Blog Post

Considerations for Your ADU Design

Dustin Edwards • October 31, 2023

If you’re a homeowner and wish to make passive income, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) may be the right choice. ADUs can help you enter the real estate world without purchasing an entirely new property. It's a great investment option for homeowners looking for additional income yet unsure if they’re ready to own and manage an independent rental property.


Below are a few considerations when designing your first ADU to maximize rent income.


What are your Options for ADUs

There are a few ways to build an ADU, and its size will directly impact the rent you can request. You can have three additional units in California if the proper requirements are met. These include one attached ADU, detached ADU, and Junior ADU (JADU). In Long Beach, however, you are limited to two: an attached or detached ADU and a JADU. For the JADU, it’s required for property owners to live on the property permanently. While this may initially sound limiting, building an ADU is a massive step to earning passive income and entering the real estate market.


Configuration and Size of Your ADU Design

In Long Beach, CA, a JADU is allowed a maximum size of 500 sq ft, while a standard ADU is allowed to be 850 square feet. JADUs typically are limited to a single bedroom and bathroom (1/1). Whereas for an ADU 850 sq ft, you’ll typically see a 2/1. Though with an efficient design, it's possible to fit a 2/2, which can help earn a greater yield on rent. Having a second bathroom in your rental may not seem too important at first glance, though it cannot be understated how much more desirable a 2/2 is. A 2/2 can be significantly more profitable and reach a broader market.


Design Considerations for an ADU

When designing your ADU, there are a few considerations you’ll want to make before finalizing your build. Refrain from designing the ADU as if you were creating a stand-alone house. It's more advantageous to approach design and build the ADU like you were constructing a duplex.


Remember your tenants, especially when choosing the main entrances to the property and the ADU. For example, many tenants may feel uncomfortable if their main entrance is directly in sight of whoever lives in the main house. For this reason, many homeowners build the ADU to have its entrance hidden by landscaping features or at an angle that allows for more privacy.


Parking for an ADU in Long Beach is only required if the ADU is built further than half a mile from mass transportation. Public transit is quite robust in Long Beach, so this is rarely a requirement. However, providing at least a single parking space for your tenant can significantly increase the visibility of your ADU in the rental market.


Another excellent selling point when renting an ADU is to provide a dedicated washer and dryer. This is a key feature that many tenants look for and adds minimal expense with a potentially large monetary yield.


Entering the world of real estate is a big step forward for anyone trying to be self-sufficient. Suppose you need help understanding your local laws relating to building an ADU or are looking for a property management company to help with your properties. In that case, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our
Owner Application online.

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By Dustin Edwards November 18, 2024
Be aware of these 3 common issues when the rainy season arrives at your rental property.
Cold weather can come fast and strong so it's best to ensure your property is ready for this climate
By Dustin Edwards November 12, 2024
It's important to prepare your rental properties for the colder weather. Although we don’t need to prepare for snow and freezing temperatures, we do need to prepare for the cold and rain. By ensuring your rental is cozy inside and prepared for the fall season , you can not only reduce energy costs for your tenant but also maintain your rental property value. Today, we’ll go over three signs your property is ready for this upcoming cold weather.  Sign #1 Proper Weatherproofing During the colder seasons, it's much easier for a tenant to notice any cold spots in your rental. Well-insulated doors and windows can not only help maintain the warm temperature but also prevent it from lowering. It can also prevent cold spots and drafts, which can help with tenant satisfaction . Doors and windows should be properly sealed and insulated to prevent drafts and maintain proper temperatures. A visual inspection of the weatherstripping around doors and windows to ensure they’re intact is a great place to start. If damaged, consider replacing them, as trying to seal gaps can be tricky and rarely lasts. Other seals should also be checked, as well as any areas that need to be caulked in order to keep cold air out. Insulation during the summer helps keep the cool air in, and during the winter, insulation in the halls and attics helps retain desired heat. Hot air rises, and if there isn't adequate insulation in the ceiling, heat will continually be lost. Luckily, adding insulation to an attic is not uncommon and typically only requires a day or two for installation. Sign #2 Energy Efficiency Measures During the winter, it's not just the cold you need to keep in mind. As days are much shorter, there is less sunlight to keep the rental warm and more hours of darkness. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep energy efficiency in mind when preparing for the cold weather. Energy-efficient lighting or smart lighting helps reduce overall costs since your tenant will likely use electricity to keep warm. Ensure your outdoor lighting is rated for external use, as this can provide crucial illumination during longer nights. Draft guards on doors and windows help reduce the load on your rental’s HVAC system which can significantly improve its lifespan. This is also a great time to replace filters and clean the ductwork in your rental to improve energy efficiency. Additionally, consider installing an insulative film on older windows, which helps retain heat and keep rooms warmer without the need for extra heating. If your rental has a programmable thermostat, ensure it’s in working order, as this can help tenants manage an energy-efficient heating schedule more easily. Sign #3 Property Exterior Southern California is a great place to settle down, and while we don't need to worry about snowfall or deep freezes, ensuring the exterior of your rental property is ready for the cold weather is important. With our cold season mainly bringing with it rain, inspect your rental property’s rain gutter system . Remove debris from drains and check for leaks or signs of wear and tear. Walkways should be clear of debris and well-lit. This may require you to prune and trim trees and bushes that may leave behind leaves. When combined with rainfall, a single wet leaf can cause someone to slip and hurt themselves. Consider adding non-slip mats or tape to areas where people may have tripped in the past. Much like during the hotter weather, it's important for your rental to be ready for fall and winter. By keeping your property ready for any weather Southern California has to offer, you ensure your rental property and tenants will provide steady rental income every month. If you need help preparing your rental for the cold weather or if you need help 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 November 4, 2024
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