Blog Post

Building an ADU is Like Building an Individual Apartment

Dustin Edwards • March 1, 2023

ADUs Should Be Considered A Small Separate Apartment

ADU interior

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a versatile building you can have in your backyard. Some homeowners build it to make space for friends and family, while others enjoy having additional living space. An ADU provides passive income while living in the main house. You should see an increase in your home’s appraised value.


Today we’ll review a few elements when building your ADU, like an individual apartment you need to consider.


Site Plan

Once you’ve decided to build an ADU, how well does it fit within your property?


This can significantly change the amount you can charge for rent for the ADU. Items such as an individual parking space and a separate entrance for the ADU provides tenants with privacy. This can be difficult as there are going to be multiple structures sharing the lot. However, a simple trick is having the ADU’s entrance in a different orientation than the main building to not communicate a line of sight between the main building and the ADU’s entrance. This can often be enough to divide both buildings and give tenants a private entrance. 


Attached and detached ADUs usually require one parking space. Some projects qualify for exemption from the parking requirements. For example, conversion ADUs and Junior ADUs don’t require parking.


Appliances

ADUs should be outfitted with new, modern appliances, and not the leftover ones from the main house. 


Though it isn’t necessary to provide appliances when renting an ADU, renting an ADU with appliances is a great way to attract more interest from potential tenants. It's well established that the kitchen is one of the most important rooms tenants look at when looking for a place to rent. Appliances like a dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, and stove can provide tenants with comfort. If you can provide a washer and dryer in the ADU, tenants will appreciate saving time by not having to go to the local laundromat. Good quality stainless steel appliances will not only look great for long periods of time and are easy to clean and sought after by tenants. 


Materials

Think of an ADU like you’re building a house. Ideally, you should choose materials people want to see in their homes. Although spending more money building a rental may seem counterintuitive, the investment is well worth it. Hardwood floors and natural stone countertops like quartz or granite seem expensive for a rental. Though it has multiple benefits, not only will it help your rental stand out, stone countertops are durable, easy to clean, and rarely need to be repaired or replaced. It's an investment you need to worry about only once. 


Hardwood floors are often desirable by tenants due to their ease of maintenance and are generally better for people with allergies. On the rare occasion that the floor suffers damage such as scratches or gouges, the fix can be done without replacing whole boards when compared to the cheaper alternative. 


Good quality tile is an excellent choice for rooms like the kitchen and bathroom. Tile flooring is stain and moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and generally has a much longer lifespan when compared to vinyl or linoleum though the price will reflect this. 


ADUs are an excellent way for homeowners to become landlords. If you need help managing your new ADU or need help deciding if you need a property management company, consider calling us at (562) 888-0247, or feel free to fill out our
free rental analysis to see what your rental could yield today.


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By Dustin Edwards December 19, 2024
If you're properties are suffering from lack of heating this winter, these 3 common issues could be the cause.
By Dustin Edwards December 12, 2024
Although Southern California’s winters are typically mild when compared to other parts of the country, tenants still value a warm home during the cooler months. Taking steps to maintain a comfortable living environment shows your tenants that their needs are being prioritized. This is crucial for tenant satisfaction, especially during the holidays. Below are three methods to help keep tenants warm during the winter season. Maintain Heating System It's required for landlords to provide rentals with a working heating system, however, it's not uncommon for these to fall into disrepair either because of lack of maintenance or negligence. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance before the coldest weather can help to ensure the heating is reliable and efficient. Cleaning air filters, and checking for cold spots, or irregular noises can help prevent small issues from escalating into expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance can help to reduce the chances of inconvenient calls for emergency repairs. Being proactive with your maintenance can also help you protect your investment while earning goodwill from your tenant. Another factor that can affect your heating system is drafts around windows and doors. These drafts can cause your heating system to overwork which makes the system less efficient, and reliable and ultimately reduces the lifespan of your heating system. You can address this by inspecting the seals around doors and windows for gaps or cold spots. Replace worn-out seals and caulking where it's needed. Offer Smart Thermostats Consider providing your tenants with a smart thermostat for energy-efficient heating. This can not only give tenants control over their comfort, but it's also a great tool to reduce energy usage. By providing this upgrade to your tenant, you show a commitment to your tenant’s satisfaction which can in turn result in a long-term tenant. These kinds of devices definitely benefit your tenants, though they can also contribute to the longevity of your rental property as well. Additionally, you can give your tenant a smart thermostat as a holiday gift . This can show your tenant that you’re not simply collecting rent while protecting your investment. Reverse Ceiling Fans The direction in which a ceiling fan rotates is oftentimes overlooked, and it can have a great effect on the temperature of a home. A ceiling fan is typically seen as a way to cool down a home during the hotter seasons without using the air conditioning . Reversing the spin of a ceiling fan can help to circulate warm air more efficiently during the cold season . This is because warm air rises, and a fan rotating clockwise will push the warm air back down helping maintain warm temperatures. Most fans have a switch on the motor and it is easily accessible for most people with a step ladder. This easy adjustment helps reduce the need for your tenant to use the heating system. Tenants will notice a more consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. This should also help reduce costs on their energy bill. Reversing the rotation of the ceiling fans also takes some of the strain off of the heating system. This helps to ensure it operates efficiently for years by reducing the wear and tear on it. Taking proactive steps this winter season to ensure your tenant’s comfort demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to their tenant’s comfort. A comfortable tenant is a satisfied tenant , which can lead to a long-term tenant and steady rental income. Consider it a small investment for long-term success. If you need help keeping your rental warm or managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards December 5, 2024
Discover 3 Gift Ideas for your tenants this holiday season.
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