All Forum Posts by: Marian Allen

Did you move forward with this project? Interested in a similar scenario in Atlanta and just trying to figure out if it's worth the costs associated. 

Hi Erica!  

Curious if you ended up moving forward. I'm in Decatur and currently looking at building an ADU.

Hi! I'm in Decatur and am looking into building an ADU on my property. Interested if you ended up moving forward with your plan.

Hello all,

I'm building an ADU in Decatur, GA, outside of Altanta with a friend of mine. To apply for a permit, we need to submit plans. How much does this usually cost and does anyone have recommendations? Looking for a pretty simple 20x25 plan. Have seen prices anywhere from $50 to over $1000. Unsure if I need an actual architect or if I can just buy a plan already done online.

Thanks as always!

@John Herold hmm I hadn't thought of that. I'll look into it!

@Steve Vaughan I like the idea of using my own cash then essentially paying myself back with the heloc. And maybe I wouldn't even need it at first but know it's an option if I get short on cash. I know I've seen people say that an ADU doesn't provide the arv that they would expect. Any experience in this?

@Nicolas Londono I'll check out David Green's company to ensure I look at all options. Thanks for the tip! Yes, Decatur is a great location. I'm close to many Emory locations and about 15 minutes from Piedmont so I don't think I'd have trouble with vacancy for the most part. 

@Rick Baggenstoss Thanks for the advice! I definitely don't want to rush it but have been wanting to get started for a while and am excited to start looking at options. Just trying to make sure I'm not impulsive and look at all options. 

@Chris Davidson That makes a lot of sense. I am a credit union member so I'll give them a call and see what their interest rates are. Thank you for the sound advice!

A novice like myself really soaks in everything that you all have to say. Thanks for taking the time to offer me your tips. I've been wanting to start investing and doing lots of research for years now and value the advice of those of you that are already so successful. 

I am trying to decide on financing to build an ADU (maybe 300-500 square feet) to rent out to travel nurses outside of Atlanta in Decatur, GA. Cash out refi and HELOC likely aren't options as I've only been in my home one year and don't have enough equity in it.

1. I could potentially use my own money, but would likely deplete my reserves completely. 

2. Some sort of personal loan/construction loan. I know I've seen some people doing 0% apr credit cards for the first year and aggressively paying it off. 

Any other ideas or options that I haven't thought about? Appreciate any and all insight!

Thanks for all of the responses and advice! @Tommy Davis I did actually end up finding a 3/1 close to druid hills in north Decatur. It has a pretty big back and side yard so my thought was to build an ADU or at least add a bathroom. Any chance you know more details on your friend building the ADU? (total cost, timeline, dos/don'ts, etc.?)

@Zachary Aldridge Thank you so much for all of the information and recommendations! Are you guys doing this in Atlanta or Marietta? I'm still pretty unfamiliar with the Atlanta area but I'm starting to get my bearings. I'm looking at homes in Decatur and East Atlanta village tomorrow. I'm not sure if you're familiar with these areas or know of any other neighborhoods. I'm hoping to get into a house for about a year and then be in a place that would rent well when I move out.

Is there a way to calculate what I can afford if I’m planning to house hack? The rental property calculator is what I was going to go with and kind of adjust with that. I’m hoping to either find a multifamily and live in one unit or a single family home with a roommate. Any tips to run numbers would be super helpful. In addition, any Atlanta people with insight on neighborhoods would be awesome! I’m currently in Sandy Springs and will be working downtown. I’ve generally looking on the east side of the city (I enjoy the Decatur area) but am pretty new to the area and open for suggestions. Thanks so much!