest donors of legendary shards to assist with the Last City's war preparations. Can't do that if I convert 'em."

"Hmmm... You are not an altruist, Rat. Why aren't you using this... tax shelter?"

"I am an altruist on paper, Moondust. That's where it counts."

"Why?"

"Different aspect of city tax law. Thing called tax credits. You donate in certain approved ways, you get a credit to count against taxes you'd otherwise have to pay. Gambit's been making quite a lot of glimmer for me. The more tax credits I get, the less tax I pay. If this goes the way it's movin' now, city's gonna end up owing ol' Drifter quite a lot of cash. They won't be able to pay, of course, so they'll need to work it out with me some other way."

"The entire city is going to owe you favours?"

"Hypothetically, yeah. That's one of the reasons why I may have... hypothetically... suggested it to the council in the first place, yeah."

"Wait... You're on the city council?"

"Not officially. I'm a... what you'd call an unofficial adviser. Very unofficial. In theory, purely in theory, mind you, some of the higher ranking members of city council might, hypothetically, owe me some favours and every once in a while I might ask 'em to vote a certain way or put forth a specific idea. Hypothetically, of course."

"You're manipulating the socio-political structure of the Last City to your own ends."

"If I were, not sayin' I am, mind you, but if I were, I would not be doin' it in a harmful way, nor in any way that could be considered illegal on paper."

"How many city politicians do you own? Hypothetically."

"In theory, enough to swing a vote in my favour if I need one. Definitely enough to offer clemency or a pardon, if yours truly was ever caught doing something that might need to be pardoned. Not that I am in the habit of gettin' caught, mind you, but it's always nice to have a backup plan, just in case."

"So the reason all these Guardians are buying Phantasmal Fragments on the Moon right now is because they are about to become useless due to tax law you helped to put in place?"

"Hypothetically."

"And you did this because you needed to lose money on paper so that you can pay less taxes on your Gambit earnings?"

"Now, don't go spreading that theory around. Lotta people are pretty pissed about the whole devaluing of shards thing, especially Spider. Mithrax won't let him use your tax shelter."

"It isn't my tax shelter!"

"House of Light is hoping to be the number one group donating legendary shards to the war effort. Should give 'em very, very good optics in a very direct and undeniable way. Help 'em out quite a bit, politically, and will definitely soften quite a few people's hearts toward them as a whole. It's exceptionally good PR. Not the best for Spider's finances though. Although, what with all that money that up and disappeared for rebuilding the Eliksni quarter, it is kinda poetic that Spider's about to take a hit in the finance department. Strange, that. Couldn't see that coming. Spider sure is pissed over it. Can't imagine why."

"This has nothing to do with your taxes. You are helping the House of Light."

"Oh, it has everything to do with taxes, and anything pertaining to mine is pure conjecture, but if it does end up also helping the House of Light, why that's just another happy accident. And something it does help, undeniably and un-hypothetically, is the city. It's good for them. They need this."

"Fascinating."

"So... that's why everyone's lined up on Luna buyin' your fragments, Moondust. Eris' tax shelter is the talk of the town right now."

"I see."

"And you could pull in the Vanguard, tell Ikora about it, have her and Zavala put a stop to it, but you know how the Vanguard is with policies and procedures. By the time the bureaucrats and administrators actually manage to agree on something it'll be long past Tuesday. And, to be honest, preparing to go into the Traveler's probably a much higher priority for everyone right now. So what if some guardians end up making a bit of cash? Who does that hurt?"

"Aren't the shards they are spending something that could be used to improve the city's defenses?"

"I don't think you're aware of the scale involved in this one, Moondust. Guardian's don't have a lot of spare room in what they carry around. That's the whole reason why anyone has those legendary shards in the first place. Ya get 'em from disassembling guns and armour. They do that because they got no where else to put 'em. Whereas someone like yours truly or the House of Light, we've been able to stockpile some significant amounts. City's gonna be doing just fine for shards. Trust. What's goin' on over on Luna is just a drop in the ocean compared to what's about to be infused into the city infrastructure. It ain't hurtin' no one, except maybe Spider's pocket book, and he's been lining that with other people's glimmer for a while. 'Bout time he was required to be more... generous for a change."

"As usual, our conversations regarding your areas of influence never cease to be simultaneously both impressive and concerning."

"Any day I can manage to impress you is a good day in my books, Three-Eyes."

"Tsch."

[END TRANSCRIPT]

[katalanremodeling]

Accessory dwelling units: An Affordable Option for Landlords and Renters

An “accessory dwelling unit” is a self-contained dwelling located inside or adjacent to a house that is separate from the main dwelling. This is why the accessory apartment must have its own kitchen and bathroom as well as an independent entrance. Accessory dwelling units offer members of the same family, seniors, single people, and other types of tenants an affordable place to live while providing owners with an additional source of income.

