At some point, homeowners come across the question of which home improvements add the most value. Are you planning on selling your home soon? Or do you just want to make sure that the value of your home is keeping up with the market? Either way, there is a multitude of home improvement projects that can be done to not only improve your living standards but add value to your home on the real estate market as well. The first thing you want to think about is your budget. How much are you willing to spend to get a return? The second thing to think about is how long you’re willing to endure the process of remodeling. Some projects take longer than others are far more invasive on your daily lifestyle. For instance, bedroom and kitchen renovations will force you to find creative ways of cooking and sleeping. Lastly, you need to consider how much return on investment you’re looking for and which areas of your home improvement will help you reach your goal. This post will help shed some light on common areas of home improvement.

Kitchen Remodel

Remodeling your kitchen is one of the most rewarding home improvement opportunities. Sure, you will have to make some lifestyle changes while the remodel is underway but the outcome will not only drastically improve the visual appearance of your whole home but improve your quality of life as well. That being said, most kitchen remodels end up lasting a long time as long as you steer clear of the kitchen remodel trends to avoid.  On the other hand, kitchen remodels can be as comprehensive or minor as you see fit. Most older kitchens will generally need a full remodel to bring it up to date while some kitchens only need a change in cabinets or update in appliances to give it a new sparkle.

As far as increasing the value of your home goes, kitchen remodels do the trick better than most room remodels. Updated kitchens drastically improve the marketability of your home once it is on the market and will give you a good return on investment without a doubt. Overall the many things that can be done to improve a kitchen, there are a few most notable. To begin it is important to speak with a professional to determine the average return on investment kitchen remodel for your home in particular.

Open Concept Kitchen

Open concept layout defined: the elimination of barriers such as walls and doors that traditionally separated distinct functional areas in a home. In the context of the kitchen, an open concept floor plan is typically based around a kitchen layout that opens up to a dining room, a living room, or some combination of the two. Open concept kitchens seem to be the most desired remodel at the moment – and it is not hard to see why. They have a special ability to maximize the appearance of space and therefore make your home look much larger than it would with an enclosed kitchen. They are also renowned for better functionality and design, especially for a family home where the main value is spending time together.

A home with an open concept design is shown on the market at a higher ticket price for the reason that it functions well for all types of buyers. The most obvious is its ability to keep families engaged during meal and down times. For other buyers, the open concept design is seen as the perfect layout to host events and entertain. Because of its versatility, the open concept design is a great way to boost the value of your home.

New Features

If your goal is to improve the appeal of your kitchen to buyers, implementing new features is a way to do so while keeping costs down and minimizing time spent without a cooking space during remodels. One way to go is updating countertops and painting cabinets. If you want to take things further, you might even add some fancy backsplashes and new hardware. However, if the plan is to improve the marketability of your home, chances are that once you sell it, the new buyers will change all this anyways.

So what can you do to add that extra push to buy? The answer is simple. If your home does not currently have an island, you might want to think about having one constructed. With enough surface area, an island becomes an extra feature that can be manipulated in many ways. For example, adding an extra sink to the island increases the scope of the working triangle, while still providing more area for preparation. Families generally appreciate an island because they not only allow for more storage but serve as an extra dining space as well. If your buyers don’t live the family lifestyle, the island serves as a station to entertain guests while food is being prepared as well.

Bathroom Remodel

When undertaking a home improvement project, remodeling an existing bathroom is a small tweak that can make a huge difference in the appeal of a home especially considering the current bathroom remodel trends. Aside from the kitchen, bathrooms are one of the top rooms that make a home feel outdated- and they’re one of the easiest to fix making a bathroom remodel return on investment so high. Fixes like new paint and appliances can go a long way in making things feel more up to date, but a full remodeling project will really do the trick and last for years to come.

That being said, one of the most commonly targeted areas is the master bathroom. The master bedroom is an area of the house that homeowners interact with every single day which means that it needs to be up to par and exceed potential buyer expectations. On the other hand, daily use causes quick wear and tear which means bathrooms need frequent fixes and updates.

A few of the best master bathroom remodel hacks are to focus on bringing in natural light, incorporating a luxurious bathtub, and bringing in sleek finishes. These are some of the things that are highly sought after by potential buyers and are sure to increase the perceived value of your home on the market.

Room Addition

Homeowners fantasize over the idea of adding square footage to their property. However, there are a number of things to consider when deciding to invest in a home addition, and it should not be taken with a grain of salt. In fact, a home addition is the single most expensive home remodeling purchase a homeowner will ever make – even when done in a cost-effective way!

However, a home addition can do wonders for your property value and investment. Room additions are one of the best ways to increase the value of your home because they allow room for families to grow. With more space, your home now has more to offer to potential buyers. Whether it is a bathroom, bedroom, bonus room, or living room a home addition can pay for itself and still provide a positive return on investment.

Living Room Addition

Living room additions are a great way to not only expand the square footage of your home but also to improve the comfort and design aesthetic of your interior. Family room and living room additions have become incredibly popular over the last several years, which makes expanding the one in your home a great way to increase its value. If your home does not currently have a large living room, you might be looking at a standard addition. However, standard additions can still be on the higher end of the price point because they require major construction that involves creating and building an entirely separate structure.  Average costs run anywhere from $80 to $200 per square foot.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smaller scale version of a room addition that still opens up a living room a bump out is a viable option. Bump outs generally extend a living room 10 to 15 feet which is perfect for families that just need a little more space. They also do not alter the exterior of your home as drastically as a complete addition which creates a more seamless transition when the time comes to sell your home.

Although room additions can be costly, they can add significant value to a home not only by increasing square footage but also increasing usable family shared space.

Bonus Room Addition

Bonus rooms are highly sought after in the market because they create a shared living space for families to gather and entertain in addition to the kitchen and living room. The extra square footage demonstrates the homes ability to grow with families. Since most homeowners do not have the extra yard space for a bonus room addition, they are commonly built above an existing garage. The approximate cost of finishing the bonus room over your garage is approximately $35 per square foot. To find out more, check out our blog about how to add a bonus room above a garage which goes into more depth about this two-story addition.

Over-the-garage additions tend to have a high impact on the curb appeal of your home. Because they typically face the street, your home will appear much larger. Most two-car garages are typically upwards of 24 feet by 24 feet, which makes installing a sturdy garage bonus room drastically increase not only the visual appeal but also the resale value of your home to prospective buyers.

Bedroom Addition

Expanding your home for the purpose of adding a bedroom can be done for a number of reasons. The two most popular are a growing family or having an extra room for parents are grandparents to move in during their elderly years. Instead of leaving a beloved home with fond memories behind, families have the option to gain extra square footage. Homeowners almost always request a spare bedroom in their home when if they have space, just as buyers like to see an extra bedroom in potential homes. For this reason, a bedroom addition increases not only the housing capacity of a home but also the value return as well. Bedroom additions are typically on the more expensive side and can cost anywhere from 80 to 200 dollars per square feet depending on the existing structure and materials used. That said, extra rooms are highly sought after and can increase the value of your home significantly. Therefore, if you need the extra space, opting to add a bedroom is an excellent alternative to moving to a larger home for a number of reasons. To look at the sentimental side of things, all the memories that you have made in your home won’t go with you to a new home. On the other hand, the resale value of your home will most definitely cover the cost of building if you find a great architect.

Bathroom Addition

A bathroom addition is usually not done alone but in conjunction with a living room or bedroom addition. If a bedroom addition is done on the first floor where all other bedrooms are on the second, it is most likely intended to be a guest room. In this case, it is essential that the room has its own private bathroom so that guests can feel ease in their own private space. On the other hand, a downstairs bathroom addition can be used as a half bath addition for any and all guests in the home.  

Fireplace Surround

If you’re looking to get your feet wet with a minimally invasive project, then replacing an old fireplace surround or adding a new one is a perfect place to start. The purpose of fireplace surrounds is to create a lovely focal point for your main room or even tie in another remodel to the rest of the home.

Wrapping Up

Overall, there are endless opportunities to improve the look, feel, and value of your home. No matter what you choose to take on, the most important thing to remember is not to go at it alone. Hiring a professional will not only help the project along smoothly but quickly as well. If you are unsure of what improvements could be made to your home, get the advice of a professional to steer you in the right direction and also to make sure that you are getting the most out of your home improvements.

Whether you’re already thinking about putting your house on the market our you’re just considering how you can add value to your home, an up-to-date and thrifty bathroom renovation may be a perfect improvement. Earning some return on your investment is a somewhat difficult prospect when it comes to home renovations, but with careful consideration and planning, updating the design of your bathroom might be the perfect selling point when the time comes to sell.

That’s why we’ve laid out some of the options and key benefits of an effective bathroom remodel, as well as some things to watch out for to help your renovation run smoothly.

Getting Started

So, if you’ve decided that if you remodel a bathroom you will be brought closer to your goals, then the next thing to do is to decide on the theme and design of your bathroom. If you’re not sure about the direction that you want to take in the early stages of the renovation, then keeping it simple and investing in designs that have been proven to produce a solid return on investment is the way to go.

