Just as job growth seems to be on the ascent and economic growth is humming along, California is still grappling with a national affordable housing crisis. This is due to many factors. Jobs, jobs, and more jobs. The region, which is a sanctuary to Silicon Valley, has seen a surge in market prosperity and an unavoidable arrival of a workforce. Because the housing stock has not kept pace with the increased rent, housing costs have shot through the roof. And most of these same employees, as well as local indigenous Southerners, now cannot accommodate decent housing. You’ve probably seen pictures of RVs flooding the roadways of Mountain View if you keep up with the news or social media. Hence, given the surging demand for affordable housing, these little units called ADUs can be a worthwhile investment.
Welcome to the world of ADUs
Let’s understand the wonderful world of ADUs and how ADU construction in San Diego helped its housing crisis. A secondary, relatively small residential area that holds the same lot as the principal residence is known as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
It is an entirely distinct structure of the house, even though it is on the same property. ADUs are also known as in-law residences, mother-in-law rooms, or casitas. The precise words ADU and yard cottage are becoming more prevalent.
Some people refer to them as “granny flats,” “guest houses,” or indeed “backyard homes.” ADUs are liveable, with electricity, water, and just about everything else required for a full-time resident to live and work. ADUs typically have their kitchenettes, living rooms, and bedrooms. ADUs generally have their dedicated entry points, giving the renter personal space and autonomy.
To continue providing separate spaces for the primary domestic resident, we transform modern ADUs into distinct workspaces, gymnasiums, or art studios.
Even with its unwillingness to relax zoning regulations, California has ended up turning to accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, also referred to as grandma’s flats and in-law rooms, to resolve the housing shortage.
Additional dwelling units, otherwise known as granny flats, guest houses or casitas, are attached or detached residential dwelling units. They are increasingly growing in popularity as they are a great way to make use of extra space on your property and even bring in an additional stream of income. House to Home specializes in building accessory dwelling units in Encinitas and is ready to get started on your project right away.
What is it about ADUs that makes them so popular in California?
- A scarcity of affordable housing
- A high proportion of tenants
- All-time high rent
- Demand cannot keep up with the supply
- 90 percent of dwellings are single-family homes.
- Low home property ownership rate.
- Rent is absurdly high.
- Airbnb and other home-sharing facilities have driven away tenants.
Crazy high rent
Financial experts recommend that renters spend no more than 30% of their yearly earnings on accommodation. Anything beyond that is difficult to afford for the ordinary California employee. Although the number of jobs has improved, salaries have remained unchanged. In 2021, nearly 22 million working Citizens will be living on a minimum-wage salary. In the very same period, rents continue to rise. The California employment situation increases demand for rental properties throughout the state. Hence, the homeownership percentage has fallen.
Meanwhile, single-family residences with massive backyards account for 90% of housing in California. Therefore ADU construction in San Diego is so popular.
WHAT TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE BUILDING AN ADU
Review Development Standards to See if your estate qualifies for Home construction. Once you start designing your ADU, make sure your lot meets local development guidelines.
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Decide if you require increased parking.
The parking prerequisites for ADUs vary by city in California. To be sure, check with the authority that has jurisdiction over you.
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Strategize your ADU’s access to the site.
Access is an essential aspect to consider for many reasons, including your renter’s security and access to the street.
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Think about privacy.
The way you incorporate your guest’s privacy into the layout of the ADU determines its success and renting chances.
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Know Your Site’s Situation.
Is your backyard level or sloping? Does rainfall collect in some areas of it? Is the ground untouched, or has the back garden previously been filled?
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Check to see if you can use already available utility items.
Fittings in ADUs may link to the existing drainage lateral. Whereas septic system connections, if permitted in your territory, require permission from the Health Department.
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Check Your Design Standards
ADU guidelines and recommendations differ between local jurisdictions. However, according to the ADU builders in San Diego, the design process of your ADU will be influenced by the California Residential Code.
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CALGreen Code and Title 24 Resource Document
California’s building energy efficiency regards ADUs as surplus dwellings. You’ll have to check with your ADU builder in San Diego whether your ADU complies with the code.
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Determine Which Fire Laws Apply
Contact a local housing authority to see if you would need sprinkler systems in your fresh ADU. Normally, all recently constructed units must, but the new ADU state law exempts them from this provision.
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Keep in mind to Save Space.
Keep in mind to Save Space Because the area is an obvious problem for ADU inhabitants, it is critical to use it wisely for storage and fittings.
Here’s the conclusion:
ADUs are so popular in California because they help solve the housing crisis. New state and Bay Area regulations make it simpler than ever to construct an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), also known as a backyard residence. And at House to Home, we handle it all from authorizations to site preparation to precast Tiny House design and renovation.
How we can help
With the advent of new, favorable legislation easing ADU building, now is an excellent time to take advantage of all the prospects these individual units can offer. House to Home can assist you if you are considering constructing an ADU on your primary residence. Contact us right away, and we will provide you with a FREE Quotation with complete tricks and tips. We also offer virtual on-sites and online counseling.