AGING IN PLACE & THE ADU–
Hello and Welcome to Our September Newsletter!
As the leaves begin to change and the cool breeze of autumn will soon fill the air, we’re delighted to bring you another edition of our newsletter. This month, we’re putting the spotlight on a topic close to our hearts: ‘Aging in Place for Seniors.’ We’ll be sharing insights, tips, and stories dedicated to helping seniors live comfortably and independently in their cherished homes. We understand the importance of maintaining one’s independence and quality of life as we age, and we’re here to provide you with valuable information and resources to support this journey. Included in our mission is empowering seniors and their families to make informed decisions about aging in place. Stay tuned for articles that continue this conversation. Thank you for being part of our community, and we hope you find this month’s newsletter both informative and inspiring.
~Lisa De Jesus
Our tagline is “Concept to Keys”, so whether it’s understanding what or where you can build, financing or finding that perfect property to add an ADU, we want to be your resource for all things Accessory Dwelling Unit! With so many ADU topics we cover, please hit SUBSCRIBE to stay informed and in touch with your monthly ADU Gurus LLC™ newsletter.
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GRANDPARENTS DAY IS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH
Grandparents Day is a day dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the important contribution made by grandparents to the wellbeing and education of children within their family. Grandparents, more than anyone else, are the keepers of the family stories. They are a living bridge between the past and the future of a family. The month of September was chosen for Grandparents Day because it is the start of autumn, as in the “autumn of one’s years”. We found 58 Grandparents Day Quotes to Show Them How Thankful We Are!
AGING IN PLACE & THE ADU
An ADU design should include accessibility considerations for your loved one’s specific needs, while still considering, conservatively, all of the different use cases the home will have in the future. ADUs are long-term investments, so it’s very important to design and build them that way. Consider the top 10 ADU features for aging-in-place:
- Single-story construction with step-free entrance and flush thresholds
- Wider doorways to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers (ADA compliant)
- Curb-free, walk-in shower with integrated seat
- Grab bars around toilet and shower
- Pedestal sinks or open vanities (ADA compliant)
- Open floor plan for ease of maneuverability
- Raised electrical outlets (18” or higher) to reduce the need to bend over
- Lowered light switches that can be reached from a wheelchair
- Non-slip flooring
- Smart home energy and security installations (voice & mobile device capabilities)
An Aging-in-Place Strategy for the Next Generation
Innovative technology and practices are allowing payers and providers to give the elderly what they want most: better care at home. If you haven’t heard of them yet, you will very soon. Whether building an ADU for adult children, aging parents or for rental revenue generation, the trend for cities to pitch in and waive building fees is almost too good to pass up.
Learn More
ADU’S ARE GIVING SENIORS THE INDEPENDENCE TO AGE IN PLACE
As you age, things change, and you need different things from your home—even if you love it. You might want to downsize to save on money and maintenance; live closer to family or caregivers; or move to a more accessible situation. Each year, more and more older Americans face the same choice: stick with a beloved home that’s just not working anymore, or leave and endure the financial and emotional stress of moving, and perhaps a loss of independence. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) offer a third option—one that helps seniors wanting to age in place—for economical, highly sustainable living. ADUs are secondary, smaller living quarters added onto or next to an existing house on the same property. They’re sometimes called granny flats or mother-in-law suites or guest cottages. ADUs are different from “tiny homes”: the latter emphasizes homes on wheels and a less-rooted lifestyle.
Learn More:
Can Seniors Afford NOT to Build?
If You Own a Home, You Are Now a Developer – Embrace It!
Chances are, if you were born before 1972, you are a homeowner – up to 68% of these ‘boomers’ aged 50 to 80 own their homes. Because of your home ownership, in many states across the nation, you are now considered a Real Estate Developer. In thousands of jurisdictions, your single family home can be expanded by adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (or 2). If you haven’t heard of them yet, you will very soon. Whether building an ADU for adult children, aging parents or for rental revenue generation, the trend for cities to pitch in and waive building fees is almost too good to pass up.
Learn More: ADU Gurus Blog
ADU GURUS Q & A
What is the minimum lot size for an ADU?
We get this question quite often! The answer is, if an ADU (of at least 120 sf) will fit on your property within the setback boundaries (4’ from the side and 4’ from the rear property lines) and within an acceptable distance from the existing roofline (according to your fire district mandates), then you can build one. There may be Floor Area Ratio (FAR) requirements that need to be met. FAR measures the total area of the lot covered by the total construction – the primary residence and the ADU. Send us your questions about your property and we can be more specific. Get answers from the ADU Gurus!
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