When housing markets are thriving, there is much more opportunity to get some of the funds you dedicate toward a renovation back. The bathroom might be the space that adds the most value to your home if your money is spent wisely. Bathrooms can be the most expensive spaces in a home and often become powerful selling points for a homeowner.

What Can Be Renovated?

Many homeowners are choosing to replace their tubs with walk-in showers in a bath remodel which seem to be the more efficient choice when it comes to time management and water control. A beautiful walk-in shower can replace an under-utilized tub as the most attractive part of a new bathroom. Many couples and prospective buyers still look for double sinks in the master bathroom, so thinking about adding another sink might help add some value to your house. Also, check out 8 other master bathroom remodel ideas for your dream remodel!

If you’re living in a home that only has one bathroom, rather than thinking about how you can renovate your only bathroom, it might be a better idea to invest in a new bathroom. If you end up putting your house on the market, you’re likely to have more interest in multiple bathrooms instead of only one.

If you are thinking about selling your home sometime soon, keep in mind that the look and design of your bathroom might be what makes the sale or what turns potential buyers away. Here are some tips to keep your bathroom remodel on track, as well as some trends that should be avoided. Many buyers today are seeking a renovated bathrooms and kitchens so making smart choices in how you invest in your bathroom might be what gets you into escrow.

What Materials Produce More ROI?

Another vital consideration during a bathroom remodel involves the types of materials that you have at your disposal. Some of these materials will produce a better return on your investment which is why knowing what design features are trendy and which are outdated will help you determine the best material choices for your remodel. If you don’t plan to move anytime soon, then you have the luxury of concentrating on what you will enjoy and what will work best for your lifestyle.

When choosing a theme for your bathroom and the look of your fixtures, choosing copper, gold, nickel, and gold can be safe bets when it comes to maintaining resale value. There are plenty of ways to materials into your bathroom design, and replacing fixtures can be a simple and quick way to spice up the look of your room. One material that might not produce the return on your investment that your expecting is a brass color-theme. This once very popular look is not as hip as it once was while prospective buyers are seeking a more modern look. Going with a brushed nickel or brushed copper look is another cost-effective way to start updating your bathroom. Get more information on color schemes in the article, “Master Bathroom Ideas to Enhance Your Space.”

Other fixtures you can think about matching can include a new towel rack or mirrors. These simple cosmetic changes might be all you need when it comes to stylizing your bathroom and maintaining a relevant look. New fixtures can also give the appearance of a more extensive remodel during open houses.

Saving Space During Renovations

One of the most important elements of an effective bathroom renovation involves the appropriate and efficient use of space in the room. You’ll want to plan wisely and leave plenty of space in your bathroom during your remodel. If you’re trying to decide whether you want to begin work on your one-and-a-half bathroom, it might be smarter to think about if you can dedicate those funds toward completing another full bathroom.

Most buyers will prefer multiple bathrooms over the newly-renovated one. If this is the only bathroom in the house then maximizing your space is that much more important. Replacing your vanity cabinet with a wall-mounted sink will save you a good amount of space in your bathroom. Other areas of your bathroom that you can think about improving include storage space, flooring and even shower seating.

Cost-Effective Renovations

Few homeowners are spending money remodeling their bathrooms if they don’t believe that they will see some sort of return on investment. And most prospective buyers will make a point of checking out the bathroom before deciding to buy. Although remodeling your bathroom can become pricey, it doesn’t have to be. There are some easy and cost-effective ways to update the design of your bathroom, so you can still keep up with the times without breaking the bank.

Earning a return on your investment can be tricky no matter how the housing market is doing, but in healthier markets, a new-looking bathroom might raise the value of your home to your target price range.

Implementing Natural Light

Opting to add some natural light to your bathroom is one way to achieve the appearance of space in your room. If you aren’t getting the natural light you’d like in your bathroom, then adding some recessed lighting can be an appropriate substitute– this type of lighting helps preserve the appearance of space in the room instead of the immediate and abrupt feeling that bright bathroom lights can give.

Other Lighting Options

If you’re feeling fancy and your ceilings are just high enough, you might even consider implementing a hanging light fixture in your bathroom. There are plenty of choices when it comes to hanging lights and chandeliers so be sure to stick with something that matches the other fixtures in your bathroom.

Pick and choose the elements you replace in your bathroom wisely– you may only end up changing your lighting and your toilet but still add a significant amount of value through the renovations. This is also a convenient way to save on time and other resources as well as avoid worrying about some of the more complicated parts of a full bathroom remodel.

Adding Glass Features

Frosted doors aren’t as sought-after as they’ve been in the past, which works out because plain glass doors are another way to give the feeling of more space in your bathroom. If you can afford to take on the project, changing out your tub for a glass, walk-in shower can be another way to save space and add the appearance of extra room in your bathroom all at the same time. Glass also maintains a modern look so you don’t have to worry about updating again in a few years,

Fresh Paint Job

Re-painting your bathroom is another example of a relatively simple project that can really update the feel of your bathroom at a reasonable price. Most buyers today are seeking clean looks and colors that bring in extra light. Adding some fresh color to your bathroom is one of the most efficient ways to update your room.

If you have trouble deciding on a new color, consider going with a neutral color paint that is more likely to stand the test of time than the color that is trending at the moment. This will help make sure that your bathroom doesn’t become dated-looking a few years down the line.

What Affects Return On Investments for Remodels?

Not every bathroom renovation will produce the same return on investment. It may be wise to speak with a broker while you do your research to find out more about what sells in your area and what buyers look for in a bathroom. Neighborhood and timing make a huge difference as far as the return on investment you should expect. Doing your homework based on your area will save you from spending more money than you need to on your renovations.

Location

The part of the country that you live in is another aspect that will impact the ROI that you see from any type of remodel. Changing tastes and varying markets can make it difficult to predict exactly what type of money you’ll get back from your renovation. If done right, a bathroom remodel can produce more than half of its value and depending on current trends it may yield more. That’s why it’s important you are aware of the latest bathroom remodel trends before getting started. 

Timing

Timing is key when it comes to assessing the value of your bathroom renovations and the money you’ll get out of them. Most brokers explain that the longer you remain in your home, the greater your chances become of earning a better ROI– unfortunately, there are no guarantees when it comes to earning some of your investment back. Bathrooms styles can go in and out of fashion quickly, so if you’re not planning on selling soon, stick with some you’ll appreciate years from now and hopefully, that timeless look will still be appreciated when the time comes to put your house on the market.

When you’re deciding how you’re going to update your bathroom, make sure the finished product is still consistent with the look of the rest of your home. If your bathroom doesn’t mesh with the theme throughout the house, it might be a little jarring and deter a potential sale. Most buyers aren’t looking for uniquely eccentric design in their bathrooms, so choosing traditional materials and styles for your bathroom will help protect your investment.

Wrapping Up

There are many avenues to explore when it comes to how you can renovate your bathroom. Simple and cost-effective renovations might include simple fixture replacements or a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Other, more extensive renovations, such as a new toilet, tub, or cool shower design, might be necessary additions to a newly-remodeled bathroom, but these projects should be handled with caution if you want to keep your average cost down and give yourself the best chance of earning some sort of ROI. A renovated bathroom can add a real sense of comfort and elegance to your home if it matches the theme throughout. If you’re still lost on ideas, take the quiz, “What’s Your Ideal Bathroom Style?”

Recently, granny flats have been popping up all over California due to leniency in the laws that generally limit homeowners’ ability to build them. Because they are so versatile, they can be adjusted to fit just about any property and are seen as a great asset to many property owners in San Diego for various reasons.

What Are Granny Flats?

What is a granny flat? A granny flat, also known as “accessory dwelling unit” is a self-contained unit that is typically constructed in addition to an original single family home on a residential property. The granny flat can either be constructed as an attachment to the main house or in the back or side yard. There are three different ways to implement a granny flat in a property. For instance, it can be attached, detached, or in the homes existing structure depending on its purpose and the allotted space the house offers. The granny flat may be constructed 1200 square feet in size or half the size of the original home; whichever is smaller. It typically is comprised of a single room, bathroom, kitchen, and small living area which makes it perfect for one or two people to live in.

What is it Used for?

So what is the granny flat best used for? Although granny flats can be used for numerous reasons, there are a few most popular and noteworthy. The best place to start is by thinking about your family’s current and future needs. Do you often host friends for long periods of time? Is your family outgrowing your current home? Do you have elderly family members who will soon need to live close to you?  

Housing family/friends

Hence their name, granny flats are known for being the perfect living quarters for our elderly parents and grandparents in their retirement without sending them to a retirement home, which can be costly and lonely. Because they are structurally a separate unit from the main home, they allow enough privacy for our elderly loved-ones to live comfortably without being too far out of reach. Overall, granny flats are seen as a great way to keep relatives independent but close to the family and create a convenient, multi-generational living arrangement.

The granny flat can also be seen as a short-term haven. Another great use for the granny flat is finding a space for our children as they make their way through their teen years. A granny flat without a kitchen would be the best option for this because teens will be given their own private space, while the kitchen remains a common ground for families to come together.

Our college graduates are also perfect candidates for the granny flat as they make their transition into full-time jobs. This allows them to save money before buying their own place which can be hard to do especially in San Diego County. This way they are able to remain independent, but still close to home.