If you're thinking about building an accessory dwelling unit or renovating to create one, there are a few things you should know before you start work:

First, ensure the accessory dwelling unit complies with all local zoning,     building, and fire safety regulations. Most municipalities have adopted     zoning by-laws that determine the type, size, and height of buildings that     can be erected on their territory. The municipalities also have the power     to regulate the use that will be made of the dwellings, the location of     the windows, the possibility of creating an accessory apartment, and, if     this type of construction is permitted, the authorized dimensions.

Provincial  or territorial building codes also govern the design and construction of  an ADU. To be sure that your accessory dwelling unit will comply with all municipal regulations and building code requirements, contact your municipality's planning information office, zoning department, or permit office.

Once you are ready to proceed, do your best to create a safe, healthy, and comfortable living environment for your tenants. Your apartment should offer a suitable-sized living space, sufficient headroom, plenty of     natural light, a good heating and ventilation system, good thermal and     acoustic insulation, an environment free from humidity problems     repeatedly, proper fire protection, and reliable heat and smoke alarms.

If you are building an accessory dwelling unit for a disabled adult or     low-income senior, you may be eligible for financial assistance under the     Residential Rehabilitation Assistance programs offered by the state.

Contact Accessory Dwelling Units Contractor for more information, and be advised that adding an accessory apartment will likely increase the value of your property, which means that your property tax could be increased. You must also report any rent received as income under the Income Tax Act. Don't forget to notify your insurance company of changes that affect the nature, use, and value of your property.

[samanthasmithson]

Making an Accessory Dwelling Unit a Cozy In-Laws Residence

A separate living area that is either attached to or independent from your main residence is referred to as an ADU, or extra dwelling unit. ADUs can be used as rental properties, home offices, or lodging for your in-laws. While guest houses or pool houses are similar to ADUs, which are usually found in the backyard, ADUs differ in that they have their own kitchen and bathroom. Although there are many different types of ADUs, including junior ADUs and conversion ADUs, in this article we will focus on the "in-law suite" or "in-law apartment".

Think about a few things before developing an ADU with an in-law suite. You must first choose the unit's size and configuration. You should also consider how you will grant access to the apartment, such as by creating a separate entry or sharing an entrance with your principal property. You must get the required permits and approvals from your local government after deciding on the size and layout of the in-law unit. It's crucial to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time because this process can take some time.

Here are some pointers for using a contractor to construct an ADU for your in-laws.

1. Perform due diligence on contractors before hiring one. Search online for "build an ADU information" and "ADU builders near me" to find contractors who specialize in various construction projects, including ADUs or in-law units, and have expertise working on projects that are comparable to yours. Make sure the contractor is dependable and trustworthy by reading reviews.

2. Once you have a contractor in mind, request a thorough project estimate. Make sure the estimate covers all the costs for labor, materials, and other project-related expenses. Make certain the contractor is enthusiastic about your project and takes the time necessary to learn about your goals and vision. You may avoid unforeseen expenses and stay inside your budget by doing this.

3. Discuss Design: Discuss the ADU's design with your contractor. Make sure the plan satisfies your in-laws' requirements and adheres to regional building regulations. Discuss any unique requirements you may have with your ADU contractor.

4. Prior to beginning the project, be sure to obtain a contract. Every aspect of the project should be covered in the contract, including the expected cost, the schedule, and any other pertinent facts. In the event of a disagreement, this will serve to protect both you and your contractor.

5. Keep Involved: Keep in touch with your ADU contractor and stay involved throughout the project. Make that the building of the in-law suite is going as planned and that any alterations are discussed and approved.

Cove Security - Greater protection. Greater peace of mind. You deserve the peace of mind that comes from monitored fire and smoke protection. With Cove, no matter where you are, we can send the authorities to take care of what matters most to you.

[movingtothefarm]

Seattle is now building more ADU’s than single homes Seattle Times 03.08.23

2019 Changes..

“Seattle has allowed two ADUs per lot (either two AADUs, or one AADU and one DADU), rather than one. Property owners are no longer required to live on site, and ADUs no longer require off-street parking. DADUs can be built larger (up to 1,000 square feet, plus garage space), taller and on smaller lots than before.”

