Sarah in SC
Moderator Emeritus
Figured "Accessory Dwelling Unit" (their official name) was too obscure for a thread title. We are thinking of building a small (500 sqft) cottage on our property to use as a caretaker's cottage/rental/escape pod.
I searched for some old threads on this, including one where Rodi's lovely cottage is pictured (very nice, wow!) and wanted to know any tips or suggestions as we start the process, and any budgeting clues.
I was the General Contractor on our custom home build 13 years ago, and while it was an exhausting process, I'm thinking I can manage this one as well.
The timing is pretty good to do it over the next few months, since DH is still "on sabbatical" and we have a friend living with us who has a few construction skills. I'd probably use sweat equity for just about everything, as we have pretty decent experience in just about everything but framing and roofing. I do have a handful of contractor friends that will help during those parts.
It looks like from a zoning perspective we are fine, since we have 4 acres in an agricultural area, which give us up to 1200 sq feet. The only glitch might be the little neighborhood HOA, but I think I can get the other 4 homeowners to let us do it if we tuck it in the back yard as planned.
At the risk of looking like I last drew anything of substance in kindergarten, here's the first draft of my floor plan. It will be on low piers, with a simple gable roof.
Thoughts? Anyone whose done one of these and wants to share their experience? And bonus points to anyone who makes fun of my drafting skills.
I searched for some old threads on this, including one where Rodi's lovely cottage is pictured (very nice, wow!) and wanted to know any tips or suggestions as we start the process, and any budgeting clues.
I was the General Contractor on our custom home build 13 years ago, and while it was an exhausting process, I'm thinking I can manage this one as well.
The timing is pretty good to do it over the next few months, since DH is still "on sabbatical" and we have a friend living with us who has a few construction skills. I'd probably use sweat equity for just about everything, as we have pretty decent experience in just about everything but framing and roofing. I do have a handful of contractor friends that will help during those parts.
It looks like from a zoning perspective we are fine, since we have 4 acres in an agricultural area, which give us up to 1200 sq feet. The only glitch might be the little neighborhood HOA, but I think I can get the other 4 homeowners to let us do it if we tuck it in the back yard as planned.
At the risk of looking like I last drew anything of substance in kindergarten, here's the first draft of my floor plan. It will be on low piers, with a simple gable roof.
Thoughts? Anyone whose done one of these and wants to share their experience? And bonus points to anyone who makes fun of my drafting skills.
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