LivingHomes, one of the top sustainable home design firms in the nation, just unveiled the LivingHome AD1, a versatile Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) designed to fit either in backyards or as a main structure on an empty lot. In plain speak: these are tiny, chic, eco-friendly homes with a whole lot of useful applications. We can see so many people using this type of thing to make extra family money, or some somewhere for the in-laws to stay when visiting. Measuring 14′-6″ W x 29′-6″ L, the LivingHome AD1 maximizes the use of its available 400 square feet space, featuring a living room, full bedroom, kitchen and full bath. The LivingHome AD1 is designed to be hooked up to all utilities, and can be installed and finished in one day or less. This is done by using the latest technology, such as tankless water heaters which you can have installed by plumbers found at a website like https://mrquikhomeservices.com/category/plumbing/, for example. Finish options include three packages for interior and three finish packages for the exterior, giving owners a total of nine standard configurations to choose from. The LivingHome AD1 was designed with flexibility in mind, with various finish options available now for $99,000 and comes complete with all finishes, fixtures and appliances. With site and utility work, permits and other fees, a complete AD1 can cost as low as $160,000 in the Los Angeles area.
Benefits of ADUs in Today’s Housing Landscape
- Create a secondary rental income – Renting can return a sizeable profit in a relatively short amount of time
- More affordably increase the occupancy on land already owned and lived on
- Increase quality of life with greater multi-generational communal living options, while providing privacy and autonomy
From an urban planning perspective, ADUs provide more access to desirable neighborhoods already established shops, schools and other resources.
As highlighted in a recent Wall Street Journal article, attitudes around smaller homes are changing both at personal and political levels. In the past, cities discouraged homeowners from building small, separate additions on their properties through zoning ordinances that made it virtually impossible to have them in areas designed for single-family homes. Today, however, cities ranging from Boston to LA are leveraging ADUs and inclusionary options for first-time homeowners and larger, aging families. With ADUs, more people are able to live comfortably within city limits.
“Thanks to Governor Brown, ADUs are now permitted in all cities in California,” said LivingHomes CEO Steve Glenn. “This means that if you have a single family home anywhere in the state, you can add an accessory dwelling unit to your property, which you can use for additional housing or rental income. We designed the AD1 to offer an affordable, practical, complete and fast solution. The AD1 requires minimum site prep and we can build them at our factory in only one month.”
Note: Pricing is for base unit. Upgrade pricing is not yet included here. Renderings show optional 10′ slider and additional millwork which are available as upgrades.
Other features of the LivingHome AD1 include:
- LEED Platinum level environmental package and performance
- Steel and wood frame hybrid
- High performance envelope
- Optimized for Seismic Categories E and F, and can be installed in most lots in California
- High efficacy LED lighting, high efficiency forced air HVAC system, tankless water heater to save on space (you can click here to find out more about this particular type of heater)
- Durable metal roof
- Option for Photovoltaic system
- Option for whole unit emergency battery
- Helical pile foundation system to eliminate the inconvenience of a construction site for weeks of conventional foundation construction. (The helical pile system can be installed in a day prior to installation, where helical pile is feasible.)
- High fire hazard severity zone compliant
It has been a busy year for LivingHomes. The company was featured on the cover of the May/June issue of Dwell magazine for a residence the company designed for Will Arnett, known for his roles in Arrested Development, LEGO Batman and Flaked. The home also received a Housing Award at the Los Angeles Building Council (LABC) Architectural Awards on June 1.
The LivingHome AD1 is available for purchase now. More information is available on their website where you can configure the AD1 with finishes and fixtures.