If you don’t find your family needing an extra space as your kids get older, think about the granny flat as a perfect  to host family and friends when they travel into town for a quick visit. As common as it is to deploy the guest room in these times, understand that an accessory dwelling unit can be much more practical. An ADU can double as a casita or guest house. This way, guests and visiting family members have a separate living space to retreat to at night.

Earning Extra Income

Rental properties are great investments for homeowners looking for an additional steady income. However, purchasing a rental property, renovating it, filling it with tenants, and managing it can be a pretty difficult task for anyone who hasn’t done it before. Additionally, one of the best ways to earn an extra income is by renting out a space in your home. It can be significantly easier to manage the process of landlordship when the space you’re renting out is right under your nose. On the other hand, it is a much more cost-effective way to do things than purchasing a rental property and waiting for a positive ROI after factoring in an entirely new mortgage. Therefore, perhaps one of the best uses for an ADU is to rent it out to tenants.

California Granny Flat Law

California homeowners know that in the past it has been almost impossible to add a granny flat onto an existing home due to stringent granny flat regulations in San Diego that have been set in place to protect against overpopulation. Zoning laws in California were put into place on goodwill and were intended to preserve public health, safety, and welfare. For example, California granny flat laws required the homeowner to reside in the main property and provide proof that only a relative or family member lives in the granny flat. This made it impossible to build ADUs for rent. On the other hand, regulations included issues regarding restrictions on parking, fire sprinklers, buffers between property lines, and utility limitations.

Fortunately, due to the housing shortage in California, a series of laws took place to make the building of granny flats much more relaxed. The intent is to ease the stress of the housing crisis and high rents for low to middle-income workers quickly and in a cost-effective manner to create more affordable housing options. Fees that initially matched the cost of building a granny flat in the first place have been brought down drastically. The purpose of this is to encourage homeowners to take advantage of building one at this time. However, in order to eliminate the chance of accessory dwelling units being listed as a vacation rental, there is a minimum of 30 days lease agreement required.

Cost of Building a Granny Flat

Most people see a granny flat as more costly per square foot than a larger home. This is because it is much smaller than a typical home, but still requires most of the large ticket items that a single family home has. For instance, the cost of a dishwasher and stove is dispersed among far fewer surface area in a smaller home.

However, if you look at it more in depth, the cost of building an accessory dwelling unit is dependent on various aspects. The type of accessory dwelling unit and whether your home already has existing structures to support it are probably the most obvious factors to alter the price. However, it is also dependant on who you choose for your builder and their areas of expertise. Lastly, the cost of materials required to build the accessory dwelling unit can drastically alter the price alone. So depending on what structures your home already has set in place and what alterations your home requires, you will see a fluctuation in price.

Taking all these factors into consideration, it’s clear to see that it isn’t black and white to explain how much a granny flat will cost to build.

As for a general price range, detached granny flats are typically the most costly. Because they aren’t attached to any current structures in the home, you must factor in excavation and framework. You may also be required to run plumbing and electricity to an area in your yard that previously didn’t have it. However, the detached granny flat is one of the most cost effective ways to recoup the cost of the initial investment. How so? The detached granny flat is perhaps the easiest to rent out and can be put on the renters market at the highest price. Therefore, the higher the rent, the quicker the return on investment and the quicker the investment can be paid off.

At the lower end of the pricing spectrum, we can consider having the accessory dwelling unit above an existing garage. Because it falls on the less pricey side of the construction spectrum, building this type of ADU is great for elderly family members and growing families. This way, the increase in property value from the new space will help pay for the investment alone.

Building a Granny Flat vs. Buying a Larger Home

Whether the home you live in currently was your first starter home or is just too small to fit your lifestyle, it is natural for families to outgrow the space that they live in. Because of this, families tend to upgrade in home size to fit the demands of new babies and eventually teenagers. That said, going through the process of moving is stressful no matter which way you look at it. After having lenders assess what you can “afford” based on your monthly income, credit score, and current debt ratio, you’ll be left with a home loan that somewhat fits your budget. However, most people don’t take into account that a larger home comes with larger expenses all around. On the other hand, moving all your belongings, getting to know new neighbors, and settling into a new part of town is never an easy task. So, rest assured that no matter the reason you need an increase in square footage in your home, there are better options out there.

Accessory dwelling units are a great way to add square footage for a growing family without having to go through the hassle of purchasing an entirely new home.  With the right building team, construction can take place on your property without disturbing your everyday life. You can also customize an accessory dwelling unit to fit your specific needs. For instance, you may want to leave out a washer and dryer, since the occupant is family and therefore will be sharing the laundry with the primary residence. You may also build a granny flat with a small kitchenette, but only incorporate a small fridge and no stove.

From a financial standpoint, a granny flat is a viable option for a homeowner who needs extra space for their teenagers. It can be used to house them until they eventually go off to college and find a place of their own. Then, with minimal updates, the granny flat can be rented out as a way to help pay for the expense of college. Whatever the needs of your family are, implementing a granny flat into your property can be a much better option that simply upgrading to a larger home.

Wrapping Up

Granny flats in San Diego have been popping up at a steady pace since recent legislation passed involving more lenient requirements for building. Due to the decrease in affordable housing, many San Diegans have chosen to rent them out as a way to earn extra income in the time of increasing rent prices. Therefore, accessory dwelling units are perhaps one of the least common yet best wealth building investments that most people shy away from. The granny flat is a tried and true way to adjust to an increasing family size or to house elderly family members who can no longer live on their own. Whether you choose to rent it out or build it to fit the needs of your dynamic family, the ADU is a viable option.

If you’ve ever thought about building a granny flat, now is the time to do it. California granny flat law and city regulations in San Diego are making it easier and cheaper than ever before to add more space to your property by building a granny flat.

Although the laws are more flexible now, many homeowners panic when it’s time to do a home improvement project or add another structure to their property. The idea of navigating all of the rules and regulations can seem overwhelming. There are so many of them, and most aren’t written in the clearest language. It’s enough to make you want to give up on the idea of building one of the many granny flats in San Diego. However, you don’t have to give up on this home improvement goal – and you also don’t have to navigate the process alone.

The Remodel Works team has created an article to guide you through the city regulations in San Diego and the zoning laws in California to help you stay in compliance with them as you build. Not only will we walk you through the rules and regulations that govern building a granny flat, we’ll also tell you more about this type of structure, why you may want to add one to your property, and what to expect from the building process.

The Burning Question – What Is A Granny Flat?

As this type of housing grows in popularity, more people are throwing around the term “granny flat.” If you’re unsure what it means, you aren’t alone. The name can be a little misleading because it’s not just a dwelling for grandparents. Everyone from live-in nannies, to adult children, can live in these homes. Many property owners even turn granny flats into rental properties, providing the city with more affordable housing.

Granny flat isn’t the only term for this type of structure. You may also hear people call them accessory dwelling units (ADU), accessory apartments, carriage units, in-law suites, mother-in-law units, companion units, or granny pods. The first two terms are common in the building industry and the law, while the rest of them tend to be used by the general public.

All of these dwellings fit the following definition – a separate living area that is designed for one or two residents. They can also be classified as tiny homes. However, the similarities end there. There is a great deal of variation among accessory dwelling units.

For example, some of these structures are above the garage or attached to the primary single-family residence in some other way, while others are separate accessory buildings. The unit’s design, and amenities are also just as unique as the people who live in these residences. One granny flat may simply be a smaller version of the primary residence – complete with a full kitchen. However, another accessory unit may be more simple and modest with just a mini-fridge and a microwave.

Why are Granny Flats Becoming More Popular?

If you live in California, you know that there is a huge demand for affordable housing. You also know that a housing shortage has caused the price of rent and the cost of owning a home are sky-high. California’s median home price last year was a whopping $490,000, which is twice the national average. This might explain why homeownership is at a 70-year low among Californians.

There’s a good reason for all of this. The state’s population is growing rapidly. Over the last decade, 80,000 homes have been built each year. It might sound impressive, but builders would need to construct 100,000 more homes a year to keep up with California’s projected population growth.

Many homeowners see granny flats as the solution to the California housing crisis. These structures are versatile, which allows property owners to rent them to earn extra income each month. These modular homes are also ideal solutions for intergenerational housing. A young family can live in the primary residence and the grandparents can live in the accessory dwelling unit. It also works for young adults and college graduates who need to move back home for a while, but also need their own living quarters and privacy.

Why Build a Granny Flat?

People decide to build accessory dwelling units for many reasons, which is why granny flats are popping up all over the city of San Diego. Due to their versatility and popularity, a granny flat can make your home more appealing and do a lot to increase its resale value. Even if you aren’t looking to sell your home in the near future, you can realize many other benefits of building a granny flat right now.

The biggest and most obvious advantage is that it creates more living space on your property. You can rent this dwelling to give you a second income, which can help you cover your house payment and other expenses. You’ll just want to make sure that the laws in your city and county don’t prevent you from renting your granny flat. In San Diego, you can legally rent your accessory dwelling unit as long as it has a full kitchen.

