ADUs, or accessory dwelling units, have been getting a lot of attention lately as a solution to California’s housing crisis. For those who don’t know, ADUs are small residences that are built on the same property as an existing home. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as providing housing for elderly relatives or generating rental income.
In California, ADUs are also known as granny flats because they often house elderly family members. Granny flats are usually small, one-bedroom homes that are detached from the main house. They can be attached to the main house or be completely separate from it. The average price of a home in the state is now well over $1 million, and in some areas, such prices are even higher. For many families, building an ADU is the only way they can afford to keep a relative close by.
If you’re considering building a granny flat but aren’t sure if it’s the right decision, here are three good reasons why granny flats are awesome additions to your property.
First, ADUs can provide much-needed low-cost housing for elderly relatives.
It’s a difficult situation when our aging relatives start to need extra help. They become prone to develop health conditions. Often, the only solution is to send them to nursing homes or other types of residential care services. However, those services come at a high cost that quickly adds up.
One way to avoid those costs and still make sure your senior relatives are well-taken care of is to build an accessory dwelling unit on your property. It’s a solution that can work well for everyone involved. ADUs allow families to save on costly nursing home or assisted living facility fees while providing seniors with a sense of independence while still being close to family.
So if you’re looking for a way to take care of your aging relatives without breaking the bank, an ADU might be the perfect solution. Plus, it gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your relatives are being taken care of in the best possible way.
Second, ADUs are a much more comfortable alternative for your aging loved ones.
While nursing homes can be a convenient solution, these environments can be far from comfortable. This is because nursing homes can sometimes feel like hospitals which can make it depressing and suffocating for your aging loved ones in the long run.
Building a granny flat instead eases that feeling they have been a burden to others by being taken care of by strangers. In a granny flat, your relatives will feel more at ease and comfortable knowing that they’re in a familiar place with people who care about them. This will allow them to age gracefully and with dignity.
Lastly, ADUs bring your kids closer to their grandparents.
There are actual health benefits for kids who have grandparents actively in their lives, according to the report released from researchers at the University of Oxford. The study found that youngsters with grandparental involvement had increased self-esteem and were more resilient when faced with difficulties. In some cases, the influence of grandparents was even found to be stronger than that of the child’s parents.
The easiest and most cost-effective way to have your children grow up closely with their grandparents while maintaining your own family’s privacy is by building a granny flat. In addition, studies have shown that grandparents who live close to their children and grandchildren tend to live longer than those who don’t.
One reason for that is by being around their grandkids, gives them a sense of purpose. This can help boost their health and lead them to be more active, both of which are important for maintaining their well-being. They can see them every day and have the added support of having their aging family members nearby. This can be a valuable experience for both generations.
So, if you’re looking for a way to help your children’s grandparents live longer, and have your kids learn from their huge pool of wisdom, consider building a granny flat. It just might be the best decision you ever make.
Conclusion
ADUs are a great way to add value to both your family and your property. If you’re on the fence about building one, we hope these three reasons have helped sway you in favor of granny flats.
But whether you’re building an ADU for rental purposes or as a granny flat, it can be difficult to find a builder that can provide an ADU that fits both your needs and budget. That’s where we step in. ADU.Works is a full-service builder that provides low-cost ADUs without compromising build quality and materials used. You’ll be taken care of every step of the way, making sure you’re informed of all details in a transparent way.
If you’re interested in a quick but comprehensive demo, please don’t hesitate to book a consultation with us or give us a quick call through our number +1 (650) 227-4810. We would be happy to help you get started on this exciting project!