Replies

1. 
   oldusty | Mar 18, 2008 11:34pm | #1

   hook,

            My guess , your insurance company would be more happy if the two buildings were not connected ,, but if you must , a " breezeway " is one way .

                               dusty

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Mar 19, 2008 01:17am | #2

   You hit it squarely on the head.

   My insurance agent told me any roof connecting any outbuilding to the house made it  part of the house.

   Can you say rate increase?

1. 
   hookem75 | Mar 19, 2008 03:13am | #3

   Yes it will cost a bunch more but I am putting an in law apartment above it so my the town makes you attach it.  They won't approve a separate structure with a living space.  

1. 
   bill_mcgonigle | Mar 19, 2008 04:22am | #4

   They won't approve a separate structure with a living space.

   Ugh, same reg. here in NH. It's a frequent problem I see on the zoning board. It's really a fire risk, so I'm hoping this can be changed. Thanks for reminding me to put it on my to-do list. :)

2. 
   DaveRicheson | Mar 19, 2008 01:22pm | #5

   Understand.

   I would build a breezway as mentioned previouly. Depending on the traffic between the two structures I would enclose it, maybe provide some HVAC (depending on distance and ease of doing so), and provide adequate lighting. That would be the high end model.

   Moving down a little would be something like the enclose patio type structures. They don't look to bad for the cost and will serve the purpose adequately. They are hard to bring into the conditioned space.

   Futher down the list would be just a connecting roof line between the two buildings. That would meet the requirment for  you mentioned, at the lowest possible cost.

3. 
   john7g | Mar 19, 2008 01:33pm | #6

   I was thumbing through the local zoning laws the other day and happened on something that would apply in this case (not that my locals apply to yours).  There was a distance limit of 20' for a breezeway and anything longer must be enclosed and heated. 

   Might want to check that apsect (and any related) before you get too far down the commitment.

2. 
   PearceServices | Mar 19, 2008 04:24pm | #7

   I would also make sure both structures are below the frost line before you connect them, otherwise, you will stress your connections.

   You may want to get a structural engineer to look at your project, I'm in Bridgewater, If you need a second set of eyes, I don't mind stopping by when I'm in the area.

   Kevin

3. 
   hookem75 | Mar 19, 2008 05:01pm | #8

   I will have to look into the distance requirement because i wanted to put it 35 feet away.  I think it is time to talk to the building inspector!   Thanks Guys

1. 
   Piffin | Mar 19, 2008 07:19pm | #9

   No distance requirement here other than typical prop line setbacks, but volume and other quirks apply to some of these in-law places here. Sometimes they are interpreted as a separate dwelling unit even if semi-attached like this and then they apply the rule that you need 1-1/2 acres for each dwelling unit, making you total three acres required. 

    

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