You can also allow aging relatives or other family members to move in, creating a multigenerational family living arrangement. Although these family members may not be paying rent, there are still many benefits to this arrangement. For aging relatives, a granny flat can be more cost-effective than moving them to an assisted living facility. It can also help the family stay close and give the grandparents the social interaction they need to stay happy and healthy and provide long-term care. Moving family into a granny flat can also be a more affordable way to help with childcare than hiring a nanny.

What Are Granny Flat Regulations in San Diego?

If you’re thinking about building a granny flat, you’re in luck. Recent changes in California state laws have led to changes in San Diego’s granny flat regulations and zoning codes. Now, it’s easier and cheaper than ever before for san diegans to add an accessory dwelling units to single-family homes.

California law limits the ability of a local government or city council to regulate granny flats. Previously, each city and county had its own ordinances that covered everything from off-street parking, to the maximum size of an accessory dwelling unit. These rules often prevented homeowners from building granny flats. Now, cities and counties can only enact an ordinance to govern the building and permitting of granny flats if it is less strict than state law.

While San Diego zoning and building regulations regarding granny flats are online, they can be difficult to understand. To simplify things, here are some highlights that you should be aware of before you start planning to build a granny flat, or a companion unit, as it’s called in the San Diego Municipal Code.

Renting and Selling a Granny Flat

Homeowners are not allowed to sell or convey a granny flat separately from the primary residence. This means that you can’t build an accessory dwelling unit and then decide to sell it as a separate residence later. Your home and your granny flat must be sold at the same time.

Although selling an accessory dwelling unit isn’t allowed, you can rent one in San Diego. Just make sure that it has a full kitchen. This doesn’t mean that it has to be a fancy kitchen, it just needs to have more than a mini-fridge. For the most part, cities have implemented regulations against using these accessory dwellings as short-term rentals. To prevent these units from being used as short-term vacation rentals, homeowners are required to rent the unit attached to their single-family dwelling for a minimum of 30 days.

Maximum Size of a Granny Flat

Before this change in the law, the size of a granny flat could only be 30% of the primary residence. Now you can add more square footage to your lot as this percentage has been increased to 50%. However, the size of the granny flat living space cannot exceed 1200 square feet.

Converting an Existing Structure

It may be less expensive to convert an existing building like a garage into an accessory dwelling unit. Under San Diego regulations, a homeowner can maintain the existing setbacks as long as they are in compliance with the California Building Code and California Fire Code. The structure must be compliant at the time of conversion.

Complying with Parking Regulations

Under the old laws, the number of parking spaces was a big deal. In fact, not having enough parking could prevent you from building a granny flat on your property. San Diego County and the state of California only require that there is one parking space for each accessory dwelling unit or bedroom, so no need to worry about another two-car garage.

San Diego also makes certain exceptions that make this law even more relaxed. If an accessory dwelling unit meets certain requirements, it can be exempt from the minimum parking requirements. This includes granny flats that are 500 square feet or less, in a historical resource area, located in a transit area, or already part of the primary residence.

Connecting Utilities

The issue of connecting utilities for an accessory dwelling unit was once an issue, but the new laws change all of that. Granny flats that are part of an existing structure are not considered a new residence when it comes to calculating connection fees and capacity charges. However, local governments can charge for separate utility connections for units that are separate from an existing structure. These charges must not exceed the burden that the dwelling will put on the water and sewer systems.

The Application Process

When a property owner submits an application to build an accessory dwelling unit, the city of San Diego must approve or deny it within 120 days. The goal of this rule is to speed up the approval process for homeowners.

This review involves looking at specific criteria to make sure that the granny flat will conform to the applicable laws and regulations. The government employees can only deny an application if the accessory dwelling unit would not comply with the law.

These New Laws Have Limits

The changes in California law and San Diego regulations apply to planning and zoning, but not to building codes. Planning and zoning refers to how an owner can use the property, while building codes regulate construction and safety. Before you begin building a granny flat, you will want to make sure that your project is in compliance with all of these laws and regulations.

What to Know About Building a Granny Flat

Before you start the process of designing and building a granny flat, it’s important to know what is involved in the process, including the time and cost to construct one. Although no project is exactly the same, building an accessory dwelling unit costs an average of $250 per square foot. This is the equivalent of $125,000 for a 500 square foot granny flat.

As for how long the project will take, this varies a bit more. Many factors can influence the length of a granny flat build, including the weather, permitting, and how involved the project is. A large accessory dwelling unit with an elaborate design will take longer than a smaller and simpler granny flat.

In addition to thinking about the applicable regulations and the time and cost investment, you’ll also want to consider several things before you build your accessory dwelling unit:

• Where will you build the granny flat? For example, will you be adding onto your home, building above your garage, or building a new structure in the backyard?
• Do you have all of the right permits? Not having the appropriate building permit and approval to build can cause problems later down the road.
• What are your financing options? Most homeowners don’t have the extra cash to cover the entire cost of building a granny flat, so consider looking into financing options.
•  What are your wants and needs? Be sure to consider your goals for the project and design preferences.
• Who will you work with? Professionals with experience building granny flats in San Diego can make the building process simple and seamless. Remodel Works has been helping homeowners improve and expand their homes for three decades.

With this information and insight from the Remodel Works team, you can stay in compliance with granny flat regulations in San Diego while adding more living space to your property.

For more information about granny flats, check out our articles on zoning laws in California and what is a granny flat?

Most of us would love to have more living space in our homes, but there’s a lot to think about before you decide to add a home extension or build a granny flat. Not only do you need to think about the size of your property and how much you have to spend on the project, you need to think about what type of home extension will work for your lifestyle and unique situation.

You also need to consider the legal and regulatory aspects of adding onto your home. Although California recently implemented laws that make building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) easier and more affordable, there’s still a lot to learn about California granny flat law.

Our team is here to guide you through zoning laws in California to help you stay in compliance with every zoning ordinance as you add space and value to your home. We’ll also help you gain a better understanding of what a granny flat is and the many advantages of adding one to your property. By the time you finish this article, you’ll be an expert on the subject – and ready to tackle this home improvement project with help from experienced contractors.

Answering the Big Question – What Is A Granny Flat?

Anyone who lives in California knows that the demand for housing is growing. 80,000 homes have been built each year during the last decade, but that’s still 100,000 a year too few to keep up with the state’s population growth. The result is sky-high rent and housing prices. The median home price in California last year was nearly $500,000, which is double the national average. It’s no wonder that homeownership is at a 70-year low in the state.

All of these factors have led to the rise of granny flats among homeowners who are looking to rent space on their properties for extra income. They are also popular for families who want to move grandparents or other family members into their properties to save money. They can even provide extra space for a home-based business.

Although granny flats are popular housing arrangements for grandparents, anyone can live in these homes. For this reason, there are many other terms to describe a granny flat, including an accessory apartment, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), an in-law apartment, a mother-in-law unit, a granny pod and a carriage unit.

The basic definition of a granny flat is a separate living area that can comfortably house one or two people. Most of these flats fit into the tiny house category. They can be attached to the primary home or separate for added privacy, which is ideal for rental properties.

The size and general plan of each granny flat vary, as do the amenities. Some homeowners may build a dwelling that truly is a miniature version of the main home. Others may have limited space or funds, so they may opt for a smaller and more-basic setup. Either way, most granny flats are smaller than the majority of homes, so people who are coming from a larger living space will need to do some downsizing before they move in.

The Benefits of a Granny Flat

With housing prices on the rise and more families embracing multigenerational housing, granny flats in San Diego County are growing in popularity. Many realtors say that a granny flat is a wonderful selling point for a home – and there’s a good reason why homeowners love them. Let’s explore some of the benefits of adding one of these structures to your property.

The Benefits of Adding a Granny Flat

Adding a granny flat to your home can create more living space and many new possibilities. What you do with this extra space is entirely up to you, but two of the most popular options include renting the flat for extra income and moving in grandparents or extended family.

Because housing and living expenses in California are not cheap, many people are looking for ways to earn extra cash. By renting a granny flat to tenants, you can earn a regular income. Many people count on these monthly rent checks to cover their living expenses or house payment. However, before you become a granny flat landlord, it’s important to review laws and deed restrictions for any bans on renting such a dwelling.

The financial benefits of adding a granny flat continue if and when you decide to sell your home. Adding a granny flat to your property adds extra space to your home and boosts its resale value.

A granny flat can also provide a safe and comfortable place for grandparents or other family members to live. Homeowners with aging parents can move them into the granny flat to keep an eye on them instead of incurring the cost of moving them into a nursing home or assisted living community. These flats can also be great for young adults who need to move back home after college. They can have privacy and their own space as they gain financial stability.

Building a granny flat can also help parents who need childcare, but cannot afford a live-in nanny. Grandparents or another family member can move into the dwelling and help care for the children when the homeowner needs some help.

This arrangement not only helps the parents with childcare, it is also beneficial for the grandparents and grandchildren. Social connections enhance the mental and physical health of seniors – and grandparents love to spend time with their grandchildren. Moving into a granny flat on the property allows grandparents to be in close proximity to the people they love and experience all of these benefits.

