Mobile ADUs: what are these?

Posted in   Uncategorized   on  April 9, 2023 by  admin0

When we say “mobile ADUs,” we mean a kind of unique way of living that is different from all the commonly known housing forms. Although conventional ADUs have already become much more familiar to us, the mobile ones have some crucial benefits, thanks to which they have proven themselves from the best side. 

The comparison and designation of differences between these two housing forms seem to be quite logical and even paramount since this will help to understand the advantages of their practical implementation. 

In order to make this correlation clearly evident, we need to have a clear example. This will be a private initiative, also known as THOW. This is a tiny house on wheels within the residential estate, which was recently updated. This project refers to mobile ADU as it can be transported easily, and it has no ties to a specific place or territory. Being an example of a mobile ADU, this is also a draft for a Mobile Accessory Dwelling Unit. 

From henceforth, we will study some utilities of the mobile ADUs and will also try to clarify why some politicians perceive them as the “lifelines” for citizens. 

What are the main benefits of mobile ADUs?

There is a well-known fallacy that mobile ADUs will help to diminish the problem of easily accessible accommodation, which is sort of a mainstream in some countries (like the US, for example). This opinion often walks among legislators and public men, but to think so means to make a big mistake. Building mobile ADUs is still overpriced, and it means that not every medium will be able to afford them. 

Of course, in comparison with the other forms of living, mobile ADUs are more salable, but even the rebuilding of the vault, for example, carries a price of $100K, in accordance with last year’s data. 

Among the benefits of the mobile ADUs, it is important for us to mention the following:

  1. Mobile ADUs are within the law totally;
  2. It is very easy to technically legalize their building among the camp accommodation facilities;
  3. Mobile ADUs are very economically profitable.

For the sake of clarity, we will give such an example. The total cost of the project development for THOW was about $5K. However, in seven months, all our expenses will be compensated. Our monthly income from rentals will be definitely considerable: about $650 a month, including community facilities and Internet expenses. 

Here we come close to another question. This question is about the advantages of mobile ADUs over conventional ones. It’s hard to bring the conventional ADU into the requisition according to the matters of finance, design, and creation. 

That’s why the development of the mobile ADUs is plug and chug. 

For greater clarity, we will give you the following statistics. In order to set the basis and carry out correctly all the construction works for the low-budget detached ADU in Portland, we need to spend approximately $20K (the price may vary from $15 up to 30K). The overall price of the detached ADU in Portland may again reach $194K. Or THOW project cost was equal to the thirty-ninth part of the above number. 

It’s not just profitable; it’s a goldmine, isn’t it? 

  • Another advantage of mobile ADUs is the prospect of research developments. 

Nowadays, there are so many developers and creators who are applying forces to reduce production costs. This is a great reason for the development engineers to offer something very creative and original. Even completely unique business projects are currently existing, and the authors of these projects are trying to solve the problem of high capital expenditures.

  • Mobile ADUs are very sustainable

Some people are sure that the mobile ADUS will go down in value very quickly. However, according to people developing businesses on the basis of the mobile ADUS, their long-term business has shown that such housing is very reliable.

Despite everything, this type of housing retains its value for a long time.

  • The high level of mobility

It sounds too obvious, but it is: in comparison with the conventional ADUs, the mobile ones are not tied to a specific piece of land and can be freely moved.

Guided only by our personal needs, we can always move, hiding from unfavorable neighbors, for example. To do this, you only need to rescind a lease agreement because, with the help of the mobile ADUs, you are absolutely free in your movements. 

  • The prospect of opening a new ecosystem in trade relations

As the number of mobile ADUs increases, the nature of interactions with them will also change. Special third parties will appear. They will let their mobile ADUs on lease and gain a profit from it. A new system of relations will be formed: this system will very much resemble the system that exists in the automotive market. 

Are there any drawbacks to mobile ADUs?

Yes, and this is the impossibility of their exploitation by everyone. 

Even if they occur frequently, not a good number of citizens will be able to exploit them. Not every family will be able to appreciate the mobile ADUs. Only those families that consist of one or two people will relish this form of living. But even so, this part of society will be completely delighted with the use of mobile ADUs. 

Therefore, we shouldn’t consider mobile ADUs ideal for everyone. 

How did mobile ADUs appear?

It was November 7th, 2019, when the idea to create a mobile ADU was generated for the first time. It was just like an evolutionary chain: conventional ADUs were replaced by mobile ones. This announcement was made in Portland. Over time we can observe what changes are taking place in the legislation on this issue. For example, it was possible to ensure that THOWs are legalized in the status of housing on residential real estate. In some areas of California, THOWs are positioned as the form of ADU. We can see that in areas like Placer County, Fresno, etc. 

There were also some unique cases related to the replacement of mobile ADUs. There have been some cases when Washington lawmakers turned a blind eye to the illegal replacement of THOWs on the territory of someone else’s dwelling space. But here, we will only talk about their legal accommodation. 

Approaches to the regulation of the issue 

The issue of their legalization within residential real estate is on the agenda at the moment. In fact, there are several approaches to regulating the question of ADU’s legalization. Some of them are political in nature. The most favorable of them is the approach common for Eugene and Portland. In Oregon, camping issues are subject to less and less regulation. 

There is also another approach existing in California. According to it, there are two special standards, ANSI 119.2 and ANSI 119.5, and they are the ones who handle the construction of Park Model RVs. In a similar fashion, these similar standards determine the degree of legality in the placement of THOWs. 

Nevertheless, it is still quite difficult to conclude which of the approaches is better and better. It is also impossible to exclude the possibility of developing new approaches to regulate the activities of mobile ADUs. 

There is also one more question that remains – this is the question of the connection between vital pieces of infrastructure and mobile ADUs. Among such infrastructures, there are water pipes, drains, and also the electric light. It is possible to achieve the legalization of such connections by obtaining planning approvals and numerous monitoring visits. 

Hopes and prospects connected with the mobile ADUs

It is clear as a bell that in the nearest future, we will see the increased popularity of mobile ADUs. This is primarily due to their numerous advantages, including the high level of mobility, flexibility, and also maneuverability. 

The idea of the mobile ADUs didn’t emerge from thin air at all. They were formed as a result of the changes in human preferences, the development of technologies, and the spectrum of economic processes.

Many scientists predict a boom in the growth of the number of such housing forms over the next decade. And this is not surprising: they are so convenient that they have already sunk deep into the human mind. The shortage of housing, which is, unfortunately, a common problem in the United States of America, leaves people no choice: the benefits of mobile ADUs will become significant very soon. 

Mobile ADUs, this convenient form of accommodation, will lay the foundation for a new market that will develop rapidly.

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