Increasing, Seattle Backyard Cottages are in the local news. DADU's or Detached Accessory Dwelling Units have always been controversial and can be a great way to add value and living space to a single family zoned lot. A homeowner can add guest space, work space, studio space, elder care, an income source or a combination of these spaces. These cottages also known as Mother-In-Law units have been common for decades in California beach towns (yes, I grew up in a home with one built in the back yard for my grandmother) and is a natural low-impact solution to an area with growing pains.
While the Seattle City Council decides to what degree the zoning laws may be relaxed on these, many people are currently eligible to build a unit on their lot under current regulations.
Sheri Newbold of Live-Work-Play, specializes in designing these spaces. A former president of the NW Eco Building Guild, Sheri's a thoughtful and knowledgeable architect. She keeps a keen eye not only toward the visual spaces, but also for function. Indoor air quality, low impact construction, materials re-use, site and orientation, as well as energy efficiency are all taken into account. Maybe most importantly for your long term happiness, she will keep in mind how your new construction might impact your neighbors enjoyment of their property.
DADU's are typically less complicated when they are added just off the alley. If you don't have an alley, just because you may not have road access, it doesn't mean there aren't other ways to make one work.
Sheri Newbold will be teaching her class where you can explore the notion of a DADU on your own lot. With a little homework before the class, you can have a pretty good idea if a cottage might be a viable option for you and how it might work for your situation.
Accessory dwelling units are a great way to provide resiliency for your home and your life. Aging in place, family space, working at home opportunities and income producing, a DADU allows for changes in your lifestyle, planned or not.
Check out her next class information www.live-work-play.net
If you want to find a lot or home where you can add value to the existing home, it just so happens it's something I can help you with.
