Getting approval for an ECHO can be a Herculean task. Zoning departments tend to frown on the idea, and neighborhood associations sometimes fear that ECHOs compromise the quality of the neighborhood by attracting renters and creating a higher density environment. Some even consider ECHOs eyesores. Although manufactured housing has improved in recent years, and newer styles include attractive touches like rounded sheet rock and tiled roofs, these inexpensive units sometimes look more like trailer homes.
"Each city has a different take on zoning," says Bob Clay, who sells ECHOs senior housing units through www.grannyflats.net. "But typically you need to have side yard clearance, you can't face a busy street, and you can't convert the two properties to condos and sell the granny flat separately."
Some zoning departments stipulate that the unit can only be used for a family member. If your city places restrictions on who can live in the unit, an ECHO can reduce the value of your property, so be sure to sell the ECHO and move it off your lot before you put your home on the market.
ECHO housing is easiest to install in settings where zoning laws accommodate alternative housing options. These include both high-density areas with rental housing shortages (Santa Cruz, California, or Seattle, for example) and rural areas with minimal zoning laws and large lots. Families with smaller lots may want to consider other senior housing options.
Finally, ECHO housing can be hard to remove. Finding a service that's willing and able to haul the unit away without damaging it may be a challenge in areas where ECHOs are rare. And the price of removal can add considerably to the overall cost of the unit.
Great invention. It's another selection available at a time in life when options are limited.
Are there any government grants or monies to help with building or remodeling to provide home/shelter for disabled parent?
We found out how a backyard cottage could be part of an aging in place when we designed one for a client that allowed him to care for his aging mother and for her to be a bigger part of his family. Increasingly, backyard cottages, unlike ECHO, are not temporary trailers but are traditionally built homes that may incorporate universal design features and monitoring to facilitate elder living. Enlightened cities like Seattle, Portland and Vancouver, BC allow backyard cottages to be built in residential zones with some restrictions. We are happy to continue designing backyard cottages because we think they offer a valuable option for multi-generational living.
good information.
A few months ago three of us decided to start a business to help families with housing for aging family members. We named our company Sidekick Homes and we can be found at www.sidekickhomes.com. Unknowingly we were providing Echo Housing. Our services include literally everything from an expression of need by a family to welcoming the person into their new place of residence close to the family. Essentially we are a concierge service who will take care of all the details of design, construction and installation of the new home in the garden. Mike
This is a very intriguing idea. Years ago we tried to get my husband's parents to move to our city to be closer to us and our children. But we hadn't thought of building them a small house in our backyard. What a great way to provide for your parents but still be independent - for both sides