“In contrast, Johnson is a developer whose company, Blackwood Homes, is building house-AADU-DADU packages. The ADUs in those projects, which can sell for more than $700,000, aren’t going to serve low-income residents without subsidies. “

“..a growing number of ADUs are being permitted as condominiums and sold separately. They’re not necessarily cheap, with a median unit selling for $732,000 in a limited sample analyzed for the city’s report.  The report estimates that 12% of ADUs in Seattle are currently licensed as short-term rentals like those advertised on Vrbo and Airbnb.” 

in comments.. “What happens, instead of a single family home, adding an ADU in the back for extra income, developers scrape the single family home, build 3 new ones on the lot, a new single family homes, an ADU and a DADU, turn them into "condos" and sell them separately. For example, there is a development in Greenwood, where the single family homes goes for 1.7 million and the ADU and DADU's go for around a million each. No different than townhomes that had to be built on LR zoned lots. More of these are being built in Wallingford. It's extra housing, but certainly not affordable housing.” 

[bluebelly-sun-serpentine]

I feel like this is a gross oversimplification. While the hedge funds (you may also mean PE firms here) do really suck, the vast majority of homes in the USA are still owned by people who own a single property and landlords who own just one or a few extra properties, and these are “coincidentally” also the people who show up to city hall to protest every single new housing development. It's these homeowners, wealthy or otherwise, who are largely to blame for the housing crisis, which more generally is a structural issue of there not being enough housing rather than housing simply being too expensive sans any real context about how land is used and developed.

If you want to get mad about housing it’s honestly going to be more effective to show up to your local government when these wine-soaked assholes are there protecting empty parking lots from being redeveloped into dense housing, or when they complain about how proposed multi-unit developments in their neighborhood are going to cast them into deep and unending shadow or some bullshit. These are the people who fund really misleading measures to put in front of voters, each clad in rent control or habitat conservation or accessibility (all things I care about and want but which they have learned to legally contort into a screen for “not in my neighborhood”). I’m talking about people in wealthy neighborhoods pretending their gardens are mountain lion habitat so they can use half-century old environmental legislation to prevent people building ADUs for higher density. I’m talking about a slum-lord NIMBY org pushing for a measure that gives local governments a blank check on how to set rent control so that suburbs paranoid about their property values can make it so unprofitable (impossible) to build housing in their entire county that no boomer who's invested 90% of their savings in a sprawling ranch house will ever have to worry about a four story building going up down the block. I’m talking about people who don’t give a shit about poor or disabled people who nonetheless stall a development indefinitely harping on the number of elevators or proportion of low-income units, so that eventually nothing gets built; instead of one elevator and a few affordable units you have an unused lot. I'm disabled, and I've been priced out of housing more times than I care to count, but I have no patience for this kind of bullshit because in the end all of this NIMBY "advocacy" kills and displaces more of us than it will ever help.

Even if you manage to claw your way out of endlessly renting overpriced places, even if you ever do end up owning a home they'll be the most despicably active people in your HOA (if you are unfortunate enough to have bought into one). They'll kill the new library because it's a story too tall for them and removes 3 parking spots they think they need. They'll kill a bus line because they don't want anyone less fortunate than themselves transiting through their neighborhood. Yes, they're on NextDoor asking everyone if they should call the police because the person delivering their amazon order is brown, but crucially they may also be the couple down street with a pride flag and a new Subaru, and you may find yourself having a lot in common with them, so you need to not be lazy about how you think about this shit. It’s easier to complain about some hedge fund buying stuff up from hundreds or thousands of miles away, but there are people actively dismantling your housing access right in your town and you actually have some power to stop them.

“But I want to live in my detached house in my car-dependent neighborhood and I don’t want anyone else near me to live in a building that’s taller than mine, and I hate advocates for bike lanes or public transit because these things make it more obvious to me how much driving fucking sucks and how intolerable I find other people,” some of you might say. Well, the suburban sprawl to which NIMBYs are so attached is a big part of why cities all over the USA struggle to fund their schools and social programs or to take care of their infrastructure. When you spread out your tax base so everyone has their own tiny little fiefdom, you also have to pay way more to pave and light and drain those long stretches of road, and everyone has to pay more to commute those long distances, and if you need emergency medical care it takes longer to come and your groceries are further away, and all of this makes less and less geometrical financial sense the further out you go. So everyone’s quality of life is impacted, and the municipality and everyone in it is more likely to struggle financially, making housing even more unaffordable.

