Benefits of Building An In-Law Unit
Over the past several years, there has been a steady rise in interest in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's), the technical term for in-law units, granny flats, secondary suites, cottages, fonzie flats and other popularized terms. After much political wrangling, it is now legal for homeowners to build these pint-sized units (within reason) and they are being touted as a solution to San Francisco's affordable housing crisis.
This initiative will likely boost housing inventory and provide relief to homeowners that have had these clandestine units in the shadows. Yet this program is still evolving and it is not a panacea. There are many restrictions and onerous regulations that are best journeyed with the counsel of Bornstein Law.
While there are many homeowner benefits to legalize your in-law unit, the process can be fraught with potential pitfalls, unnecessary expenses and a minefield of regulations that require the guidance of competent real estate attorneys like Bornstein Law.
Flexibility in housing makes sense for environmental, lifestyle, and financial reasons.
Though many people buy houses and live in them for decades, their actual needs change over time. But the way that houses are currently built doesn’t reflect those changes, especially the way households may spend decades with just 1 or 2 members.
ADU's provide numerous benefits to the community and individual homeowners. This flexible housing solution can be used as an affordable rental unit for empty nesters and young workers, provide additional rental income for homeowners, or a place for aging parents to remain with their families.
They are smaller in size, do not require the extra expense of purchasing land, are developed by converting existing structures, and do not require additional infrastructure.
Why would you want to add an ADU?
Lifestyle Flexibility
› Support multi-generational family members in your home while maintaining separate spaces.
› Provide housing for adult children that need financial and/or childcare support.
› Simplify your lifestyle by downsizing to a smaller unit.
Financial Benefits
› New units can recover the cost of construction after 3-5 years, on average.
› Rent your unit and use the income to support mortgage payments or other financial obligations.
› If you build an ADU simultaneously with seismic upgrading work, it can help offset the construction costs.
Let's Get Started.
Looking to construct an in-law unit or legalize your currently illegal in-law unit? This is a complicated matter and Bornstein Law can help you avoid costly mistakes.