A granny pod. What is it and why is it necessary? If you’re struggling with watching your parents age or worry about something happening to them, you’re not alone. Many adult children who live away from their parents deal with the stress and worry about what would happen if their parents became injured or ill. Fortunately, for many families, a pod could be the solution to your problems.
What Is A Granny Pod
Good Housekeeping defines a granny pod as a guest house on a residence’s property. But the difference between a pod and an actual guest house is that the granny pod is specifically designed to cater to the needs of the elderly occupants. In some cases, if the pod is two levels, a lift may be needed to assist with getting upstairs. A special shower that could accommodate a wheelchair might be another customization.
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How Much Does It Cost
When it comes to the cost of a pod, the price will vary depending on the customizations needed to suit the occupant. Family Handyman estimates that granny pods could cost between $40,000 and $125,000. They also state granny pods are generally designed for one occupant but, depending on the square footage, two occupants could easily live together. The Zebra reports that the average size of a pod is anywhere from 250 and 900 square feet in size. Some homes are larger in square feet. Others are smaller. The size variations will give homeowners plenty of options.
Are They Legal
Bob Vila advises that pods are designed to connect to the main home’s electricity, water, and sewer. Because of this, pods may not be legal in all areas. Before adding a pod, homeowners will need to check the zoning requirements in their local area. Also, homeowners will need to check their HOA guidelines as well. Senior Safety Advice provides a list of states that don’t have laws specific to granny pods or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). They also recommend homeowners visit AccessoryDwellings.org to find out what their state’s laws are concerning ADUs.
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Why You Should Have A Pod
Assuming granny pods are legal in your area, there are some very good reasons to have one for your loved one. First, having a granny pod will allow your loved ones to retain a certain amount of independence while being only a backyard away if help is needed. Second, having your parents or in-laws in a pod will make it easier for them to spend time with their grandchildren.
U.S. News reports there are benefits to both grandparents and grandchildren when they’re able to spend time together. The bond formed between both can protect against depression. It can also boost mental acuity for grandparents. As far as the children are concerned, U.S. News reports spending time with grandparents is similar to having a security blanket.
The Boston Globe published the findings of a study in 2015 that added having grandparents living close to grandchildren can be a learning experience for both age groups. Grandparents can share their wisdom while being exposed to new concepts and ideologies. Also, for children ages 11-16, those children who lived with grandparents were found to have fewer behavioral and emotional problems compared to children who did not.
Where Can I Get A Pod?
When it comes to granny pods or tiny homes, you’re in luck. You can either contact a builder and have one custom made or you can purchase a kit. If you’re interested in having a professional builder, we recommend you visit Home Builder Digest. They have a list of tiny home builders in every state.
If you’re looking for a kit, there are also many online options. When searching for a pod kit, it might be easiest to search under “tiny home” to make sure you find a pod that has electrical wiring as well as water and sewer connections. As far as where to purchase a tiny home kit, there are many online options but we love Amazon! Check out these tiny homes.
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Allwood Timberline
The Allwood Timberline is first on our list of tiny home kits available from Amazon. It’s 483 square feet and can easily be customized to accommodate full-time occupancy. It also has a cozy front porch, perfect for sipping coffee at sunrise or wine at sunset.
ECOHOUSEMART
The ECOHOUSEMART is one of the larger, tiny homes, on our list. For whatever reason, seeing this house gives us a “Golden Girls,” vibe. It’s 1409 square feet and has two bedrooms and one bathroom. A late-night chat over cheesecake is not included.
MODS 40 Foot Tiny Home
The MODS 40 Foot Tiny Home might not look like much on the outside, but on the inside, this tiny home is quite nice.
It’s furnished and also includes the toilet, sink, and shower. It’s also insulated and a mini-split system is used for heating and cooling. The French doors open wide, allowing for a scenic view into the backyard.
Prefabricated Modular Container House
Last on our list of tiny home kits is the Prefabricated Modular Container House. It’s insulated to handle extreme weather situations. It doesn’t require a civil foundation. The windows are hurricane proof. It includes a bedroom, tub, sink, and toilet.
With the addition of a granny pod, your parents can live independently without the cost of your peace of mind. They’ll be a short walk away from their grandchildren and will feel closer than ever to their family. Whether you have an in-house in-law suite or you’re in the market for an accessory dwelling unit, we hope you found the information in this article helpful.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this article on WHY CHILDREN NEED GRANDPARENTS AND EXTENDED FAMILY.
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Photo Credits: Pixabay | Unsplash | Amazon
Sources: Good Housekeeping | Family Handyman | The Zebra | Bob Vila | Senior Safety Advice | U.S. News | The Boston Globe
