The pros and cons of options for creating an in-law unit
— -- Adding an in-law unit to your home or backyard can be costly and reduce your privacy. Yet good planning can minimize those factors, says Michael Litchfield, author of a new book, In-Laws, Outlaws and Granny Flats.
"Always try to stay within the existing footprint when renovating a house or in-law unit," he writes. "If you don't enlarge the square footage of the structure, you'll be more likely to save money and simplify code compliance."
He cites the six most common types of in-law units and the pros and cons of each:
•Basement conversion. This is especially cost-effective if there's already enough headroom and ground-level access to the outside. On a sloping lot, the downhill side can accommodate a wall of windows. Yet blocking noise from the unit can be costly, as can water problems if they occur.
•Garage apartment. It can be a good solution if the lot is small and a basement conversion isn't viable. It offers privacy and sound separation. Yet garages often have drainage and dampness problems and require structural reinforcement. Additional parking spaces may be needed.
•Carve-out. Remodeling existing rooms into a unit is the least expensive conversion and is well-suited for housing a relative or friend. Yet there can be sound and privacy issues because of shared walls, and it can be dicier to rent to strangers.
•Attic conversion. If there's enough headroom, this can be an economical option, and if there are enough windows and skylights, it can be light-filled and spacious. Yet it can be complicated to build, noisy for people living below and difficult to heat, cool and ventilate.
•Detached cottage. This can be easy to locate on a large lot, especially with an alley in back. It offers the best sound separation, elbow room and design options. Yet it can be moderately expensive to build, reduce yard space and require a long access path if far from the street.
•Bump-out. An addition doesn't have to take up much space, can be cost-effective because of shared walls and makes it easy to create a courtyard. Yet it may block light from the main house, make it look too big and create privacy and sound problems.
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