Renee and Debra | Keeping the generations together and thriving in Alameda (City)
Cost: $150,000 | Size: 400 square feet | Type: One Bedroom Detached Garage Conversion
When I became a single parent, my mom, Debra, moved in with me to help me with my son. My mother is an incredible source of support and we wanted to stay close and keep our connection strong. We had planned on finding a daycare and senior housing nearby but the pandemic made us rethink our plans. Instead, we decided to purchase a property in Alameda and convert the garage into an ADU so we could stay together. My mom managed construction while also assisting with childcare, which allowed me to continue focusing on my career.
Teaming up with my mom was fun. At first she was worried about downsizing, but we found we were able to fit a one-bedroom ADU that, with access to the main house, feels spacious. It was exciting working with our team, and we made sure the ADU was designed for my mom to age in place. We added accessibility features like a full-size fridge and a low-entry shower. We contacted a design company, got permits in November 2021, and started construction from March to December 2022. The permitting process took longer than anticipated due to the high volume of construction applications and delays resulted in additional costs because material prices fluctuated a lot during that time.
In the end, it was all worth it. The ADU has added value to our property and we’ve decided to rent it out for additional income. Even better, it gives us flexibility to host visiting family and friends. And most importantly, our family can stay connected. It has been a huge win, and we are excited that it’s finally complete!
