Considering a Real Estate Investment?
When I’m asked about investment property, people often also ask about “in-law” or “granny” units, these second units are officially known as Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. Building an ADU on to, or next to, an existing home has many advantages:
- Allows extended family or childcare to be near one another, yet having some separation for privacy
- Provides space for adult children to live
- Are cost effective
- Can be an income source
Want to build an ADU?
If you’re interested in building an ADU onto a home you currently own, or are looking to buy something where part of the property can be converted to an ADU, here are some facts to bear in mind:
- ADUs can be created within an existing structure (may not have a bathroom solely dedicated to such space), in this case kitchen facilities will be limited; basically this would be like renting a room in a house. This is known as a Junior Accessory Dwelling and, currently, cities and counties don’t have to make provision for them, so double check before you make any assumptions.
- If a garage is being converted into an ADU, double check on parking provisions as some cities are very strict about maintaining off street parking.
- Detached buildings (garage, pool house, etc.) are eligible to be converted to an ADU provided setback and parking requirements are met.
- Thinking of having an attached ADU? You will need to make sure the square feet doesn’t exceed 50% of the living area, with a maximum increase of 1,200SF.
- Parking requirements are generally one space per bedroom/unit, with certain exceptions.
For more information on ADUs in Santa Clara County, take a look at the following link which covers most questions: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/dpd/DocsForms/Documents/ADU_FAQ_20170317.pdf
For more information on ADUs in San Mateo County, take a look at this great we site: http://21elements.com/second-units
