In-laws, Outlaws, and Granny Flats: Your Guide to Turning One House into Two Homes

Mike Litchfield has just written a very important book on building, not just for its subject matter, but for its timeliness in this era of tightening incomes. The subtitle says it well: "Your guide to turning one house into two homes."There's a growing need for sensible and affordable shelter in North America these days, and Mike, the first editor of Fine Homebuilding, and the author of the bestselling book Renovation, has put together an immensely useful book here. The book addresses a real need. For one (big) thing, baby boomers' parents are aging, and a cottage in the yard or an apartment above the garage beats a rest home or a retirement condo in both financial and human terms.In many cases, for the cost of renting a house or apartment for a few years, or for the cost of an elder and/or loved one in a rest home, you can create a rent-free or mortgage-free home. The book covers, in this order:1. Is an in-law right for you?2. Design of in-laws3. Choosing appliances, fixtures, and materials4. Plans and permits5. Methods of construction, and the pros and cons of each: a. Basement units b. Garage conversions c. Stand-alone units d. Bump-outs, carve-outs, and attics6. Current sources for finding architects, green materials, and productsThe section on obtaining plans and permits alone is worth the price of admission. I'm often asked, "How can I get a permit to build a small home?" This book shows you how. The fact is, that up until now, most in-laws in the US have been illegal. But with the growing need of an aging population, and the growing desire of (some) townships and municipalities to provide low-cost housing, there's a move towards legalizing second units. This is the most coherent and helpful description of getting through the planning department and the building inspector I've seen anywhere.To tell you the truth, I've dodged permits and planning departments as much as possible, but I do believe in the need for structural safety and competent construction. The trick is to find the sensible amount of planning and building code compliance. This book makes a case for getting permits. And I have to face it, in spite of the fact that a lot of structures in our building books are wild and/or crazy and often not code-complying, a lot of people would rather be legal. A friend said to me abut this book, "This is the real world."Maybe it will help cities, towns, and counties in establishing sensible requirements for low-cost second-unit housing. I heard the other day that planning and permits in Marin County (Calif.) are over $50,000-- bureaucracy running amok.The book is not only practical, but the photos show a lot of places with natural wood, carpets, sunshine through windows, and nice landscaping. The aesthetics are a welcome relief to much of what's shown in today's architectural media.This book is going to be around and helpful forever.***Check out Mike's website of small space design: [...]

I purchased this book because I need to remodel my home to include not just a studio space for my husband, but an apartment for my aging mother, too. The designs in this book are timeless (developers & remodelers should note there are NO granite countertops in this book)! The author goes into detail about zoning and permits, and reminds readers of "things to consider" along the way concerning noise, privacy, etc.The term "Outlaws" in the title refers to folks who build an addition dwelling unit without the approval of the city (or wherever) you live in. "Granny flats" is primarily used in Australia.With 20-something's having to move home, boomers losing jobs and/or health, and folks having to combine families to make ends meet, this is a great idea book of how to make it work!

I purchased this book for a friend who is considering her future options in caring for her parents in their elderly years. It has greatly exceeded my expectations. Chock full of information on topics as detailed and technical as zoning and permitting considerations, to fun and beautiful ideas on all types of design considerations, this book will truly get you thinking on the best option for you. From separate dwelling units, to additions and basement conversions, there are many options available for this type of housing, and this book covers them all. While you will certainly need to work with an architect to make these kinds of building projects a reality, the information covered here--questions on your neighborhood, discussions about the character of your lot or property and the potential benefits or pitfalls of various arrangements--will greatly assist you in making a thoughtful, measured assessment of the true possibilities of your property. The beautiful pictures of successful units will also leave you feeling inspired! And it will put you in a much more informed position, one that will greatly assist you in working with your architect--and I should know, as I am one! I highly recommend this book, and even plan to get another copy for myself.

We recently relocated back to the mid-atlantic region after being away for five years. My husband and I are retired and will be looking to buy a 'seasoned charmer' home in the next 2 years as opposed to a newer mcmansion with wasted space for two people. I saw this book reviewed in the Washington Post and since I have adult children with families in the immediate area, I was curious as to what options might be available in building a smaller space on an already inhabited residential lot. My advice to anyone contemplating this same option is 'don't pick up this book and start to explore it, anytime close to preparing a meal, unless you have a second cook in the house or you can order carryout.' It's mezmorizing in ideas, floor plans, before/after results pictures and makes you want to get in your car and start exploring the nearest town for available lots. I read it from cover to cover and kept interrupting my husband's activities to show him my latest 'what a great idea' find. I sent an email to a close friend in KC recommending this book to her since they are close to buying land and building a home and a MIL space with it. If you get this book, also get 'What Your Contractor Can't Tell You', as well. Equally as fabulous for information and getting to know the ins and outs of building or remodeling. Both books will be dog-eared worn out from referencing them in the near future.

Found this book ok but a bit Americanized, I wanted something from uk but will have to do as could not find anything out there

This books is fantasic. I have read many books and this is by far the best on creating a granny flat.

Interesting picture book