Frequently Asked Questions: Your Ultimate Guide to Symbihom

Discover all the answers to your questions about Symbihom living solutions in our FAQ section. From legality to costs, we have you covered. Visit now!

  • Yes, Symbihom living solutions are fully approved for occupancy and are specifically designed to comply with residential building codes for the state of California and its individual municipalities.  Once the unit is installed at your property, inspections will be completed by local officials and you will receive documented permission to to live in or rent the unit.

  • Legal occupancy in California can be two people for a studio, three people for a one-bedroom, and five people for a two-bedroom.

  • We recommend speaking with your insurance company to ensure that your Symbihom living solution is included in your policy.  We also recommend speaking with them about general liability and increasing your policy if you plan to rent your Symbihom living solution to a tenant.

  • Item description

General

The Symbihom Experience

  • Symbihom living solutions are turnkey installations and include drawings, permits, materials, labor, and appliances.  Cost depends on size and amenities plus any utility or exterior upgrades - sales tax and local permit fees are not included.  The cost we quote after prequalifying your property includes everything related to the permitting, purchase, installation, and finishing of your custom living solution.  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.

  • Symbihom living solutions do not come furnished and you will need to purchase any furnishings or window treatments desired.  Additionally, the cost does not include any fees or deposits related to utility connections or accessory services like internet or cable.

  • Symbihom has an array of options and providers for financing our living solutions.  Investment in a living solution 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. 

  • Generally, added livable square footage within a home or commercial property adds to the property’s value.  If you choose to use your Symbihom living solution 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. In cities where AB 1033 2024 has been codified, sale of the ADU is allowed, providing a 2nd saleable asset and thus increase to the overall valuation of the property.

  • Symbihom garage or in-home conversions are renovation improvements and taxed differently than additions.  For these types of conversions, annual property tax increases are calculated by the County Tax Assessor based on the cost of the improvement NOT square feet (as the square feet already exist in your assessment).  

    Symbihom backyard builds (new stand-alone living solutions erected in vacant yard space) are assessed based on the added square footage at the same rate as your home now.  Contact your County Assessor for more information. 

  • Electricity and water for a Symbihom living solution 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 would be accessible to both the landlord and tenant so that readings can be verified by both.

  • Layout, design, and finishes are fully customizable and the living solution can be ADA compliant upon request.

  • Total installation time of a garage conversion is 4-6 weeks after permits are received.  Installation of a Backyard ADU is 8 to 12 weeks after permits.

  • Yes, Symbihom is fully insured to protect the owner and Symbihom, with the owner named as an “Additional Insured.”

  • The initial assessment is normally the only time access is required.  During this time, electrical and gas loads will need to be documented using pictures of equipment UL labels and installers will need to inspect sewer clean-out sizes and conditions.  For garage conversions, installers will need to verify a 1-hour fire separation wall is in place between the garage and the house.  Additional access may also be required for connection of utilities.

  • No, Symbihom requires no large equipment for installation.  Sewer connection does include one day with noise to cut slab and bore to the connection point.

Your Investment Breakdown

Your Rental Guide

  • Yes, Symbihom living solutions comply with all 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 rental or days your municipality requires by law.

  • Local rents vary depending on rental availability and demand.  Generally speaking, rents in the San Francisco Bay Area range from $2000 - $3200 per month for units similar in size to our living solutions.  Keep 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.

  • Access to the property and its features is determined by the landlord in the rental agreement.  We do recommend providing some yard space for tenant use.

  • Generally, as a landlord, if you choose that path, you will have keys to the rental unit.  Under California law, a landlord may enter the rental with 24-hour notice (acknowledged by the Tenant in your lease) or in emergency situations.

  • Electricity and water for a Symbihom living solution 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.

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