ADUs have long been used as a means for home expansions that serve multiple purposes. Your home may have an ADU you use for your senior loved one’s housing. Or you might have built an extra dwelling to give your college kid more independence. Over the years, laws that govern ADUs in California communities have changed to allow homeowners more freedom in using their property. While you might have been limited to renting out your ADU before, you could now have the option to sell it separately from your home. Below, the pros from Forever Builders, the full house and kitchen remodelers San Diego homeowners trust for exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding service, explore the benefits of selling ADUs separately and the laws that regulate the process to help you decide if this is the right option for meeting your goals.
Understand Why ADU Sale Laws Are Changing
For many years, a homeowner didn’t have the ability to sell an ADU separately from the primary house. However, the introduction of new laws has opened up this option for the primary purpose of expanding housing availability throughout the state. Keep in mind, however, there are still stipulations regarding who can use this option. Currently, California communities can establish their own guidelines for whether or not separate ADU sales are allowable. In San Diego County, it’s important to carefully check to find out how your city or community regulates these sales.
Consider the Benefits & Drawbacks of Selling
One of the biggest benefits of selling an ADU separately is boosting your financial standing. If you no longer use the ADU, you could be spending unnecessary money on its upkeep. However, you might also find that selling the ADU means giving up a portion of what was once considered part of your property. Carefully thinking through the possible scenarios of what your new life will be like can help you decide if the sale is worth moving forward with to advance toward your goals.
Create Clear Written Agreements for Your Property
To be eligible to sell an ADU separately from your home, you’ll need to comply with several key components, such as completing a safety inspection and getting consent from anyone with financial claims on the property. Once you get the go-ahead, you’ll also want to create a detailed plan that demonstrates what’s considered the ADU property, the primary house, and the shared common areas. Most property owners find it beneficial to create an HOA-style agreement regarding maintenance for shared parts of the property. Knowing who’s responsible for driveway repairs or where houseguests should park makes a big difference in everyone’s happiness over time.
Design New ADUs with the Future in Mind
If you’re planning to use your ADU as a future investment in your financial portfolio, it’s important to carefully design the new addition to fit your goals. A detached ADU is easier to sell, since it offers more privacy for the new owner. ADUs also need specific features to qualify for renting and selling, such as separate bathrooms and up-to-date kitchen areas. As you work with your building designer, let him or her know about your goals for the project to ensure the finished ADU meets essential standards and regulations.
When you’re ready to add an ADU to your home, make sure to hire the best contractors in the business. The team from Forever Builders are the experts in room additions, full home renovations, and kitchen remodeling San Diego homeowners can trust to provide the most affordable services and ensure their visions become reality. From design to completion, we’ll help you create the home you’ve always wanted, meeting all your expectations while keeping your costs within budget. To find out more about our outstanding remodeling services, give one of our friendly team members a call today.