cost of a loan to build an ADU next to your parents’ home will likely be so much less? 3. Multiple Family Units. In many societies, the family unit is what everyone lives for. Fifty years ago, in many Western societies it was rare for a family household to include grandparents and mature grandchildren who were already carving out their own careers. Today, not only can you commonly find three generations of adults under one roof, but you will often find great-grandchildren as well. Many traditional homes lack the space for multiple families, but the addition of one or two ADUs within the grounds of the existing home can solve all accommodation problems, whether these units are attached to the main property or are detached and self-contained. 4. Divorce. It is an unfortunate fact of life that after a divorce, there often comes a dramatic change in lifestyle, especially the home you live in. This period can be especially difficult for women with young children, if they are the principal caretaker. However, for both men and women, building an ADU on the grounds of your parents’ home can provide not just affordable accommodation of a good standard, but also a child support network next door! 5. Unemployment or a Change in Employment. Being made unemployed can cause a financial crisis, and if you have a substantial mortgage to pay your home could also be at risk. However, if you have owned your home long enough, you could sell it (while retaining sufficient land to build an ADU) and put the net proceeds after any mortgage has been paid off toward the cost of your ADU. The same can apply if you want to change careers but feel tied to your current job because you have a large mortgage to pay. Building and then living in an ADU for a few years could give you the financial freedom to pursue a whole new career. 6. Caring for Elderly Parents. One of the biggest challenges when caring for elderly parents is their desire to maintain their independence. In addition, they may have downsized earlier in life and their current home would be impractical for two families or a carer to live in. An ADU, whether an independent structure or attached to the principal dwelling, could be a complete game-changer. Building on a self-contained ADU
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