Accessory Dwelling Units may be much more than you think.
The short answer is a an ADU is a legally permissible additional residential unit in conjunction with an existing property. An ADU can be part of a commercial space, in a residential backyard and a part of an existing home.
There’s a lot of interest in something called a JADU (junior accessory dwelling unit). Single-family homeowners are now eligible to add both an ADU and a JADU on their property
A JADU It is an independent, legally rentable unit that cannot be larger than 500 square feet and exists within the existing property. (An attached ADU can be larger.)
What is unique about JADUs is that they can contain a very simple kitchen with small appliances and share a bathroom with the original dwelling—but they also can have their own bathroom and a full kitchen. All of this means that the development costs for JADUs are lower, and they can still be rented out.
One important note is that JADU’s can only be built on owner-occupied properties which is not the case for ADUs.
And so, if you own a single-family home, you can have two ADUs—a JADU and another attached or detached ADU. Given that ADUs on average are renting for just under $3000/month in the Bay Area, having two can be a significant source of income.
Or they can be possibilities for extended families, work from home and live in assistance for children or elderly. In all cases, they mean enhancing the value of your property.
“Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
