By Sandy Flores Broker
Homeowners appear to be spending more on property improvements while waiting for the right time to sell. Recently we have seen, expenditures on existing homes increased, including renovations, additions, and alterations, that rose 2.9 percent year over year, according to a new report from BuildFax, a firm that provides property condition and history data. 
Some homeowners are adding accessory dwelling units, also known as granny flats—which are small living spaces designed to house a family member or renter. California has seen the most growth in ADU construction and maintenance. ADUs in the state have grown by nearly 54 percent so far in 2018 compared to a year ago. Oregon and Washington are also seeing a large uptick of ADUs.
Now if you you are not familiar what ADUs are? Let me share it with you.
They are Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) known by other many names: granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units and more. No matter what you call them, ADUs are an innovative, affordable, effective option for adding much-needed housing in California.
ADUs are an affordable type of home to construct in California because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators.
ADUs can provide a source of income for homeowners.
ADUs are built with cost-effective wood frame construction, which is significantly less costly than homes in new multifamily infill buildings.
ADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy.
ADUs can provide as much living space as many newly-built apartments and condominiums, and they’re suited well for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors.
ADUs give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care.
New laws went in effect in 2018. This recent state legislation provides clarification and fee assistance for the creation of ADUs. These bills, clarify and improve various provisions of the law to promote the development of ADUs, including allowing ADUs to be built concurrently with a single-family home, opening areas where ADUs can be built to include all zoning districts that allow single-family uses, modifying fees from utilities, such as special districts and water corporations, and reducing parking requirements.
