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Updated 9 months ago,
ADUs - Opinions on Critical Upgrades and Features for Added Value
Hey everyone, I am in Vero Beach, Florida (on the Treasure Coast) and am looking to make the previous owners garage conversion to living space into an actual separate ADU. I am planning of making it a medium or long term rental. I have some unused space that i can extend the bathroom area or add a laundry area, but I have already been put a ton of work (and money) into the main area of the house and don't want to do any upgrades to the ADU that aren't critical in maximizing rental capabilities. Also, the electrical panel is on the rental side and the AC is all currently one unit throughout the house. Should the focus be on completely separating the living spaces right now? Or should it be on just getting someone in there and dealing with those issues in the future when I go to rent out the main living side?
My second question is for everyone here experienced in rentals/ADU upgrades through house hacking... What have been the most important upgrades you made (or wish you had made) before renting out an 'efficiency sized' ADU? My considerations have been: adding a small laundry area, building out the bathroom for a larger shower, making a separate parking area, building a walkway, putting up a fence so they have some privacy/yard space, mini split on the AC...
I want to get it rented out as soon as possible but I don't want to make the mistake of renting it out too soon and then regretting not having full access for any other necessary upgrades at my own convenience.
Any advice is greatly appreciated from you all! (I have been consistently reading on here and am truly amazed at the wealth of knowledge and guidance so freely shared with each other regardless of their experience!)