Over here at Crhacienda we’re in the planning stages of building our own guest house. Our backyard is huge by local standards. We have about 3100 square feet in our backyard that is a complete blank slate. The plan is that the finished backyard (one day) will have a pool, guesthouse, outdoor living area, and a courtyard. That might sound like a lot, but we want to create a compound-like atmosphere reminiscent of old Spanish homes. This will create a series of intimate spaces for entertaining and relaxing. Many of you are asking, “Why aren’t you building to pool first?” and I’ll tell you why.
Pools are expensive. I have some design client work, but it’s nothing close to what I was earning during my banking career. This is not a complaint since I knew going into business wouldn’t be a profitable venture in the beginning. I’m mostly a starving student which is why it felt irresponsible for Sean and I to build a pool that would eat a huge chunk of our savings and still cost us money each month. So, we looked back into the guest house idea and talked to the city.
Though you may not know it, Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, have become a hot issue among planners in densely populated communities nationwide. You may know them by a variety of other names like: granny flats, guest houses, pool houses, or in-law suites. In Greater Los Angeles County, many cities have taken to writing less restrictive zoning and permitting ordinances to allow their residents to build ADUs as a way to deal with the housing crisis we’re experiencing. Essentially, there’s not enough housing which is pushing up the prices for permanent residences and rental units. This shortage of housing isn’t new for LA. It’s one of the reasons so many homes have unpermitted garage apartments. The ADU is also perfect for families who have aging parents and grandparents that they’d like to keep close for safety and to help them save money. A place of their own with some privacy adds dignity to the aging process.
While the guest house may take priority for now, planning for the future pool is just as important—especially when it comes to long-term maintenance. A well-maintained pool can provide years of relaxation and enjoyment, but it also requires proper care to keep the water clean and the equipment running efficiently. From balancing chemicals to skimming debris and inspecting pumps, regular upkeep is key to avoiding costly repairs down the road. When the time comes to finally build that dream pool, working with experts from Palm Pool Care can make all the difference in ensuring crystal-clear water and a hassle-free experience.
Beyond day-to-day maintenance, seasonal changes and environmental factors can also affect pool health. Leaves, dust, and fluctuating temperatures can throw off water balance, leading to algae growth and potential damage to filtration systems. Proper winterization and summer prep keep everything in working order, allowing homeowners to fully enjoy their pools without constant worry. With professional pool care services on hand, future pool owners can focus on relaxation and entertaining, knowing their investment is protected and always ready for use.
But even the most diligent maintenance routine can’t stop the natural wear and tear that pools experience over the years. This is where working with a pool resurfacing expert becomes essential. Resurfacing not only revives the look of your pool but also enhances its durability, prevents leaks, and improves overall efficiency—saving you from bigger headaches down the line.
When researching the right professionals, start by exploring their Website. A well-curated site will showcase past projects, highlight the materials and techniques they specialize in, and provide valuable insights into their approach to pool care and resurfacing. This helps ensure you’re making an informed choice, aligning your pool investment with quality craftsmanship and long-term peace of mind.
With the surge in demand for additional living spaces, properties featuring Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have gained substantial value, yet selling these homes can sometimes present unique challenges. Many ADUs, especially in older neighborhoods, were built without permits to address the housing needs of the time. For owners looking to sell, this can lead to delays and additional costs as they navigate the necessary paperwork to bring these units up to code. However, cash buyers offer an alternative path. With Fast Home Sales Made Easy, cash buyers are often open to purchasing properties as-is—even those with unpermitted ADUs. This approach spares homeowners the extensive time and expense required to resolve permitting issues, making the sale smoother and faster. For those looking to transition without the hassle of renovations and city approvals, cash buyers provide a practical, no-fuss solution that honors the property’s current value.
In today’s competitive market, sellers must be strategic to maximize their home’s value while ensuring a seamless transaction. Buyers are increasingly drawn to properties that offer convenience, modern amenities, and prime locations—factors that significantly influence selling potential. Urban Living continues to be a major draw, with its access to employment hubs, cultural attractions, and walkable neighborhoods making city homes highly desirable. Sellers who highlight these advantages and work with professionals experienced in fast, hassle-free transactions can position their properties for a quick and profitable sale.
Buyers, navigating the fast-paced real estate market requires preparation and informed decision-making. Understanding financing options, staying ahead of market trends, and acting swiftly when the right opportunity arises are key to securing a home that aligns with both lifestyle and investment goals. Whether purchasing a move-in-ready property or one with potential for customization, the right approach can make all the difference. By leveraging expert guidance and a clear vision, buyers and sellers alike can make confident moves in an ever-evolving housing landscape.
Since we occupy the main house on our property, we are allowed to build a separate dwelling that can be rented (but not used for short-term, Airbnb-style rental). We’ve done our preliminary budgets, and if we watch ourselves on the finishes of the guest house, we can build it without breaking the bank. The best part is, due to the demand for quality rental housing we stand to cover the expenses of building the unit, and make a conservative profit, once we rent it out. That’s music to my fiscally conservative ears. While I build my new career we can have a tenant paying for the investment into our property. As our incomes increase we can stop renting the dwelling out and return it to a guest suite or potentially use it as an office for my design business. And so, The Casita is born!
As we step into the role of landlords, we’re keeping things straightforward, knowing that managing a rental property comes with its share of responsibilities. It’s not just about collecting rent; it’s about ensuring that The Casita is well-maintained, the tenant is happy, and everything runs smoothly. Of course, being first-time landlords means we have a lot to learn, but we’re focused on making the process as simple and effective as possible. We’ve already planned for routine maintenance and quick fixes, so we won’t be caught off guard.
One way to make this journey even more efficient is through a service like Streamline Landlord Service, which takes care of everything from tenant screening to lease agreements and even collecting rent. With a reliable service in place, we can keep our focus on what matters most — improving the property and growing our design business. The idea is to keep it hassle-free, ensuring that everything runs on time and with minimal effort from our side, giving us more space to focus on the bigger picture.
Will it be weird to have a tenant in our backyard? A bit, but not really. Remember, we just left condo-life last year and we aren’t bothered by having a responsible tenant nearby. Truthfully, because there is nothing in the backyard it’s not a place we spend any time in. The dogs get the most use from it by leaving me “presents” on my half-dead lawn.When the pool is ready to become a reality then the tenant goes. In the meantime, the dogs will have less lawn and yard, we’ll start using the space for a purpose, and it will help us build value into our home. It’s also nice to know that there is a potential income generating space right in our backyard if we need it.
Photo by Amy Neunsinger
The Casita is going to be a refreshing space to blend modern and traditional Spanish style. We are going to continue the exterior architecture style of Crhacienda on the Casita, but the interior will be an efficient studio apartment with a full bath, kitchenette, sleeping, and living area. In total we’re looking at around 375 square feet of living space and a covered porch of about 50 square feet. Obviously we have a lot of garden to plant once the Casita is built to give it the lush and relaxed atmosphere of the images in this post. In the coming weeks I’ll be showing you more of our plans for the Casita including the floor plan and the design concepts. Do you think we’re crazy? Would you want to rent a guest house? Or have you been wanting to build one for your family members? Let me know what you’re thoughts are in the comments.