It is not news that the cost of living is particularly high in the Bay Area. Housing prices are the main culprit
Many of us here have well-paying jobs and view these prices as well worth it for access to the still-robust Silicon Valley job market, stellar NorCal weather and scenery, and cultural attractions of SF and beyond.
But these higher prices are out of reach for many in our community. In reaction, more and more of my clients are worrying about and planning for their aging parents and their young adult children. This is a difficult place to live on a fixed income and an even more difficult place to venture out of the nest to spread your wings.
The solution is an increase in extended families living together.
Enter the backyard cottage, or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). If there’s any one renovation that can increase your home’s attractiveness to potential buyers--aside from dramatically increasing the general square footage of the main home, it is a full backyard unit. And when I say full ADU, I mean at least one bedroom, a full bathroom, and a kitchen or kitchenette.
Luckily, many towns, like San Carlos, have introduced laws aimed to encourage ADU construction by reducing the regulatory barriers.
In other words, it's easier than ever.
Reach out if you'd like mroe info on building an ADU in your backyard.
