[quote=CA renter]BG, there are a few very nice modular/prefab homes in Encinitas and Carlsbad. These cities also have fairly generous zoning requirements for companion units.
Can’t seem to find Carlsbad’s right now, but have looked into it in the past and know that they allow accessory dwelling units similar to what Encinitas allows.[/quote]
Yes, I see Encinitas allows only ONE accessory unit per lot and requires one off-street pkg space for that unit. That unit’s size is also regulated to 750 sf or 30% of the sf of the main dwelling, whichever is less (750 sf is 30% of 2500 sf). Because the accessory dwelling must have the same finishes as the main house, THAT is what will run up the cost.
It is still very expensive in SD County to build a companion unit (stick built). Prefab homes are also likely expensive to build/erect depending on foundation and finishes used. It’s not worth it to over-invest in a property on a residential lot if the cash outlay to build an accessory unit causes the homeowner to have way too much invested for their particular micro-area.
It’s not even worth it if it is being built to house elderly relatives as they could need to be transferred to a skilled nursing facility or pass away long before an owner’s property value rises enough to make the accessory unit pencil out.
In my mind, in CA, it’s not worth it at any time to over invest for the area because homeowner(s) never know what life may throw at them (or what they may ultimately decide to do) and should always be in a position to prepare their home for sale on the open market at any time and be able to recover the vast majority of their cash investments, if not all, upon sale (not including maintenance costs).
I know, I know. I’ve heard, “I’m/we’re going to be here until I/we die” many times. But sh!t happens. These owners DO intend to live in their present home long-term …. until they don’t.
The best thing to do if one needs an accessory unit is to buy a property with one already built on it (not paying over recent sold comps for the property). This is doable because many accessory units or “granny flats” (at least around here) were built in the ’60’s or early ’70’s for a small fraction of what it costs to build them today.
***
The above doesn’t apply to owners who bought 20+ years ago and never removed any equity from their properties.
