Anybody out there design or build an in-law unit within the last 4-5 years? What type of conversion or addition did you do? Any particularly thorny design or construction detail you encounter–and solve? And since this forum is anonymous, did you pull a permit or just do it off the grid? I am about to build an “outlaw in-law” that will meet Code coming and going, but my inner libertarian is urging me to forego the local building department and its piles of paperwork. Heck, it’s just a granny flat for my old mom.
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We just pack em in a tree house here in Ky.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
Can't help you, but I do know the tide is turning a bit, although the codes are always slow to follow.
The anti-sprawl crowd is starting to gain some traction, and I feel that soon we'll be seeing more apartments over detached garages, etc.
But aside from a bit of positive noise out there, I'm not seeing much change yet.
Aitchkay
Your observation is good, I think. Apart from money being tight, the big impediments to getting more in-law units built are outdated zoning regs and nosy neighbors. Too bad, because allowing people--especially older homeowners--to add such units would actually help neighborhoods be more stable and diverse. The notion that a single-family house must stay a single-house forever is pretty muddled. Anyhow, thanks for responding.
I don't know about where you're located, but here in NJ, inspectors have been known to stop by sites where they see work going on to check if permits were pulled.
yeah, shep, here in Northern California, you can almost count on a building inspector to say hello if a pile of sheetrock sits in the drive for more than a couple of hours. Many in-law units in NJ, legal or otherwise? Mostly converted garages, basements or what?
I think there's a fair mix of legal and illegal in-law units. I know many towns are cracking down on illegal apartmants in big old houses.
Most of the in-law places I've seen are little bump-out additions. My grandmother lived with my parents for over 25 years after my grandfather died. My dad, who also was a carpenter, put an addition on the house for her (his MIL). She had her own LR, BR, and bath. She ate with us.
Do the paperwork. I know it's a PITA, but what if....
insurance won't cover it then.
thanks, jer,
insurance is a big reason to play it straight. good point.
Welcome to BT.
I'm in Wash. state and doing a guest apt on my garage/workshop detached building. I've designed it so my elderly mom can move in when she decides to not be alone, anymore.
I've allowed for a small kitchenette and space for a range and fridge but for now only have extra cabinets in. Extra storge for now but later can be converted. Plumbing and wiring all in if we do go that route. The bath area and all doors and access points are design large enough to accomodate wheelchairs/walkers...switches and other components are installed with elderly in mind also. No extra cost, just planning.
Did all the permits etc. in case of insurance and/or liability questions later. Peace of mind and just a few extra $. Don't shortcut it is my 2¢.
Goodluck...The unspoken word is capital. We can invest it or we can squander it. -Mark Twain...Be kind to your children....they will choose your nursing home....aim low boys, they're ridin' shetland ponies !!
I've been preach'n on this for a few years... I believe this will be the trend... not only because of the aging population... but toss in the huge cost of nursing or any assisted living... and the economy... pooled resources
a small basic inlaw suite wouldn't add 15k to a home in most situations.... with assisted living costing 6-12k a month.... even if it came to you having to hire basic in home care... it'd still be a better situation...
there are always downsides... but there is something to be said for kids knowing their grandparents...
in many cases it might be the only option...
I fall on the side of hate'n to permit stuff that i know i'll build right... but depending on how your area is... here i can work with my inspectors so i'd permit it...
p
5 + years ago my mother in law passed. My wife wanted to move back to care for her ailing dad. We sold our house in NH and moved back to MA. He sold us the house for a dollar so we cold afford to put on an addition. My wife got her father back to health, ended up marring my mother, so now I am a true redneck married to my sister. We all share the same house each having our own half but sharing a kitchen."Shawdow boxing the appoclipse and wandering the land"
Wier/Barlow
thanks for the good advice, you and the rest of the crew talk sense. I'm gonna pull a permit. The whole in-law idea makes such good sense, that I don't understand why the Feds don't follow California's lead and say that a homeowner has the right to build an in-law as long as it meets building and safety standards. For one thing, the ability to gather rent would allow a lot of older folks to stay in their homes and for another, it might help folks who are struggling to pay their mortgages. Who do in-law units hurt, really? Uptight neighbors worried about their property values
Yep, you are new here, welcome.
It would be useful to provide your location and more info (taking the smarty-pants-part of it out of it is sure to insure better responses.)
My brother and I built a mother-in-law for my grandfather next to my mom's house ...worked out great!
Yes, you are right, this was my first posting, probably a bit of nervousness which came across as being flippant. And to be honest, I'm not much of an e-mailer and so am unsure how personal the tone should be. So thanks for your honest reply. Was the in-law you created attached to the house or not? And did it include a kitchenette and all that, or does your granddad take meals with you? Right now I'm wrestling most with money and wondering whether the separate kitchen is warranted. Glad your in-law worked out. And now I'm going to take your suggestion and provide location, etc., if I can figure where to add it.Oh, one final question, if I may. Does you granddad physically mobile--does he get around OK? Best wishes, Mike
It was detatched and built on a footing. Not wheel-chair accessable, as gpa was mobile. We included a kitchenette with small fridge, stovetop, microwave, and barsink. Small diningroom that looked out through bay doors to his sunny patio. Custom deep soaking tub (tiled) and shower with safety bars.
The largest area was the Livingroom/Art Studio/Library with built-in bookcases and woodstove. Vaulted ceilings with skylights (to provide light for painting.) Also, alcove to the side with a studio sink. So it was built fairly custom, to his needs.
It also had an exterior staircase which led up to an office for my dad.
Gpa lived there from age 94-101 (walking a mile everyday), until he had his stroke.
After that, my mom rented it out to her handyman/student, which worked out well.
In hindsight, we probably cutomized it more than it needed to be ($$), but not to the point it would not be functional later on. It was our gift for gpa.
Also, we acted as our own GC, pulled pemits, inspections, etc. We only subbed-out HVAC and the roofing. Chances are, that if you don't pull the permits, there will be difficulties later when you decide to sell. We are in NorCal too, and the process was neither hard, nor that expensive. We found our local building department very supportive and helpful.
This was the first house my brother designed and built after passing his archy exams...our brother/sister friendship survived. >g<
PS. Two time capsules. #1 is easy to find (tucked in in above the soffett/storage area) and includes a copy of the blueprints and photos of every aspect of the building process. #2 is hidden in an interior wall. It includes a brief story of gpa's life, family photos, one of his sketches, and a note from us.)
Hope that helps.
Here in my part of central texas, the general trend is to make in-law housing as complete and seperate as possible. So, at least a kitchenette, and full bath, also a place to park their car.
My experience is that it's better to go ahead and lay the entire plan out on barrier-free guidelines. Also, to seperate the sleeping area from the sitting area. A dining area is probably least important. Now, this makes garage apartments a non-started; but, zoning setbacks usually prohibit that on stand-alone garages anyway.
Much better to go ahead and go through the P&D (planning & developement) forms and procedures. Little minor things like Certificates of Occupancy and the like can come in handy. Legal utility taps are another (like if the in-law space becomes a rental under a future owner, for instance--it's not just your use that matters here).
Being "right" is its own reward, though; and very handy when some slimeball down the street isn't and needs ratting out.