What Are the Benefits of Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit to your Property in Sonoma County?

There are many benefits of building an Accessory Dwelling Unit in Sonoma County. Especially as the new California state laws are lightening the rules and regulations imposed on Accessory Dwelling Units, it is now possible to build more affordable housing that can also provide additional income to homeowners in and around Sonoma County. 

Additionally, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have been known by many names such as granny flats, in-law units, secondary units, backyard cottages, and more. No matter what you call them, ADUs are an innovative, affordable, effective option for adding much-needed housing or additional space to your existing home in Sonoma County. ADUs simply mean having a second small dwelling on the same grounds, creating a junior suite within your existing floor plan or adding an attached unit to a regular single-family house.

The state of California has loosened the requirements that local city’s were imposing on the construction of ADUs to allow more homeowners to build their units. At the same time, they also removed other requirements like zoning permits. However, cities can put up design guidelines to these units so that they match the architecture of the primary residences. The ultimate goal of this change in loosening the requirements aims to alleviate the housing crisis in the country and more specifically in Sonoma County.

As a homeowner, what are the potential benefits from this new state law?

Benefits of Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit to Your home in Sonoma County, California

There are many benefits to adding an ADU, also known as a granny flat or mother-in-law flat, to your property, ranging from personal gains to environmental advantages.

Affordable Housing for Family Members or Caretakers

If you have an elderly family member that you want to keep close, an ADU can be a perfect solution to house them. They can still enjoy their independence while living close enough for you to check in on them and help provide for them on whatever they may need. If you have young children at home and your needs require a live sitter, or someone who needs special care and assistance, having an ADU could be ideal for a live-in nanny or caretaker. 

Convenient Space for Friends or Family Who Are Visiting

If friends or family frequent your place, you can host them more efficiently by housing them in your ADU during their stay. This way, both you and your guests can move more comfortably and will enjoy more privacy, especially if your primary property doesn’t have extra space for guests besides your couch.

Provides Passive Income

Having an ADU in your property allows you to earn some passive income. It can be every month or now and then, depending on how you plan to rent out your unit.

ADUs already have their own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, so you can rent it out to long-term tenants who need their private living spaces. You can use the extra cash for your expenses, to pay for your debts, or to save up for future use. If you live in a big city or somewhere near a tourist spot, you can also rent out your unit for short vacation rentals on websites like Airbnb or Vrbo.

Because of the size and subordinate nature of ADUs, rent can come at low prices, so it makes for ideal affordable housing options.

Increases the Value of Your Property in Santa Rosa California

Adding an ADU to your property will most certainly increase the value of your property. Future buyers will see the unit as an asset. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, most potential homeowners do not mind paying more for a property with ADU because they can use it as a home office, guest house, or a secondary living unit.

Eco-Friendly

ADUs can be a great tool to fight climate change. These units have compact sizes, which makes them remarkably energy efficient. They produce a much smaller carbon footprints compared to medium-sized homes occupied by single families and keep utility costs at a minimum. Adding an ADU to your existing land property also promotes land conservation.

Creates Invisible Density in a Neighborhood

ADUs make it possible to keep a neighborhood’s aesthetics regardless of the increase in the number of residents in that area because it minimizes the construction of large structures. Constructing an ADU can blend in with the architecture and style of your neighborhood.

If you’re considering adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit to your property, GreenRun Construction (links to contact page) in Santa Rosa California can help you every step of the way. Contact us today at 707-843-0505 or send us an email at info@GreenRunUSA.com, and let’s see how we can work together to create this beneficial addition to your property.