(Newswire.net — December 10, 2021) —
If you look at most translations online, casita translates from Spanish into English as “cottage.” In general, it’s basically a little house and they are popular in the Southern states, such as Texas.
But why would you consider building a casita? What’s in it for you and the family? Well, in this quick guide we’ll run you through the ins and outs of casitas, and whether building one is the right choice for you.
So enough with the intro, let’s do this!
Where Do Casitas Originate From?
The style began as migrant worker dorms in the southwest. They’re most popular in places such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Santa Fe, as well as other sections of the southwest.
However, the trend has spread across the United States in various forms. Guest homes, pool houses, carriage houses, and mother-in-law suites are terms you may use to describe them. The concept is the same, though: a smaller semi-detached or detached apartment constructed on a bigger estate’s land.
We should also mention that the official term casitas are often given are access dwelling units (ADUs). In this article, we may interchange the use of these terms.
Reasons for Building a Casita
The adaptability of casitas makes them appealing. You can use them in several ways and increase your home’s market value.
Here are a few examples of how homeowners use casitas:
Flexible and Private Accommodation
Countless homeowners have been in the situation when family members or friends require a place to live for a lengthy period. This might be because they’re visiting, out of work, or between residences. When this happens, It’s difficult to create a compromise between privacy and comfort, regardless of the reason for the visit.
A casita or ADU allows guests to have their own private space with amenities, and in some cases, a separate entrance. This means you and your family can help out friends or family, without comprising your daily lives in your home.
There’s also the consideration that you may have a different routine for your guest. Thus, having a separate space for them to sleep, relax, and use bathroom facilities, stops them from disturbing you in your home.
Casitas Make Great Rentals
The sharing economy has gained traction in recent years, with sites like Airbnb forcing landowners to reconsider how they use their property. As long-term or short-term rentals, casitas and ADUa wonderful options. These accommodations are cost-effective for long-term tenants who don’t require a lot of room, don’t own many belongings, or are just seeking to save money.
Many more individuals are wanting to build a casita as a result of the scarcity of cheap housing in many cities. These quarters may also be converted into short-term holiday rentals.
Or, there is even the option of making one your primary dwelling so you can rent out your house for more money. When you use the main house as a rental, you can often make enough money to cover their mortgage payments in full or partially.
Add Value to Your Home
Given the popularity of casitas on existing properties, the option of developing a new home with a Casita built-in provides a tremendous return on investment. Adding a casita with your new house ahead of the curve is a big selling feature and, if done right, will improve the value of your property.
But a casita will also add value to an existing home. Even if you wanted to sell your home straight after your casita build, you might very well make a hefty profit!
A Place for Aging Relatives
Casitas are ideal for elderly parents or other relations who cannot live independent lives anymore but do not wish to go to a retirement community or home. A casita can be an excellent way of creating a more private type of mother-in-law suite.
Allowing a relative to reside in your casita provides them with a level of independence that they may cherish and thank you for. Despite this, you are always reachable if there is a problem.
Storage Space
In the periods when you don’t have visitors staying, a casita may be a great storage solution.
Furthermore, if you have a pool, they make fantastic pool houses. Plus, you can put your Christmas decorations there when you don’t use them.
Somewhere for the Kids to Play
Casitas are ideal for providing a haven for children to play away from the grownups. Just make sure there are no safety hazards in the place before you leave them to run riot. One good idea could be to make the space into a small cinema for the kids, as well as the grownups.
Also, if you have a high school or college-aged kid who needs some privacy from you, consider allowing them to stay in the casita. After all, granting independence to your child may promote more responsibility and prep them for moving out in the future.
Cost to Build a Casita
You can determine the cost of a casita, like any other construction by a multitude of variables. It will be less expensive to build a barebones guest home with just a bedroom than it will be to build a casita with, living space, kitchen appliances, and bathroom, for example.
A casita should be no more than 1200 square feet, or fifty percent the size of your house. Construction costs for ADUs range from $100-$500 for every square foot.
Therefore, the cost of constructing a casita ranges from roughly $40,000 for a little cabin to more than $400,000 for a modest suite. So, how much you’re prepared to pay is up to you. Plus, we should say, when you build casita type spaces, there are so many style options to choose from.
Building a Casita Is Exciting
If you’re thinking about building a casita, get ready for the excitement that goes along with starting a new building project. Then once it’s finished, your home will have a whole new dynamic.
So thanks for checking out this post, and good luck with making your casita ideas become a reality. If you wish to learn more about home construction, please check out our blog.