ADU Build out in SoCal: Should I go Gas or Just Electric ??

[Victor G.]

I'm building out an ADU (1bed/1bath w/loft) from a single family house with an attached large 2 car garage in a B+ class neighborhood in San Diego. The existing house has both gas & electric utilities. I'm torn whether to install both gas & electric utilities or just install electrical only. This would require the utility company to install a separate meter for each utility (electric & gas). I'm trying to weigh the cost for the construction vs the rental desirability of the ADU once completed. My choice would affect the selection of the following items: kitchen range, tankless water heater, clothes dryer as well as construction materials. Here are the pros and cons:

PROs:

- The cost to buy gas appliances are more inexpensive than electric appliances; 

-the cost to run gas is substantially cheaper than electric as well. For example, using an electric dryer will cost on average $40/month more than using a gas dryer.

-A & B Class Tenants tend to prefer gas for cooking and heating (although SoCal has very mild winters). Could be a deal breaker for some prospective tenants.

CONs:

- installation of gas pipes and gas lines can increase the construction budget quite a bit. 

-requires a separate meter for gas installed (if units are billed separately).

-Another inspection required other than electric inspection.

-the idea of having one more utility to worry about breaking in my investment rental i.e. gas leak .

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks.