As a single mom and a kindergarten teacher, Ann and her kids have always had a strong since of community.  As her kids prepared to leave for college, Ann knew she was ready to create an ADU, but taking on a large renovation project felt a bit overwhelming without the right partners. 

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Ann was very happy to partner with Hello Housing who helped her find an architect to design a beautiful detached ADU. However, as winter rainstorms hit in 2023, flooding required Ann to spend significantly on waterproofing the main home while also adding a new drainage system in order to keep the crawlspace and lower level of her home dry. 

 

Suddenly the budget for a stand alone ADU was almost gone.

 

Hello Housing put our heads together with Ann and her architect and came up with what would be a winning strategy: turn the now dry and cozy lower level of Ann’s home into a Junior ADU. The new one-bedroom unit is a beautiful garden flat with French doors that open out to the large yard. Ann now has rental income to augment her salary, she is providing a beautiful and affordable home for a fellow member of her community, all while increasing the value of her investment.

 

Architect Sandy Chan of Studio Paz, a long-standing partner of Hello Housing, was able to help make Ann’s vision a reality.