A Look at the New California Granny Flat Laws

Until recently, it could be quite challenging to add a granny flat to your property in California. Homeowners had to contend with strict regulations that varied widely from city to city. However, the state realized the severity of its housing crisis and the role that granny flats could play in solving it, so it enacted some new legislation about a year and a half ago. It is now easier than ever before to build an accessory dwelling unit.

The laws define what the state considers to be an accessory dwelling unit versus short-term rentals. In the past, many terms were used to describe these buildings. According to the state of California, an accessory dwelling unit is “an attached or detached residential dwelling unit, which provides completely independent living facilities for one or more persons. It includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family dwelling is situated.” This definition also covers efficiency units and manufactured homes.

Even more important than the definition, these comprehensive new laws limit the ability of local governments to regulate granny flats. In the past, local ordinances included standards about setbacks, off-street parking, lot coverage, zones and construction that often served as barriers to the construction of granny flats.

The law doesn’t forbid local governments from enacting a specific ordinance to govern the building and permitting of granny flats, but local governments cannot have stricter requirements than those imposed by state law. This basically means that state law is now king when it comes to California granny flat law. So, let’s take a look at what the laws say.

Application Approval Process

Only the property owner can submit an application to build a granny flat. If you submit an application to construct a granny flat, it must be approved or denied within 120 days of its receipt. The review can only be ministerial, which means that the public agency can only deny an application if it doesn’t comply with the applicable laws and regulations.

Permitted Size of the Unit

The laws increased the maximum, permitted size of an accessory dwelling unit. In the past, a granny flat’s size could only be 30% of the existing living area. It can now be 50% of the existing living area, but not to exceed 1200 square ft.

All accessory dwelling units must still be consistent with existing zoning laws and the general plans that regulate the density of lot development. As a result, it is important to check with the zoning regulations and laws in your city to make sure that you are in compliance with them before you invest time and money into building a granny flat on your property.

Parking Regulations

The number of parking spaces could once make or break whether you could build a granny flat on your property. However, the new laws change that by only requiring one space per accessory dwelling unit or bedroom. The requirement for off-street parking can be met by tandem parking or setback spaces. The only exception is if the parking interferes with fire or safety regulations.

The laws also state that local agencies cannot impose parking rules for certain granny flats. These include those that are within a half-mile of public transit, in a historic district, part of the existing primary residence, in an area that requires permit parking, or located within a block of a car share area.

Grandfathering Existing Structures

Homeowners who built a granny flat before the new laws were passed can still get their unit approved, as long as it meets certain requirements. First of all, the structure must be within the existing space of a single-family residence or accessory structure. Secondly, the property must be zoned for single-family residential use. Thirdly, the dwelling must have exterior access that is separate from the existing residence. Finally, the building must have sufficient side and rear setbacks for fire safety.

Utility Connections

When an accessory dwelling unit is within an existing structure, it should not be considered a new residence for purposes of calculating connection fees or capacity charges. If it is not within an existing structure, the local government can require separate utility connections. However, the charges must be proportionate to the burden of the dwelling on the water and sewer systems.

The Limits of the New Laws

These new laws govern planning and zoning issues, but they don’t address building codes. Many people don’t realize that these are two very different things. Planning and zoning regulate how owners can use land and property, while building regulates construction and code compliance for home improvement and additions.

Getting Help to Build a Granny Flat

Preparing to undertake any home improvement project can be overwhelming, especially when it involves adding another structure to your single-family home. However, you don’t have to – and you shouldn’t – do it alone. A team of professionals with experience building granny flats in California can help make the process a breeze.

Remodel Works is a building company based in San Diego. We use our three decades of knowledge and experience to create a meticulous plan that will set your building project up for success. We consider every detail of a project, starting with the initial idea through construction.

We know that our customers have better things to do than wonder when their home improvement project is going to be finished, so our contractors will keep you informed through every step of the process. We know that your time and money are precious, so we are committed to staying on schedule and within the agreed-upon budget.

Our customers love that we have been in California for decades, so we understand the ins and outs of the state’s granny flat laws. You can rest easy knowing that your project will be in compliance with the law and you won’t have to worry about problems later. You can also feel confident that we build structures that are designed to last. We want you and your family to enjoy our work for years to come.

Now that you understand zoning laws in California, you are armed with the knowledge you need to take the first steps to build a granny flat.

For more information about granny flats, check out our articles on what is a granny flat and granny flat regulations in San Diego.

You aren’t alone if you’re asking yourself the question, “What is a granny flat?” With the demand for housing growing around the United States – and especially in California – more people are talking about adding a granny flat to their home as a way to expand their living space and make room for extended family or renters. This type of secondary dwelling gets its name because it is a popular way for families to house and care for aging family members like grandparents. However, anyone can live in this type of dwelling.

There is a lot to learn and consider before you add a granny flat to your home. It’s important to know what this type of dwelling can offer and how it can work for you. It’s even more critical that you understand cost factors and permitting issues when you are considering building a granny flat.

To help you decide if adding a granny flat to your home is right for you, we are discussing what a granny flat is and the amenities one can include as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this type of dwelling for homeowners. We’re also reviewing California granny flat law to help you understand permitting and how a company like Remodel Works can help you avoid the dangers of working with an unqualified general contractor on this type of home improvement project.

What Is A Granny Flat?

A granny flat is a self-contained living area located on the property of a single-family home. It is designed for one or two people. Although some granny flats can be 1,200 square feet, many of these structures can be classified as tiny houses due to their size. Such a flat can be attached to the home, which is perfect for smaller properties and homeowners who want easy access between the home and the granny flat. This type of building can also be detached from the primary dwelling for more privacy.

The amenities in a granny flat vary depending on the preferences of the homeowner and the size. For example, some granny flats are simply smaller versions of a full-sized home. Others may have a more-simple setup that includes a mini-fridge and a microwave on a countertop instead of a full kitchen. Regardless of the amenities, most granny flats are smaller than the typical home, so family members who move into them will need to downsize.

The building industry often calls a granny flat an accessory apartment or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). People outside of the industry might refer to this type of home as a mother-in-law unit, an in-law apartment, a carriage unit, or a granny pod, or any other popular name.

As more families are embracing multigenerational housing and the Baby Boomers are continuing to age, granny flats in San Diego and around the country are becoming more prevalent. In fact, many realtors and builders have said that having one of these accessory dwelling units is an excellent selling point for a home.

Although some homeowners use granny flats as rental units to earn additional income, not every city allows this. As a result, it is important to check the zoning laws in California and review any deed restrictions to make sure that there is nothing that bans renting a granny flat.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Granny Flat

As with all things in life, granny flats have their advantages and disadvantages. Deciding if one is a good fit for you and your home will involve weighing these pros and cons. To help make your decision a little easier, we’ve compiled some of the most common advantages and disadvantages of adding one of these dwellings to your property.

Advantages of Adding a Granny Flat

One of the advantages of adding a granny flat is the resale value that the additional space adds to your home. Again, with an aging population and an interest in intergenerational living situations, granny flats are growing in popularity among home buyers. Having such a dwelling can make your home more desirable and valuable.

Families who build a granny flat to house aging family members often find there are many benefits for everyone in the family. Research shows that seniors have better mental and physical health when they have social contacts, which living in a granny flat near a younger family can provide. Living in close proximity to aging family members also allows homeowners to monitor their health and wellness. Another benefit of a granny flat for grandparents is that they are able to spend more time with their grandchildren.

Having another person living on the property, regardless of whether or not they are family, can provide some other advantages. For example, having another tenant on the property can provide more security, especially if the granny flat is facing the side or back of the lot. Additionally, tenants may share amenities and chores with each other. This may mean that tenants can split childcare and home maintenance tasks. If your city allows you to rent a granny flat, the additional income is another bonus of adding this type of building to your property.

Disadvantages of Adding a Granny Flat

Although adding a granny flat to a property comes with many wonderful benefits, it also has some disadvantages. One of the biggest issues for homeowners is the cost of constructing such a dwelling. New construction comes with certain costs. From the costs that come to mind first like supplies and labor, to the ones that are less obvious like connecting utilities and permits, it can be an expensive endeavor in some situations.

Another disadvantage of constructing a granny flat are the regulatory and legal barriers. Before you begin building, you need to consider the local laws, zoning regulations, building restrictions, and deed restrictions. These rules and regulations may limit or prevent you from building a granny flat on your property. However, California recently made it easier to build granny flats.

Some homeowners may decide to ignore or work around any regulations by converting a garage or some other structure on the property, without getting approval first. We do not recommend trying to ignore or circumvent the law because it turn out to be a costly mistake.

A Look at California Granny Flat Law

It’s no secret that California is experiencing a major housing shortage. Over the past ten years, the state has seen 80,000 homes built each year. However, that’s 100,000 homes less than what is needed to keep up with the projected population growth through 2025.

This is one of the reasons why the cost of living in California is so high. In fact, the median home value in California in 2017 was about $490,000, which is more than twice the national average. As a result, homeownership in California is at a 70-year low.

With more Californians moving in together to share a room or a home, more people have been choosing to add an accessory unit such as a granny flat to their main residence. While some of these people are families looking to save money by living on the same property, others are people who are renting properties. Luckily, California law has recently changed to accommodate more of these types of dwellings and support more affordable housing.

