Getting started: How a homeowner can consult with an architect to scope out what's feasible
Cheryl Cort
How a homeowner can get started scoping out an accessory apartment project
We asked a few architects how a homeowner can get started with a consultation with an architect about what might be possible for an accessory apartment project. Here’s the response from Jennifer Harty, HxH Architects.
Q. How can a homeowner do a consultation about whether or not a basement apartment or detached accessory apartment is feasible?
JH: The best way to determine feasibility is to call a local architect, licensed and practicing in your district. Architects can be found by searching in the member directory at the American Institute of Architects. An architect is the only professional well versed in the specific zoning and code related to building an Accessory Dwelling Unit. [See post on architects interested in ADUs and link to AIA list]
Q. Is there a free consultation? Is there a paid consultation? What does a free or paid consultation get a homeowner?
JH: Some architects do charge a fee for an initial visit, and this generally gets the homeowner a thorough review of their specific property, leaving them with an understanding of what scope to undertake moving forward. There might even be a formal write up of possibilities for the owner to keep. Other architects offer free initial meetings, as they are interested in evaluating the project in the hopes of obtaining future work. In the free initial meeting, there may be some discussion of feasibility, but in a less formal way. The free meeting is generally followed with a written proposal for architectural services.
Q. What is the basic research/checklist a homeowner can do in preparation of speaking with a professional?
JH: I would advise understanding your property fairly thoroughly. The following information is helpful to have on hand:
A plat or survey of your property, often provided to the owner when the owner closes on the property
Determine your Lot Square Footage (found on the survey plat)
Estimate your first floor footprint (especially important in DC and for those interested in building a detached ADU)
Historic Covenants: Are there any? Determine if you are in a historic district. If you are not sure, you can find your property at the DC Office of Zoning
Understand your zoning district. Again, you can find your property at the DC Office of Zoning. If you are in an RF district, ADUs are not allowed, but there are other options for building rentable space.
Measure the ceiling height of your basement (for basement ADUs)
Assess where your house sits on your property (for rear yard ADUs) and what sort of alley access and side yard access you have available.
Talk to your neighbors. It is likely that you are not the first one on the block to be thinking about an ADU. Neighbors can offer invaluable advice when you are thinking about starting a project. They might even lend you a cup of sugar too!
I could delve into "understand how many amps of service you have," and, "what is your incoming water service" but I think that gets too technical!
[We’ll follow up to get at these crucial technical details in another post. Jennifer Harty's work can be found at HxH Architects. Also see her National Building Museum presentation on using zoning and codes to design ADUs here. - Cheryl Cort]