Questions to Your Architect When Considering an ADU
Dustin Edwards • November 27, 2020
The Right Questions Can Help You Build the Best Possible ADU
ADUs continue to be a popular way to add value to residential homes and residential income properties. When you are looking to invest in developing an ADU
an architect will be required in order to get your ADU approved through the planning process.
There are many great ADU plan sites
and we encourage looking through those sites as well to get inspiration, prior to speaking with an architect. While the sites are great, due to the local building codes and engineering requirements you will still need qualified trade professionals to help you through the process.
Questions to consider:
Have you designed an ADU for this city before?
Just like any trade professional an Architect can work in a variety of cities; however, keep in mind that with ADUs each city has been able to interpret the state’s guidance a bit differently. Finding out if they have experience with your given city can give you a better understanding on how they can approach your project as well as the options they could present because they have learned what the city has found to be more favorable.
How many ADUs have you designed?
The ADU concept has been around for some time. Recently in 2019 and going forward the state has encouraged local building departments to approve these structures. As a result of these being newer an architect might not have completed a large volume however asking can give an idea of how familiar they are with the given benefits and code requirements.
What range of square ft of ADUs have you designed?
Asking this question will help you to understand how they have approached the building code, their clients needs/budget, and usage of space. ADUs can be larger in certain municipalities (i.e. 1,000 ft) and smaller in others (i.e. 500 ft). Asking about the range of square footage can give you an idea on how they have approached the concept of an ADU and how they maximize space. For example when you design a studio unit there should be additional focus on storage needs to help your future tenant get the most out of the optimized square footage.
Do you have any general contractors you could recommend?
With this question you are hoping to get 1-3 general contractors that they would refer. Having them recommend one (vs. looking on Google or Yelp...which you can do too) helps you to get a GC who you know has earned the respect of a fellow trade professional which is hard earned with since they are all licensed and need to be incredibly detailed with each other. A referral from an architect should also help you to get a GC who has completed ADUs before giving you the confidence they have the experience to complete your project.
Have your projects come in at budget, below, or over?
ADUs are generally considered to be on the smaller side of development (i.e. bigger than a bathroom remodel, but smaller than a complete home build). While an architect is merely one member of the team to help a project come in at a potential budget they can help with guidance throughout a project that can help maximize each dollar.
When it comes to deciding about an architect for your ADU there are many items to consider. We have worked with a variety of trades and architects over the years and we are happy to share options that could help you with your goals. Call us today at (562) 888-0247 and let us know you’d just like to discuss building an ADU.
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Have you considered including utilities in your rent? Here are some of the most common utilities that help tenants see a greater value on renting your property
Your property’s roof is its first line of defense from the sun, rain, and wind. Which means it will eventually wear out. Many landlords overlook this since a roof is generally designed to last twenty or so years, and they simply forget until the signs begin to show. Below, we’ve compiled a short list of five signs it’s time to replace your roof for when doing property inspections. Tenant Complaints When your roof has become damaged, your tenants will likely be the first to notice. When tenants report water stains on the walls and ceilings, it's a sign that you should inspect your roof. In severe cases, your tenant may notice water dripping from roof leaks. This moisture, if left unchecked, can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be a health concern for your tenants. Some tenants simply move out, assuming the odors or recurring respiratory issues are caused by the rental and not just the roof. This leaves you with a vacancy to manage, and if you’re unable to find the leak during this period, the following tenant may have a negative experience as well. Many landlords have found it beneficial to have property inspections regularly in order to preserve both the property’s value and the tenant’s trust. Roof’s Age Even with the highest quality materials, a roof still has a shelf life. Most roofs in Long Beach, CA, use asphalt shingles, and these generally last around twenty to twenty-five years. Once they've passed this threshold, the faults begin to show themselves. A sagging roof line is a sign that your roof is due to be replaced, as it's a serious concern. It often indicates that moisture has entered the underlying decking and caused some structural damage. From ground level, you may not be able to notice these problems. However, during an inspection of the property, an experienced inspector should be able to notice soft spots or contours on the roof. These forms of damage often get worse over time. Coordinating these inspections and preventative maintenance can be difficult for landlords with an extensive portfolio, which is why many enlist help. Shingle Damage Damaged shingles are one of the most obvious signs that your roof is deteriorating. If you ever notice cracking, curling, or patches with missing shingles, the roof is no longer providing adequate protection to your property. Although you can buy time with spot repairs, if the entire roof shows signs of damage, it’s likely time to replace the roof. Aside from protecting your property, the roof affects your property’s curb appeal. A patchy and worn-out roof can drive down the rental appeal. Prospective tenants will easily be able to spot the differences between pictures taken in the listing when compared to the property in person. This can not only hurt your chances of filling a vacancy, but it can also hurt your reputation as a landlord. Granules in Gutters After heavy rainfall, it's a good idea to inspect your rain gutters. If you or your property manager notice large amounts of black or gray granules, it means your roof shingles are breaking down. These granules are critical for shedding water off the roof. Once the granules fall off the shingle, the shingle begins to degrade faster under the sun and elements. If you’re not sure how old your roof may be, Loss of granules can be a strong indicator that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Regular gutter cleaning and roof inspections can help catch these problems early before they become expensive repairs . Increase in Utility Bills Your tenants complaining about their utility bills increasing or poor temperature control in the rental may not realize the roof is to blame. A failing roof can result in subpar insulation and ventilation. This can lead to higher heating and cooling bills for your tenant. This can be frustrating for your tenants while putting more strain on the HVAC system. This puts more wear and tear on your HVAC system. Being aware of the warning signs and being proactive can protect your rental property, maintain tenant satisfaction , and avoid emergency repairs. If you need help inspecting your roof or you need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
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