In September 2016, California revoked all city-level ordinances for granny flats. This included everything from parking restrictions, to requirements for fire sprinklers. In its place, lawmakers established a much more lenient criteria for approving a granny flat. This has made it easier and less expensive to build granny flats throughout the state of California.

Under California granny flat law, water and sewer agencies cannot charge hookup fees for structures built within an existing structure or an existing detached unit on the same lot. The granny flat also does not need its own electrical hookup from a utility provider. These changes in the law remove some of the financial obstacles of adding a granny flat.

The law also states that local agencies are not permitted to impose parking rules for certain granny flats. These include those within a half-mile of public transit or that are part of the existing primary residence. This means that city officials cannot tell a homeowner in these situations that they cannot add a granny flat to their property due to lack of street parking.

To help expedite the process of building a granny flat, California law states that cities must approve granny flat applications within 90 days. Additionally, a city can only deny an application for a granny flat if the project will not comply with the law.

Granny Flat Building Tips

Many homeowners are a bit overwhelmed when they make the decision to build a granny flat on their property. However, with the right team of granny flat builders and proper guidance, the process can be seamless and stress-free.

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to think they’re saving money by hiring a general contractor who provides a low estimate or trying to build a granny flat themselves. The people who try to build on their own often find themselves overwhelmed and over-budget on their building project. As for those who partner with a general contractor who promises to build it for less, they often find the arrangement to be lacking. For your project, you want a company that understands granny flat construction projects and knows how to build a high-quality structure.

Before selecting a granny flat builder, you should ask a few important questions.

•         Ask the company if they are licensed and request to see their license number. Working with a licensed company is important for projects – both big and small.
•         Request a list of references and completed projects. If you ask, you may even be able to walk through a completed granny flat project to assess the quality.
•         Review the company’s website to make sure it is professional and helpful. A professional website suggests that a company will be professional in other ways.
•         Receive a quote and find out what is included. Some companies may only quote the price for basics and leave out certain services to make their quote look cheaper than the competitors. Make sure you know what the final price will be for your project.

Design Tips for Inside and Outside

The finishing touches on the granny flat are also very important. On the outside, you may want to create a seamless connection between the main house and the granny flat. You can accomplish this by using similar building materials and adding a path between the two dwellings. You can also add garden areas surrounding the path to enhance the beauty of the outdoor space.

As for the inside, some simple touches and design elements can make the space feel like a home. An L-shaped kitchen can help you make the most of a small space by storing everything you need in one convenient space that is open to the living room. Also consider adding windows on all sides of the floorplan to help fill the space with beautiful natural lighting.

Why Remodel Works?

As a San Diego-based building company, Remodel Works has the experience to make every home project a success. When our team starts any project, we create a meticulous plan that includes all aspects involved in building out your space. From flooring to roofing, we make sure that everything is included, from the initial idea through construction.

For the last three decades, we’ve been helping homeowners remodel and expand their living spaces. When it comes to building home extensions and granny flats, our knowledgeable and diligent contractors handle every step and keep you informed throughout the process. We know that your time and money are precious, so we never waste them.

Because we are based in California, we understand the state’s granny flat laws and regulations. This allows us to make sure that every project stays in compliance, so you don’t experience any legal or regulatory problems later. We also have experience building high-quality dwellings that are built to last.

Using the information in this article and the experience of the Remodel Works team, you can take advantage of the many benefits of adding a granny flat to your property.

For more information about granny flats, check out our articles on the zoning laws in California and granny flat regulations in San Diego.

What is a granny flat? A granny flat or “accessory dwelling unit” is a self-contained unit in addition to the main house. It is typically designed for one or two people to live in with a bed and kitchenette. It can be attached, detached, or in the main house, but is always built on the same lot where the original owner resides. Thus, the granny flat shares a water meter and electric bill with the main home. However, California granny flat law maintains that there can only be one granny flat and one house on the same lot.

Why do people build granny flats? Granny flats are known for being the perfect place for parents or grandparents to live in during retirement. This style of home is the perfect housing to keep grandparents living independently while also being close to the family. On the other hand, they’ve been known as a perfect home for recent graduates and young adults to live as they save for their first home. If you don’t need the extra space as your kids get older, consider the granny flat as a perfect guest house to host family and friends when they come to stay over.

However, over the past years, not enough homes have been built to keep up with the growing population in California, creating a housing crisis and skyrocketed rent prices. In times of increasing rental costs, and high demand for affordable housing, the granny flat can be used to house not only grandma in her elderly years but other friends and family as well.

Though there are many legal requirements to navigate before doing so, another great use for the granny flat is to earn extra income. Having a steady passive income from someone renting out a portion of your property can drastically improve your quality of life and ease the stress of mortgage payments.

Despite the logical reasons for wanting a granny flat addition, most California homeowners know that in the past it has been almost impossible to add a granny flat onto an existing home due to stringent regulations that were put in place during the 80’s. These granny flat regulations intended to preserve public health, safety, and welfare. Laws that required proof of property owners living in one of the properties and could only have a relative living in the second property have since been overturned allowing non-dependent children and relatives to live in the space.

How Has it Changed?

As a result of the housing shortage in California, a series of laws has taken place to make the building of granny flats on single-family residence zoning codes much more lenient. The intent is to ease the stress of high rents for low to middle-income workers in a fast and cost-effective manner.

In January, a state law took place which required cities to ease the current regulations that limit the ability to build granny flats through various steps. These regulations included issues regarding restrictions on parking, fire sprinklers, buffers between property lines, and utility limitations. The new sizing rule increased from a maximum flat size of 700 square feet to the lesser of either half the size of the original home or 1,200 square feet. On the other hand, units called “companion units” or “in-law suites” at a maximum of 500 square feet are now legal to be built in single-family homes on the restriction that they are equipped with a kitchenette. To deter homeowners from renting these dwelling units as short-term vacation rentals, tenants are required to be listed under a 30-day lease minimum. San Diego City Council also unanimously approved legislation to lower the development fees associated with building granny flats in San Diego which, in most cases, previously matched the cost of building the flat in the first place.

Who is Eligible to Build?

Although the state of California has made it significantly easier to adopt an accessory dwelling unit, not every home can provide the framework for an ADU not every homeowner is ready to take on tenants. So who is eligible to build one? Checking with your local governments and city ordinances is a good place to start. Check to see what your city codes are for building an ADU based on criteria such as construction fees and parking requirements. San Diego County currently requires one parking space for an accessory unit, unless the unit is close to mass public transit. Some cities may also find pre-planned and pre-approved floor plans to make the process of constructing a granny flat even more manageable without the hassle of getting every step of the process approved.

Those Looking for an Efficient Way to Earn Extra Income

Rental properties are great investments for homeowners looking for an additional steady income. However, purchasing a rental property, renovating it, filling it with tenants, and managing it can be a pretty difficult task for anyone who hasn’t done it before. To add to that, another property comes with another mortgage to pay down. So, for those looking to try renting out a space in a more straightforward way, building a granny flat is a viable option. Having an ADU on your own property not only provides you with extra cash flow, but it is much easier to manage tenants and maintain the building and amenities when they are located conveniently on your own property. If you are looking to get your toes wet as a landlord, the granny flat is a great place to start.

Homes with Large Side or Backyards

The size of your granny flat is dependant on the size of your yard or whatever space you choose to build the ADU on. However, it is also dependant on how much space you are willing to give up or share. Building an ADU is done much easier on a lot that has a significant amount of space on the side or backyard to where the extra home doesn’t overcrowd the area but is still easily accessible from the main home. According to zoning laws in California, you’ll also need enough room for buffer zones between homes and fences. An excellent place to start is by thinking about what kind of tenants you will be renting to. Does your neighborhood have a vibrant nightlife? If so, you may be renting to young singles who probably won’t need much yard space. On the other hand, if your neighborhood is known for having a great schooling system in a family neighborhood, renting to a small family may require more shared backyard space.

Homes Structured for Success

Certain cities such as San Diego allow garages to be converted into a granny flat which is great for those who do not find themselves needing the extra space that a garage provides. If on-street parking is abundant in your neighborhood, this may be a great option for you. If your garage is an essential part of your everyday life, another option would be to construct a granny flat above your garage. This will grant you your privacy while still utilizing every inch of your home. On the other hand, granny flat regulations in San Diego also allow for porches to be converted into an accessory dwelling units. This is typically done by enclosing the preexisting structure. However, if your home has any pre-construction structural issues, more work may need to be done before enclosing the porch. In this case, constructing an attached external accessory dwelling unit may be more feasible for budget and time allowances.

Attached Internal ADU

An in-home granny flat is made by converting part of your existing home into a separate dwelling unit. This type of property change is converted from within and therefore is less obvious that there is an extra unit within the single-family dwelling when looking from the outside of the property. The internal ADU is often built from an existing basement or attic. Although there are typically no external entryways to this type of ADU, it is the cheapest type to build because they require little materials for construction. And to reduce costs even further, they typically do not require large and expensive appliances that are typically found in other housing units. The perfect candidate for this type of ADU is a close family member, teens who need more privacy, or recent college grads who are saving money to live on their own.

