THE DETAILS
These are the most frequently asked questions about purchasing, installing, and using a SYMBiHOM Conversion ADU and Backyard ADU. Want more information on a particular topic? The link at the top of each section will take you to the most relevant page. If you have a question you don’t see answered here, just send us a note using our Contact page - we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Is The symbihom adu a legal dwelling?
Yes, the SYMBiHOM ADU is fully approved for occupancy. Once the unit is installed at your property, inspections will be completed by local officials and you’ll receive documented permission to to live in or rent the unit.
Will The symbihom adu comply with local and state codes?
Yes. The SYMBiHOM ADU is an installation specifically designed to comply with residential building codes for the state of California and its individual municipalities.
Can I use my ADU as a rental property?
Yes, the SYMBiHOM ADU complies with all the necessary codes to be leased as a rental property in the state of California and in municipalities where site specific permits are sought. Defined as a Conversion or Backyard ADU or JADU, the unit can only be used for minimum 30 day rentals or days your municipality requires by law.
How many people can legally occupy The SYMBiHOM ADU?
Legal occupancy in California can be 2 people for a Studio, 3 people for a 1 bedroom, and 5 people for a 2 bedroom.
Can The SYMBiHOM ADU be uninstalled?
GarageADU by SYMBiHOM easily be removed from your property if necessary.
ABOUT THE PROCESS
How long will it take for my ADU to be finished after purchase?
Total installation time is dependent on availability of power at your incoming existing service panel, and the size of the electric service to your home. If there is adequate power to add our ADU’s modest load, [conversions are still allowed to use gas] a new structure requires all electric and solar which may require a electrial panel upgrade [SYMBiHOM calculates this in the initial assessment], plan review & permit issuance varies city to city, utility connections can be made while awaiting permits, demolition of any interiors and utility connection takes place in the first month after escrow and funding, 3 weeks to perform the utility connection, and 6 weeks for installation after permits, pending city inspection time.
How long does it take to install the symbihom adu?
The SYMBiHOM ADU is usually installed over a 6 week period after permits are received and utility connections are installed.
Are the installers insured?
Yes, SYMBiHOM if fully insured to protect the owner and SYMBiHOM, with the owner named as an “Additional Insured”.
Will the installers need access to my home during the installation process?
The initial assessment is normally the only time access is required to document appliance electrical and gas labels. To complete initial assessment documentation of the home’s or commercial property’s electrical service, appliance electrical and gas loads will need to be documented using pictures of equipment UL labels, which requires access to the property. Installers also need access to the home’s attic to verify that a 1 hour fire separation wall is in place between the garage and the house, and access to sewer clean-outs to inspect their size and condition. Additional access may also be required for connection of utilities.
Will there be any heavy equipment on my property during installation?
No, the nature of the SYMBiHOM ADU requires no large equipment for installation. Sewer connection does include one day with noise to cut slab and bore to the connection point.
ABOUT THE INVESTMENT
How much does The ADU cost?
SYMBiHOM ADU is a turnkey installations including drawings, permits, material and labor including appliances. Cost depends on size and amenities plus any utility upgrades required, exterior upgrades, sales tax & local permit fees are not included. The cost we quote after prequalifying your property includes everything related to the permitting, purchase and installation of our ADU, including the entire living unit, its installation and finishing. In the event that the electrical service or the sewer needs to be upgraded, the total cost could increase by the amount of those improvements.
Are there other expenses I’ll need to cover?
The SYMBiHOM ADU does not come furnished, so you will need to purchase any furnishings desired. Additionally, the cost does not include any fees or deposits related to utility connections or accessory services like internet or cable.
How can I finance the SYMBiHOM ADU?
SYMBiHOM has an array of options and providers for financing our ADU. Investment in an ADU can also be financed in several other ways including a Home Equity Line of Credit [HELOC] and personal loans. Eligibility for any financing options is determined by the lending institution.
Will The adu by SYMBiHOM increase my home value?
Generally, added livable square footage within a home or commercial property adds to the property’s value. If you choose to use your ADU as a rental, the income from the rental will also add value. The value increase will vary by neighborhood. And, since every home is different, we cannot guarantee the amount of the increase in home value.
Will my property taxes increase?
A conversion by SYMBiHOM ADU is a renovation improvement therefore taxed differently than an addition. Annual property tax increases are calculated by the County Tax Assessor based on the cost of the improvement made to your home NOT the square feet since the square feet is already existing in your assessment. In the instance of a new stand-alone structure, it is assessed based on the added square footage at the same rate as your home now . Contact your County Assessor for more information.
Will The SYMBIHOM ADU be covered under my homeowner’s insurance?
We recommend speaking with your insurance company to ensure that your SYMBiHOM ADU is included in your policy. We also recommend speaking with them about general liability & increasing your Homeowners policy insurance if you plan to rent your ADU to a tenant.
ABOUT PROPERTY RENTAL
Because one of the intended purposes of the SYMBiHOM ADU is to create rental housing in areas where there is a shortage, we have worked with expert attorneys in tenant/landlord law to provide a draft of recommended pre-qualification requirements for use by new landlords, available to you upon purchase. However, you are free to use any rental agreement you choose or consult with your own attorney.
How much rental income will my SYMBIHOM ADU create?
Local rents vary depending on rental availability and demand. Generally speaking, rents in the San Francisco area range from $2000 - $3200 per month for units similar in size to our ADU, keeping in mind that this unit will be completely new, which is in a shortage in most communities. However, you’ll need to check rental listings in your specific area to determine an appropriate rate for your unit. Since there is little ‘new’ housing stock available to rent at affordable rates, keeping your rents affordable to your community’s essential workers can help with the stability and quality of your renter.
Will I have keys to my symbihom adu?
Generally, as a landlord, if you choose that path, you will have keys to the rental unit. And, under CA law, a landlord may enter the rental with 24-hour notice (acknowledged by the Tenant in your lease) or in emergency situations.
What parts of my property will the tenant have access to?
Access to the property and its features by tenants is determined by the landlord in the rental agreement. We do recommend providing some yard space for the tenant use.
How are utilities measured and paid for?
Electricity and water for the SYMBiHOM ADU can be sub-metered at the sub-panel for a modest extra cost, allowing the homeowner to record and allocate the tenant’s portion each month. The meter should be accessible to both the landlord and tenant so that readings can be verified by both.