Blog Post

Considerations for Your ADU Design

Dustin Edwards • Oct 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 01 May, 2024
Everyone wants to feel safe in their homes. As an investment property owner, it's up to you to decide whether or not to include security measures in your property. Many of the costs associated with the security measures can be included in the rent, meaning not only can you keep your property safe, but you can earn more income in the long run. However, you would still want your tenants to have renters insurance to protect their assets. Today, we’ll discuss the top five security measures you can add to your property and why they're beneficial to you and your tenant. Security Cameras Cameras are probably one of the first security measures people think about when asked about security. Cameras provide more benefits than just surveillance. They provide an extra level of security for the safety of the tenants and their belongings. Additionally, security cameras can be useful when repairs are required. Cameras can aid in supervising repairs and maintenance to ensure you’re receiving the agreed-upon work. During vacancies when the property is empty, security cameras can help keep the property safe from potential intruders. Doorbell cameras are incredibly popular now. They provide the aforementioned safety of a camera that can be accessed remotely, as well as the ability to communicate with visitors. Although one must be careful never to say you're not home, just say you're unavailable to strangers. Security Lights Security lights with motion detectors are another effective tool when adding security measures to your property. These lights brightly if a potential intruder attempts to get near your home. They can provide enough illumination to see the intruder or, at the very least, scare them off. Nowadays, you can find a combination of security cameras and motion-activated security lights, such as the floodlight cam wired plus from Ring . Additionally, because these lights only turn on when motion is detected, they’re more cost-effective than traditional lights with a switch. Illuminate the Property Light generally deters intruders as it's more difficult to hide. Adding lighting to the landscaping can increase the security of the property while creating a relaxing atmosphere. Lights can also be used in other areas of the property to accent features such as trees, benches, or artwork. This can help your property stand out while giving your tenants an additional feeling of safety. Keyless Entry Keyless entry is seen as both a convenience feature and a security feature. They usually use an electronic passcode, biometric data, or grant access through a smartphone app. Physical keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. You reduce the risk of unauthorized entry by eliminating the need for a physical key to enter the property. Many keyless entry systems include several features, such as remote locking and monitoring. Although keyless entry is a great new technology for keeping your tenants and properties safe, they’re best used with other security systems. Security Company Nothing beats having an extra pair of eyes on your property for security. This is where security companies like ADT and SimpliSafe come in. While companies may deal with security in varying ways, they aim to protect your investment. While safety is the primary role of a security company, remember that many tenants may be willing to pay more for a premium amenity like a home security company. Keeping your property and tenants safe is incredibly important to the longevity of an investment property. If you’re looking to improve the security of your Long Beach rental property or need help managing your beach city rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online .
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