Attached External ADU

An attached granny flat can be less costly than a detached granny flat because it utilizes an already existing part of your home which cuts down on costs in the construction phase. However, you’ll still need to provide an entrance to the flat that is separate from the primary residence to ensure that guests and tenants can come and go without disturbing those who live in the main house. Although rare, an attached ADU can be more on the costly side since you may have to do structural changes to the original home in order to support a second structure. When building this type of attached structure, you should consider who will be living in it as they will be in very close proximity to your family home. A good candidate for this property would be independent family members or friends since you’ll likely be sharing entrances and spaces with them.

Detached ADU

The detached ADU provides additional habitable space that must be set on a foundation, which eliminates the ability to use an RV or mobile home for the space. These are used primarily to provide the least amount of disturbance to those in the main house. Because the unit and main entrance are entirely detached from the original home on the property, they are best suited for dwellers who want to remain independent. The ideal candidates would be family members who need their own space or tenants who want to keep their privacy from landlords. Detached units must have a kitchenette and bathroom for renters, which brings the building cost per square foot up significantly. However, more amenities can mean higher price points when discussing rent projections. You will need to keep in mind that the detached unit also requires the most space in the back or side yard of your home.

Can a Granny Flat Boost the Value of a Home?

As we have mentioned before, the granny flat or “ADU” can be a very cost-effective way to house elderly family members or students while remaining independent. On the other hand, they can also be a great way to earn extra income by turning it into a rental property. But what does constructing a granny flat do to the value of your home when it comes time to put it on the market? Does the presence of a granny flat increase marketability? The answer is yes. If the granny flat is built properly, doesn’t miss any steps when getting a building permit and abides by the rules and regulations of construction, it can be a great asset to increasing the value of your home.

For this reason, it is incredibly important to have a professional take control throughout the whole process. Depending on what type of flat you choose, a granny flat can increase the value of a home by up to 60 percent. So before you build, it is a good idea to get advice from a professional to make sure that you’re building cost effectively. Another thing to keep in mind is the location of your home. Will the new owners be renting it out the same way you did? Will they use it as a haven for their older children? Is there a college nearby that might provide an abundance of student rental demand?

Wrapping Up

Overall, the much sought after granny flat addition has been made much more accessible through the change in regulations throughout California. The decrease in fees and regulations has brought about a spur of Californians to construct ADUs on their properties as a place for their loved ones and even to try their hand at landlordship to diversify their income.

There’s no denying the results of a solid open floor plan kitchen remodel – maximized space, better functionality and design, and modernized aesthetic.

But what all goes into the process? If you’re moving forward with a remodel, what do you need to know? Here’s what to expect during an open floor plan kitchen remodel.

What to Expect During the Planning Process

Planning is a pivotal phase of going through an open floor plan kitchen remodel. During the planning phase is when you seek out design inspiration, decide what you like and don’t like, and take a serious look at your space to determine exactly what could work for you. Here are key considerations and steps to take during the planning process.

Envision Your Dream Kitchen

The great thing about planning a kitchen remodel in today’s day and age is that there are seemingly limitless design and aesthetic options for you to choose from. Especially with inspiration easily found through platforms like Pinterest and even our own gallery, there’s no shortage of sources to look up that will help you envision your dream kitchen.

So, during the planning process, take the time to use these resources and reflect on any and everything you could want for your dream open kitchen remodel. Save pictures in an “idea” folder or Pinterest board, where you store pictures and architectural details that appeal to you.

In addition, start by creating a detailed wishlist that takes into account your goals for remodeling. Do you want more space? More storage? A distinct style? A fluid, functional design? Organize your wish list by priority, to help make sure you focus on the elements that are truly important to you (this will especially help in the budget planning phase!)

For open concept kitchen design inspiration, see our blog post, Open Concept Kitchen Design Ideas.

Get Personal

Now that you’ve saved pictures that appeal to you and thought about your dream wishlist, it’s time to get real and personal. As important as visual inspiration is, it’s crucial to ground your remodel in functionality. Take some time to think about the usability of your kitchen. For example: how many chefs usually work in your kitchen? More than one? What’s your cooking style – more formal or laid back? Is your kitchen mostly for “work,” or does it take on a more social quality? How much do you enjoy (or not enjoy) cleaning?

Go Big (or Go Home)

Going through the process of a kitchen remodel is the ideal time to expand. Luckily, there are several ways to do it!

A great way to enlarge your open concept kitchen even more is by “stealing space” from other rooms during the remodel. “By repurposing square footage from an adjacent hallway or a no-longer-needed chimney, closet, or porch, you can expand your kitchen at perhaps half the per-square-foot costs of an addition”.

If you want to go the extra mile in your remodel, you can also consider adding a bump out and actually building your house to make your open concept space even bigger. If you were ever considering an addition, now is the time to do it!

Budget

Another key aspect of the planning phase is setting a budget. Doing this very early in the process will help prevent stress and frustration later on.

Take a realistic look at your available budget. A great rule of thumb is to “cap your kitchen renovation budget at 15% of your home’s value. For budgeting purposes, figure about 30% on cabinets; 14% on appliances; 10% on countertops; 5% on lighting; 4% on plumbing fixtures; 2% to 3% on paint; 1% to 2% on tiles, and 35% on construction costs, such as windows, flooring, and labor”.

One of the surest ways to shave costs and work cost-effectively in your remodel is to do more with what you’ve got. Envision your ideal layout for storage and appliances – how much of that is a departure from your current structure, and what is the same?

Working with a Professional

Despite the added cost, working with a professional can save a lot of time and headache during the process of an open concept kitchen remodel. Here’s what to expect if you are debating working with a professional designer.
Working With Designers in Your Remodel

Since your project will only be as good as its design, we recommend choosing to partner with a designer to create the open concept kitchen of your dreams. Expect to pay 3 to 10 % of your project budget on for design.

Another consideration for working with a designer: if you are considering re-selling your home at any time in the future. The design and structure of your kitchen remodel will significantly impact the resale value of your home, should that be your end goal, working with a professional will ensure you get maximum value.

To sum up, we highly recommend working with a professional designer for your kitchen remodel – and almost every other person in this industry will recommend the same!

What to Expect During the Remodel

An open concept floor plan, specifically an open concept kitchen remodel, is an investment in both money and time. Here’s what you can expect during the actual remodeling process.

Working with Contractors

One of the biggest components of your remodel will be the contractors and team who actually work to complete it.

Doing serious research on your contractor ahead of time will help give you the confidence during the remodel process to let them fully dive into their work. A great way to ensure this confidence from the start is researching your desired contractor’s reputation, and maybe even visiting one of their current jobs in progress. And speaking of reputation, even though you may want to get your remodel done as soon as possible, remember that the best contractors are worth waiting for. Build your schedule around the general contractor of your dreams, not vice versa.

During the process of your model, let the professionals do their work – after all, this is what you hired them for. Do your best to stay out of the way, and provide refreshments when needed. Respect on both sides will keep the work environment as enjoyable as possible.

Time

Perhaps one of the biggest expectations to set for yourself in the remodel process is that it will almost always take longer than you think. Even if the remodel goes almost exactly according to plan, setting an expectation up front that it will take longer than you expected will keep you from getting unnecessarily stressed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid<

In a perfect world, demolition starts on time, deliveries arrive on schedule, installation takes place without a hitch, and cleanup is quick and easy. Chances are, your remodel will have a hiccup or two, but you can ensure things go as smoothly as possible by avoiding these common mistakes.

Do NOT try to be your own contractor.  A kitchen remodel is one of the most costly, complicated, and time-consuming projects imaginable, and the input of qualified professionals is not only valuable, in most parts of the country it’s mandated by law. Ideally, you did the heavy lifting during the research phase and can sit back and let the team do the job you hired them to do.
Do NOT pay in advance. The rule of thumb here is to never pay more than 30 percent of the total job cost up front (typically to cover startup materials). Then work out a schedule of progress payments based on the completion of predetermined phases of the job. You never know what may come up that will affect the original quote: the materials you originally chose may run out of stock so you have to choose something else. Or, you may end up not wanting to install the trim you originally picked out. The point is: the original quote may not end up being the final cost, so paying it 100% up front is almost always a mistake.

Do NOT get distracted by trends. It’s so important to stay true to your original wishlist and priorities. Don’t get distracted by the “latest and greatest” and risk spending money on something you’ll regret down the line. Reordering, reconfiguring, changing your mind over and over —it all leads to delay, tapped-out budgets, and exasperated contractor teams.

Do NOT ignore what you can’t see. Yes, it’s fun to focus on your new quartz countertops, distressed cabinet panels or marble floors, but don’t forget to pay attention to the elements you can’t see. If the sides and hardware aren’t assembled efficiently, the doors will be crooked in no time. Don’t be seduced by surfaces: It’s what’s behind the walls and under the floors that really counts.

What to Expect After the Remodel

Congratulations! You made it through your open concept kitchen remodel. Now that you’ve gone through the process, here are a few things you can expect.

