Can an ADU be a primary residence?

Always keep in mind that different expectations and regulations are in play depending on which part of California we are discussing here. Property law gives a general direction for this, while local authorities release their own statements and additional requirements on the unit issue.

Continue reading to find out whether an additional dwelling unit can replace your primary residence.

ADU Project Goals

A potential idea some owners ponder is constructing an ADU in place of the house. Interestingly, if you decide to do that, your construction will function as the main house, not an accessory dwelling unit. In this way, the ADU is never the first construction on your property.

We have to refer back to the definition of an ADU. In truth, the unit is additional by its very own definition, so it cannot be the original house. It is a subject property that comes after the original dwellings on the same lot. So, this primary ADU is impossible to view as anything but a normal house.

We also recognize ADU by a number of other characteristics:

• They very often generate rental income for the original owner. Rent your garage or guest home to make use of the property’s value by turning it into rental income.
• They come in different varieties, including detached ADU and attached ADU.
• They often allow the owner to qualify for financial aid, for example access to mortgage options and other limited financing. Check with professionals to know if you’re eligible.
• Some typical origins include a garage conversion, a completely new undertaking of a manufactured home, an attic space remodeling, and a guest house revaluation.
• You have to be able to access the subject property from a separate entrance. The unit has to have its separate utilities – more on that later.
• Finally, the accessory structures have to meet the norms for such property. These include minimum lot sizes, ADU financing and rental income regulations, building permits, etc.

This way, you have to think of both what an accessory unit is and why you need the unit. Your manufactured home property requires a lot of financing to come to life, so you cannot treat this lightly. Carefully ponder the aforementioned points before you start your ADU undertaking or purchase a bundle with one. Remember, no structure, unit, or living area can even count as an ADU.

The first construction will have to be the primary dwelling unit.

Primary Dwelling Unit and transferring its Role 

There are certainly great advantages to this line of action. When erecting a new property on your land, you have to pay costly one-time fees. If you start with an ADU as your main home, and then transfer the status to the more spacious home you build later, you can avoid unnecessary expenses on each unit.

To succeed in this scenario, you must construct (or originally purchase) both structures in a way that would accommodate both the primary home requirements and the accessory dwelling unit norms. Be it a detached or an attached property, it requires a building permit of its own kind. You, as the property owner, are legally required to make sure your properties are valid legally by the norms of your market area.

However, there is now more leeway for ADU owners who wish to use their property as their primary dwelling. Under the latest state law, it is, in a way, possible. Knowing about these shifting norms, always consult with a knowledgeable professional before you make your move. We at A+ Construction & Remodeling in Sacramento, California, have covered you.

Accept your ADU as a temporary primary residence to maximize your gains.

ADU Alternatives, Upsides, and Downsides

Don’t forget, it doesn’t end with just ADU entities. There are other ways to arrange detached living space aside from investing into accessory dwelling units. When looking for an additional living area, do not confine yourself to a single family dwelling.

The concept of multifamily properties offers an exit. To participate in the growing trend, you would need to share a primary living unit with another family. It is distinctly different from an ADU experience, but it is a valid option for many struggling property owners.

When you purchase land, also remember to think of the aforementioned and other concerns. Will your land be eligible for an ADU or a multifamily dwelling? How much will the process cost? Will rent generate enough income for me? If I get a loan, what will my life be as a borrower? Stay with us at A+ Construction & Remodeling to determine what’s right for you.

Your single-family home could exist and flourish in more ways than you think.

Successful ADUs Ownership

There is a list of ideas that should concern you before you take on an ADU construction project with the goal of using it as a primary residence.

A competent ADU owner must implement the following:

1. Basic utilities. Think bathrooms with water, rooms with electricity, etc.
2. Living space separation. An ADU typically features at least one bathroom, one or more bedrooms, and one shared area, which is aka the living room. Details may vary greatly.
3. Parking space. ADUs are often repurposed garages; this might be of great importance.

Even though an ADU is not the main residence, it must be liveable to qualify as a structure to live in. By definition, an accessory living unit also includes living space and necessary utilities. Work with us at A+ Construction & Remodeling in Sacramento, California, to achieve the ADU of your dreams.

Every new ADU has to meet these criteria to be successful.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

Are ADUs unregulated?

No, accessory dwelling units, like any other type of property, adhere strictly to the laws of the USA. When devising an ADU plan, regardless of whether there are plans to use it as a primary residence or not, you must follow the letter of the law.

Can I build an ADU on public property?

To legally own an ADU, you must situate it within your land. What is more, for it to count as an ADU, it normally has to be the second dwelling on the property. There is a list of other criteria, so plan your actions carefully before you start this costly process.

Can I use my ADU instead of the main house?

When you already have both a main and an additional dwelling, it’s perfectly normal to exploit your property however you wish to. We must note that a more beneficial course of action could be renting either of them when they are not currently in use.

Do all single-family homes have ADUs?

We notice that ADU construction is an ever-rising trend. However, many homeowners are still reluctant to join, and others are simply happy with their single-family basic houses. If your main dwelling makes you happy, you don’t have any obligation to change your primary residence to reflect the trends. Still, you can find a lot of goodness in ADUs.