I realize it's more fun to point at the fantastically wealthy people who are genuinely wrecking the country in many ways than it is to consider our parents, coworkers, neighbors, or our nominally socially liberal local politicians* might be meaningfully responsible for the housing instability so many of us are experiencing; that's partly because wailing about hedge funds or PE firms doesn't actually demand any action from us, whereas asking people to engage in local politics is asking them to spend time and energy going to dull, frustrating meetings when we're all already busy and tired and overworked and sick of this shit. But a lot of evils are banal like that, and fighting them is grindingly, nauseatingly boring. Accepting that people you may like (and identify with and agree with about a lot of things might) could have interests that directly oppose yours in life-altering ways is not as fun as yelling about the excesses of the largely untouchable, unreachable uber-wealthy.

Anyway TL;DR if you care about housing I would worry just as much about mom & pop landlords and people who own exactly one property and who will do absolutely everything in their power to make sure that property's value keeps soaring. They are more than happy to cut off the supply of housing to anyone not lucky or old enough to have bought in 10, 20, or 60 years ago as long as it will drive the extraordinary demand that's currently inflating housing prices for both renters and buyers.

*the conservative ones are as a given shit on this issue, but there's plenty of NIMBYism on the left too and IMO it's not remarked upon enough

The American housing crisis is a theft, not a shortage

Economics From the Top Down: Since Reagan, the US has been on a massive policy of redistributing wealth from the poor to the rich.

By returning this stolen money, the US housing crisis would evaporate. No, I’m not kidding. If the United States were to undo its experiment with rampant inequality and return the distribution of income to the levels found in 1970, the housing crisis would disappear.

via

[avalonstudiodesignbuilder]

Key Considerations Before Adding an ADU to Your Property

Building an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) on your property can provide valuable benefits, from boosting your property’s value to offering extra living space. However, the process involves careful planning to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here are some crucial factors to evaluate before starting your ADU project.

Navigating Zoning Laws and Permit Requirements

The first step in planning your ADU is understanding the local zoning regulations and building codes that apply to your property. Different cities and municipalities have specific rules regarding ADUs, such as size limits, setback restrictions, and height guidelines. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with these requirements and obtain the proper permits to move forward legally. Consulting your city’s planning department can help you navigate these regulations and avoid complications during construction.

Choosing the Ideal Location for Your ADU

The placement of your ADU plays a crucial role in its practicality and appearance. Consider the size of your lot, the existing structures, and the overall flow of your property. Whether you’re converting a garage or constructing a separate unit, the ADU should blend naturally with your home’s layout while preserving ample outdoor space. Additionally, it’s important to think about access—ensuring the ADU is easy to reach for residents or guests without disrupting the flow of the main house.

Assessing Utility Systems and Infrastructure

Another key factor is determining whether your current utility infrastructure—water, electricity, and sewage—can support an additional living space. Depending on your property’s capacity, you may need to upgrade these systems to handle the new load. Collaborating with a licensed contractor can help you evaluate whether your utilities are sufficient or if improvements are necessary. Ensuring that the ADU won’t overwhelm your existing infrastructure is essential for the long-term functionality of your home.

Ensuring Privacy and Planning for Parking

When designing your ADU, privacy for both the main home and the new unit is a top priority. Thoughtful landscaping, fencing, and window placement can help maintain a sense of privacy for everyone. Parking is another important consideration, as many municipalities require additional spaces for properties with ADUs. Factor in parking needs to remain compliant with local regulations while ensuring residents and visitors have convenient access.

By thoroughly considering these aspects, you can design an ADU that complements your property while meeting local requirements. Careful planning will help you create a practical, valuable addition to your home, offering flexibility and enhanced living options for years to come.

[regencyconstruction]

Maximize Space with ADUs: The Perfect Home Addition

Regency Construction and Remodeling HO specializes in designing and building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to optimize your property’s functionality. Whether you need extra living space for your family or a rental unit for passive income, our expert team provides custom solutions tailored to your needs. ADUs are a cost-effective way to expand your home’s potential while boosting its value. With a focus on high-quality materials and sustainable practices, we ensure every project meets modern standards. Ready to transform your property? Contact us today for professional ADU services!

Regency Construction and Remodeling HO Houston, TX 77056 (888) 471–2023 https://regencyconstructionho.com

[lydconstruction]

The Rise of Accessory Dwelling Units in Seattle

Seattle has seen a growing interest in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), small, secondary housing structures built on the same property as a main residence. These structures offer homeowners a practical and flexible solution to expanding living space without the need for extensive renovations or moving. As the city continues to address housing shortages, ADU builders in Seattle have become essential to providing affordable and versatile living spaces for multigenerational families, rental income, or guest accommodations.

ADUs are popular for their efficient use of land, energy, and resources. Many Seattle residents choose to build ADUs for increased privacy and independence, as they provide a private space with all the essentials of a standalone home. Local builders and architects are familiar with Seattle’s zoning codes and regulations, which can be complex, especially when designing compact, sustainable units. With an emphasis on environmental sustainability, ADU construction in Seattle often incorporates energy-efficient materials and green building practices.