Open Flow

After your remodel is complete, your new kitchen layout will be much more open and flows directly into your family room and/or dining room, making the space perfect for the way so many of us entertain today. You will experience a much more efficient and functional flow of traffic and activity in your home after opening up a kitchen to a dining room. 

As a result, you can probably also expect more bodies in these open, easy to use rooms and passageways. Everyone is going to want to hang out in your open concept kitchen now that there is lots of new space to navigate.  

Influx of Light

Another adjustment you can expect after your open concept kitchen remodel is an influx of natural light into your home, perhaps into spaces where you’re not used to having any natural light. Opening walls up in your new kitchen will brighten the entire space. There are also significant health benefits that come from exposure to natural light. Research has proven that “natural lighting helps people be more productive, happier, healthier and calmer. Natural light has also proven to regulate some disorders including Seasonal Affective Disorder”. So you may begin to experience those health benefits as well!

Social Gatherings

Another pro of an open floor plan? The influx of friends and family members who will want to come over and see your new space! Open concept kitchens are notoriously great for entertaining, and you can certainly expect to be the “host with the most” with your new kitchen.

Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of what to expect during an open concept kitchen remodel: before, during, and after the process. As you can see, like any good thing, a proper remodel takes a lot of planning, time and energy, but the end result will be well worth the wait!

Open floor plans have become incredibly sought after in recent years. Especially with the rise in popularity of home improvement and remodeling TV shows that demonstrate what a change they can make in a home, open floor plans are a common request from homeowners. Before moving forward with implementing an open floor plan in your own home, here are the pros and cons that you should consider.

What is an Open Floor Plan?

Before discussing advantages or disadvantages, it’s helpful to have an understanding of what exactly an open floor plan is.

An open concept floor plan in a home is generally defined as the elimination of barriers such as walls and doors that traditionally separated distinct functional areas, such as kitchen, living room, and dining room. A house with an open floor plan will not have any walls or partial walls in the common spaces; rather heavy-duty beams carrying the weight.

Open floor plans are visually and aesthetically more “open, ” and often promote a seamless flow of common areas, with multiple rooms being combined into a single living space. These floor plans work extremely well in homes with less square footage.

History of Open Floor Plans

The open floor plan is a relatively new concept in residential home design.

Homes up until the 1940s and 1950s employed designs where a room had its own unique function: the kitchen would be a separate room, the dining room would be a separate room, and so on. Even if the divisions between rooms were only partial ( three-quarters of a wall), this was common practice. The mindset was that “the more rooms a house had, the more attractive, compartmentalized, and functional it was”.

But, after World War II, it became possible for ordinary homeowners to have houses with open floor plans, due to social and technological advances.  Open floor plans became seen as a more convenient, social option. This is also because cooking had evolved to become a social function: Mom was no longer the one always preparing the meals, and the open floor plan facilitated social interaction amongst families.

In addition, improvements in structural materials made open floor plans easier to create. “Stronger and more compact structural beams, such as the micro-laminated beam, made it easier to create open floor plans”.

Over time, designers and homeowners alike began to realize that homes with open floor plan designs could fit more
usable living space into the same amount of square footage. Today, open floor plans are more common than ever. “Cellularized,” separated rooms are seen as more “retro” and are making a design resurgence for that reason, even though they were once considered the norm!

Common Uses of Open Floor Plans

The most common use of the open floor plan is the “great room,” which combines the kitchen, dining room, and living room in one shared space. This arrangement is particularly popular because it helps the living room get more use and the kitchen gain some much-needed extra space – two of the rooms where families naturally spend more time anyways.

According to The Spruce, here are three other typical open floor plan uses:

• Kitchen/Dining Room: Opening up a kitchen to a dining room. Often a kitchen and dining area share one common space, with a kitchen island design or peninsula serving as a visual dividing line between the two spaces.
• Dining Room/Living Room: A dining area and living room share a common space, with unique touches like stairs, two different paint colors, or a handrail serving as a visual dividing line.
• Kitchen/Dining/Living Rooms: All three areas may be connected.

Advantages of an Open Floor Plan Kitchen

Here are some of the top advantages of installing an open concept kitchen in your home.

Easier Traffic Flow

One of the biggest advantages and effects of installing an open floor plan is a much easier traffic flow between rooms. There’s more space to navigate, no tight corners to avoid, few doorways and doors to open and close… It’s an altogether more seamless, natural experience. Especially if you have a large family or are used to having lots of bodies in your home, and open floor plan will help create a less hectic environment for everyone.

Make Spaces Appear Larger

Open floor plans also offer the significant benefit of making spaces of any size appear larger. This is why open plans are especially good for smaller homes and can make small areas feel much larger than they actually are. If you have a home with lower square footage, an open floor plan in the common areas may be just what you need to open up the space.

Shared Light

Another benefit of opening up your common areas with an open concept floor plan is the influx of light, specifically natural light that you can create in your home. The removal of interior walls allows sunlight from windows in the exterior walls to permeate throughout the home and helps allow more natural light to reach areas of your house that would normally be blocked by walls. Fewer walls means more light.

This also means that by installing an open floor plan with lots of natural light, you can save money on buying lamps and lighting fixtures, and may even be able to decrease electricity used in your home.

Room for Lots of Furniture

If you have a knack for interior design and decoration and enjoy having lots of furniture in your home, an open floor plan may be a great choice for you. With minimal walls, there is plenty of space for additional seating, tables and accents pieces, and few limits on how you can arrange them.

Resale Value

As mentioned earlier, open floor plans are incredibly desirable in today’s housing market. By implementing an open concept in your home, you will inherently increase your home’s resale value. Open floor plans are a trend that is here to stay!

Promotes Social Interaction

The openness that accompanies this floor plan option lends itself extremely well to social interaction and is ideal for a homeowner who likes to host frequent social gatherings. In a house with an open floor plan, you can easily host a large number of guests who can socialize without splitting up into different rooms.

Furthermore, the person cooking or cleaning in the kitchen can converse with people in other rooms very easily.

Family Friendly

In that same vein, open floor plans also are a great choice for families. Great rooms allow parents to cook and do other household duties while their kids play in the same room. That way, kids are never too far out sight, and can easily be kept an eye on from most vantage points in the common areas. For families with young children, this is an especially nice benefit.

Disadvantages of an Open Floor Plan Kitchen

Here are some of the “cons” of open floor plan kitchens that you should consider before moving forward with one in your own home.

More Expensive Climate Control

With a classic, or closed-space floor plan, it is possible to heat some rooms, while leaving others unheated. But with an open floor plan, all rooms share the same heating or cooling system. Since the space is larger and more open, you have more of it to heat or cool, which could lead to higher energy bills.

Expensive to Build

As with any home or kitchen remodel, installing an open floor plan has significant costs. A lot of the costs of an open floor plan remodel have to do with the fact that it is more expensive to purchase and install microlam beams than to install conventional load-bearing walls.

For more information on what exactly you can expect before, during and after an open floor plan remodel, check out our article, What to Expect During an Open Floor Plan Kitchen Remodel.

Lack of Privacy

While open floor plans are great for families since parents can easily keep an eye on kids, this “benefit” alludes to a potential drawback of open floor plans: lack of privacy. Many households “have people contending with different ages and schedules, from babies to teenagers and grandparents or nannies that all live in the same home”. For this reason, closed floor plan homes with separate rooms may work better for families that need more privacy.

Less Sound Control

With fewer walls to block or absorb sound from room to room, open floor plans certainly offer less sound control in common areas. This means that you can expect more noise in common areas if you opt for an open floor plan.

Less Wall Space for Art Work

If you are an art enthusiast and need ample space to display your favorite works you will need wall space, which you will not find as much of in an open floor plan. In addition, depending upon the delicacy or type of art, direct sunlight may damage it. So an open floor plan, which facilitates more natural light, may not be a good choice for you.

More Upkeep Needed

Open floor plans create more openness in homes, but this also means that all common areas of your home are out in the open almost all the time. With an open floor plan, more upkeep (tidying, sweeping, vacuuming, dusting and more) may be necessary, and at a more frequent rate. It’s more difficult to “hide” messes in an adjacent room since there are fewer rooms to go around.

How to Decide if an Open Floor Plan is Right For You

Here are a few key questions that will help you determine if an open floor plan may be a good fit for your family and needs:

• Do you enjoy entertaining or hosting large groups of people?
• Do you enjoy cooking, baking, or spend a lot of time in the kitchen?
• Do you prefer more modern decor?
• Do you have the budget necessary for a home open floor plan renovation?

If the answer to any or all of those questions is “yes,” then an open floor plan may be just what you’re looking for. Conversely, if your answer to any of these questions is yes:

• Do you prefer cozy spaces?
• Is your home life pretty noisy?
• Do you like to hang a lot of art on your walls?

Then you may want to think twice before moving forward with an open floor plan.

But if you do elect to move forward with an open floor plan, you can expect a host of design questions and challenges. We created this in-depth guide to Open Concept Kitchen Design Ideas to help you design the kitchen of your dreams. In it, you can find design inspiration to fit the exact form, functionality and aesthetic you’re looking to create.

Now that you know the pros and cons of open floor plan options, hopefully you will be able to make a more informed decision on whether or not this design trend is right for you.