Considering buying a SFH and converting into an attached ADU

[Daniel Wu]

Hello BP fam,

First post on BP! I'm on the lookout to buy a SFH in this crazy market and I'm looking to buy a split level home that can be converted into an attached ADU (upper and lower level living) with its own entrance. I know that I'll have to apply for a permit with the city of Tacoma for the ADU and that it'll have to be "up to standards with a duplex". I think the most cost effective way would be to place a kitchenette rather than budget for a full kitchen. My plan is to househack it and live in it for a year and then buy a new home whilst renting out the SFH and ADU as 2 separate units. The question I have is that do I need to have separate meters for the upstairs and downstairs units? And do I need to separate out the units to have different addresses if I plan to lease it out not owner-occupied?

Thanks and I look to hear from all your expert opinions! Feel free to direct message me as well.

[Sherief Elbassuoni]

Quote from @Daniel Wu:

Hello BP fam,

First post on BP! I'm on the lookout to buy a SFH in this crazy market and I'm looking to buy a split level home that can be converted into an attached ADU (upper and lower level living) with its own entrance. I know that I'll have to apply for a permit with the city of Tacoma for the ADU and that it'll have to be "up to standards with a duplex". I think the most cost effective way would be to place a kitchenette rather than budget for a full kitchen. My plan is to househack it and live in it for a year and then buy a new home whilst renting out the SFH and ADU as 2 separate units. The question I have is that do I need to have separate meters for the upstairs and downstairs units? And do I need to separate out the units to have different addresses if I plan to lease it out not owner-occupied?

Thanks and I look to hear from all your expert opinions! Feel free to direct message me

@Daniel Wu, I have split level homes, and I bought for my clients many split level homes as well.

You do not need separate meters. You can do utiliteis by RUBS (Ration Utility Billing System).

You do not need separate address as well