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TODAY'S ZOOM LESSON - ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

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Education & Training with Performance Development Strategies

There is always a diversity of topics and speakers at the Tuesday AR Zoom meetings.  I came to today's meeting wanting to know what an ADU was.  I didn't have a clue.  Although I know about factory built housing.  We had a contractor in our BNI group that specialized in modular housing.

Today John DL Arendsen provided us with a wealth of knowledge.  There was so much information that I am still trying to absorb it.  He has a wealth of experience and spoke with authority.

AR Zoom

I learned the possibilities of having an ADU on a developed property.  Although it is not as easy as it sounds and local regulations create many obstacles to getting one approved.

There are a number of reasons for building an ADU.  The one that came to mind for me was the increasing popularity of mult generational living.  Rather than a large home having a home with a smaller home on the property might appeal to those who want privacy.

John has had almost every kind of request and really has to turn some down.  Some have unrealistic price expectations.  In San Diego County you are talking about at least opening with low 6 figures.

I took some notes and what I think I heard was that you really can't do this job with septic systems.  Furthermore, you need to be "on grid.  In many cases you will need to upgrade the electrical amp service if not enough.

John mentioned that business has been very busy during these Covid times but it may take somewhat longer to get work down because social distancing means working with interfacing with crews.  There needs to be scheduling and alternating of crews which makes the project longer and more complex.

People are also creating ADUs for rental possibilities.  Here again, some people have unrealistic expectations for a cluster of ADU's that will not get approved in many localities.  This is not for high density. Then there are challenges in some areas with appraisals and banks.

Hybrid units (part modular and part stick construction) are being built and John can work with his son in this area.  John's son is also a contractor.

So you would like to have an ADU on your property.  How do you get started?  There are companies out there advertising their services but who can you trust?  John suggests fully vetting your contractor.  Of course, you should check for all licensing, but you should also go deeper than that.  Get the details including insurance and any insurance claims and look into any public records.

There is so much information here and John has agreed to come at a later date to give some more details.

I was wondering what Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD think about ADU's in multi-generational housing and have they sold any.

This presention today really got me thinking although my level of background knowledge is much less than most others who were on the call.

I encourge everyone to experience the Zoom sessions which happen every Tuesday at 2pm Eastern Time.  I will continue to reach out for new participants.

 

 

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Comments (29)

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

It sounds like it as a wealth of information at the meting.  I worked in factory built housing back in the late 60's as a summer job while attending college and also for a bit as a mechanical designer when I graduated.  They are very comfortable if done right.

Some towns in our are have allowed for an ADU unit on existing lots provided the available services can be used

Jan 06, 2021 07:06 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Grant, I wish these Zoom meetings would be on different days/different hours.  Have yet to have that day and time available.

Jan 06, 2021 07:10 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Grant,

What a great summary of the Zoom meeting you shared with us.  Thank you. Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday.

Jan 06, 2021 07:14 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Hi there Grant Schneider - yes we have sold quite a few properties with ADUs. The tricky thing about these properties are building regs and zoning variables that are unique to each town, county, etc  In Clark County, you cannot build any detached ADU on rural land. Interesting isn't it?  But, you can build them in urban areas. However, with most things, there are workarounds. It's complicated - and it's too bad. You may recall, we were going to add an ADU for mom and dad, we got all the permitting in place, but things didn't work out with the actual ADU contractor. Long story short, it could have happened, but we needed to call it a studio - with no stove. That is one way you can add dwellings that are not attached to the main home. If it has a stove, you need a hallway, or some additional structure to make it an addition to the main house.  Naturally, wells and septics need to support any additions too. See, I told you it was complicated. Lol. 

Jan 06, 2021 07:46 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much, Grant, for telling us about this successful Zoom session.

Jan 06, 2021 07:48 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

PS - they are an awesome addition for family members. :) That's my short answer.  

Jan 06, 2021 07:56 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Grant and great recap of yesterday zoom meeting and once again we all learn something new.

 

Jan 06, 2021 09:16 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Grant John did an excellent job even with the technical issues.  By the way I believe what he said about septic systems is that you can not put an ADU on top of a septic system.

Jan 06, 2021 12:16 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I noticed you showing off your adorable grandson at the end of our zoom call. Thank you for sharing Grant Schneider 

Jan 06, 2021 01:07 PM
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

It was such a great Zoom-call and presentation, very informative. It inspired me to read up on current developments in my county. I had clients a few years ago who were looking into it but gave up due to prohibitive costs and a ton of hurdles. New legislation has been introduced since that appears to make it easier. I'll definitely have to do more reading. 

Regarding septic: you can't build on the tank, and there's a minimum setback from the leaching field depending on construction. For a concrete base it's 10 feet I believe (that info is for Montgomery County, MD, I'm assuming regs are similar in other areas). 

Jan 06, 2021 01:41 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Grant:

Thanks for your entry, and a terrific summary of a most informative meeting. John knows his stuff, and it's clear that ADUs are complex in terms of zoning and so many other issues. Lots to learn!

Jeff

Jan 06, 2021 04:08 PM
Janice Zaltman
United Realty Group - Boca Raton, FL
Energy Efficient And Eco-Friendly Homes in Florida

Acessory Dwelling Units, Container Homes, Modular and Tiny Homes are gaining popularity. They are environmentally friendly and have seen some really cool looking styles.

Jan 06, 2021 07:11 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Barbara - there you go.  The demand is there.

Norma - thank you.  I enjoyed the information.

Rocky - much learned and more than I could absorb.

Ed - I learn how luxurous factory built housing could be prior to this meeting.

Joan - that is a shame.  Lot's of different information has been shared.

Ron and Alexandra -  I tried to be a sponge.  So much there.

Debb and Bernie - I could certainly see how complicated it is.  I see one in our area but I think that second one had been there awhile.  Thanks for sharing your experience.

Roy - you are welcome.

Will - yes, it was full of information.

George - thanks for the clarification.  That makes sense.

Paul - thank you for noticing.  My daughter came over and I could not ignore him that long.

Andrea - get info and I am glad two of you clarified the septic situation.  I missed that.

Jeff - I can see that John knows.  Thanks for getting him to come on.

Janice - before the call I thought the topic was actually tiny homes but I know that is different.

 

 

Jan 07, 2021 03:20 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I really did find his presentation very interesting 🧐 

Happy Thursday morning Grant Schneider 

Jan 07, 2021 05:42 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I enjoyed the zoom call very much and am looking forward to the next one!You really captured the essence of the call!

Jan 08, 2021 05:59 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Paul - load of information. 
Lise - I tried my bes

Jan 08, 2021 06:12 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Grant Schneider - I have sold homes with an ADU.  It is extremely important that zoning laws are followed. 

Jan 08, 2021 09:03 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Saturday morning, Grant.

Have a great day and an outstanding weekend.

Jan 09, 2021 05:58 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Despite the technical difficulties, I loved John's presentation, Grant! We see a lot of interest here in multi-generational families who want to add a granny flat (ADU) to their property. It's SO much better than a retirement or nursing home! 

Thanks for your participation in our calls and in this challenge as well, Grant! See you on Tuesday!

Jan 31, 2021 03:30 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Grant, this is a HOT subject, and so many extended families want to care for their parents.  We just are not seeing a lot of approval by the cities.

Feb 06, 2021 06:32 AM