This shift towards ADU development aligns with Seattle’s broader urban planning goals of increasing density while preserving neighborhood character. As ADUs continue to rise in popularity, homeowners and builders alike are reshaping Seattle’s housing landscape.

[tinyhomesofiowa]

Financing Options for Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Are you considering building an ADU but wondering how to finance it? Tiny Homes of Iowa has you covered! As Iowa’s leading builder of stick-built ADUs, we’re dedicated to providing flexible financing solutions that meet our clients’ needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through various financing options to make your ADU dream a reality.

Financing Options to Consider:

HELOC Loans

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is one of the most popular choices among homeowners. By tapping into the equity in your primary residence, a HELOC provides an affordable way to fund your Accessory dwelling unit plans. This option often offers more manageable payments than alternatives, like renting out your ADU or covering assisted living costs for family members.

Construction Bridge Loans

For those needing a boost in available funds, a Bridge Loan could be the answer. This loan provides upfront financing for your ADU project, and once construction is complete, it can be repaid through a HELOC or cash-out refinance, based on the increased property value.

Cash-Out Refinance

Ready for a financial reset? A cash-out refinance allows you to leverage your home’s equity by replacing your current mortgage and using the difference to finance your ADU plans. This option is ideal if you have significant home equity and are currently dealing with a high mortgage rate.

Standard Construction Loan

If you prefer not to use your home’s equity, a construction loan may be a good alternative. Though it requires stricter credit and income criteria, this option enables you to finance your ADU project independently of your home’s equity, providing a flexible approach for many homeowners.

Ready to Begin Your ADU Financing Journey?

The sooner you start, the sooner you can enjoy your new ADU! Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way, from property assessment to accurate cost estimates. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation, and let’s bring your ADU vision to life!

[brendangoodwin]

Unlocking Your Property's Potential: A Guide to ADUs and Government Permitting

Introduction

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have gained significant attention in recent years as an innovative solution to housing shortages and a way to maximize property potential. These secondary units can be added to existing residential properties, providing homeowners with various benefits, including increased rental income, additional living space for family members, and enhanced property value. However, navigating the complexities of government permitting can be daunting for those interested in building an ADU. This guide aims to demystify the process, highlighting key considerations and steps to successfully unlock the potential of your property through ADUs.

Understanding ADUs and Their Benefits

ADUs come in various forms, including detached units, garage conversions, and basement apartments. Each type offers unique advantages, but they all serve the fundamental purpose of providing additional living space on a single-family lot. One of the primary benefits of constructing an ADU is the potential for rental income. Homeowners can rent out their ADUs long-term or use them as short-term vacation rentals, creating a steady revenue stream. Additionally, ADUs are an excellent solution for multigenerational families, allowing parents, children, or even elderly relatives to live nearby while maintaining their independence. Moreover, as cities face growing housing demands, properties with ADUs are often more attractive to buyers, increasing overall property values.

The Permitting Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The journey to building an ADU typically begins with understanding local zoning laws and regulations. Each municipality has its own set of rules governing ADU construction, which may include restrictions on size, height, setbacks, and parking requirements. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with these regulations early in the planning process. The next step involves obtaining the necessary permits, which may include building permits, zoning clearances, and inspections. Engaging with your local planning department can provide valuable insights into the specific requirements for your area. Additionally, hiring a pre-construction consultant can streamline the permitting process, ensuring all documentation is in order and submitted correctly, which can help prevent costly delays.

Overcoming Common Challenges

While the prospect of adding an ADU to your property is enticing, several challenges may arise during the process. One common hurdle is the financial aspect; the cost of constructing an ADU can vary significantly based on design, materials, and labor. Homeowners should prepare for expenses related to permits, construction, and potential infrastructure upgrades. Another challenge is dealing with neighborhood opposition or concerns from homeowners’ associations (HOAs). To mitigate these issues, homeowners should be proactive in communicating with neighbors, addressing their concerns, and emphasizing the benefits of ADUs, such as increased property values and more housing options within the community.

Conclusion

Building an ADU is a valuable investment that can unlock your property’s potential while contributing to the broader housing landscape. Understanding the benefits of ADUs and the intricacies of the government permitting process is crucial for successful implementation. With careful planning, adherence to local regulations, and possibly the assistance of a pre-construction consultant, homeowners can navigate the challenges associated with ADUs and enjoy the numerous advantages these units offer. As urban areas continue to evolve, embracing the ADU trend can be a forward-thinking choice for homeowners looking to enhance their properties and their communities.