Kitchenette considered an ADU?

[Fernando]

Subject has a kitchenette downstairs.
Lender requested I should call downstairs an ADU even if not set up as an inlaw because it has a kitchenette, bathroom, and living area.
Is this a lender guideline or Fannie Mae decision that having such a set up with kitchenette is called out as an ADU?
I working on another house with a kitchenette downstairs. It's different client but not sure if I should call it an ADU or wait for client to request callilng it an ADU.

 

[Tawfik Ahdab]

Define kitchenette. Refrigerator, sink, OK. But does it have a range/oven? A real one, and surrounded by a countertop, as though designed like a real kitchen? A real one, not a hot plate and toaster-oven-type setup.

Not to be confused with a wet bar with appliances that shouldn’t be there.

But that’s the physical part. The real question is what’s the highest and best use of the property? That’s the fundamental question.

 

[Fernando]

Lately, when the stove is electric, lenders haven't had a problem with it. It's not a really large kitchen - sink, small fridge.
I haven't encountered a gas stove for awhile. I wonder if lender's require to cap the gas line as before.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

If there is no way to lock the other people out of your ADU, it is not an ADU. It is a dwelling with two kitchens or a kitchen and kitchenette. I've appraised large homes that have a kitchen, often walk in freezer, etc. six burner oven...then down in the basement a kitchenette perhaps in a rec room with a wet bar. Then on the outside or in a glass enclosed room a barbeque (usually stainless steel) with small fridge, etc.)

 

[Fernando]

If there is no way to lock the other people out of your ADU, it is not an ADU. It is a dwelling with two kitchens or a kitchen and kitchenette. I've appraised large homes that have a kitchen, often walk in freezer, etc. six burner oven...then down in the basement a kitchenette perhaps in a rec room with a wet bar. Then on the outside or in a glass enclosed room a barbeque (usually stainless steel) with small fridge, etc.)
View attachment 51910

That's a nice built in BBQ fixture.

I agree with you but the AMC said according to the lender's criteria, having a kitchenette/bathrm, & living area mean its an ADU.
If it's not Fannie criteria, then future appraisals, I won't call it an ADU.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

a nice built in BBQ fixture.

You should see the wet bar

 

[Fernando]

You should see the wet bar
View attachment 51911

Wow... what a nice wet bar.
Add a stove and fridge and if next to bathroom on lower level, you got an ADU.

 

[andrew81]

Wow... what a nice wet bar.
Add a stove and fridge and if next to bathroom on lower level, you got an ADU.

it may or may not be an adu. the market will determine if its an adu, not the AMC.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

d if next to bathroom on lower level, you got an ADU.

actually it is part of the enclosed heated pool room which includes a pool and a pool table or two. And there is no door separating the GLA from the pool room....An ADU imnsho must include a way for the occupants to live separate from the other members of the household.

 

[Sadie]

If it isn't separated from the main living area with a door that can be locked/secured, it is not an ADU because it cannot function as a separate living area. Lenders definitions are not the answer, its what it is. Definition: , a housing unit is deemed to be a separate living quarter where the occupants live and eat separately from other residents of the structure or building. They also have direct access from the building's exterior or through a common hallway. The unit has areas for cooking, bathing, and living/sleeping.
If its not a fully functioning kitchen, then it can't be a separate dwelling, as Terrel L. Shields said.