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Anyone build an accessory dwelling for income?
onemorebike:
Playing with the idea of building an accessory dwelling where my garage currently sits so there is an apartment above it. Long term my wife and I could live in it after the kids move and rent the main home and short term could do the reverse. Has anyone else done this? Do you know of any quality resources on the topic or pitfalls I should consider? How about all of the reasons it is an amazing idea?
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Riptoast:
I've definitely considered the idea, could work out great! Is your property zoned to allow an ADU though? There are companies that specialize in building ADU's, but the prices I saw made me inclined to DIY a project like that. Would you be able to remodel your existing garage instead of starting from scratch?
seattlecyclone:
I'd love to build a detached ADU (backyard cottage) once our local NIMBYs exhaust all avenues for appeal of the zoning change proposal that would make it legal for me to build one.
Jon Bon:
Yes I have done this.
So I built a garage and insisted on real stairs and room in attic trusses. It made the project more expensive, more difficult and more complicated. However it is there if I ever want to do it.
Things you will want to do.
Mechanical - make sure you it plumbed for water and sewer below the frost grade.
Electrical - I did a big 100 amp sub-panel, so I could run a minisplit, electric car AND welder if I wanted
Insulated garage door
Suck up a whole lot to your local inspector
Oh and make it 10% larger then you think you will need!
Now that I have it, it is pretty great. Its my own personal play space where the rest of the family knows belongs to me, and I can do whatever I want.
But yes currently its illegal for me to have it as an ADU until the NIMBYs change their minds.
mm1970:
blech
I live in California
There goes the neighborhood.
(My main issue is lack of parking.)
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