Getting started with your ADU project: Here’s what architect Emily Bacher recommends
Cheryl Cort
Getting started with your ADU project: Here’s what architect Emily Bacher recommends
On August 23, 2018, we posted an interview with architect Jen Harty on the question of how a homeowner can start the process of assessing the feasibility of building an ADU. Here is architect Emily Bacher's (EB) responses to questions about how homeowners can get started on their accessory apartment project.
How can a homeowner get a consultation about whether or not a basement apartment or detached accessory apartment is feasible?
EB: Give us a call! All we need is an address and an idea of what your goals are to get started.
Is there a free consultation? What does that get me?
EB: Yes. We provide a zoning summary free of charge. This is a short analysis of the zoning regulations and how they apply to your specific property. This will let you know from a zoning standpoint whether an ADU is feasible on your property, and if there are any administrative hurdles (ie [Board of Zoning Adjustments] BZA) that could complicate the process. In some situations, with unique site conditions, we may also do a site visit to make sure we account for anything that’s not recorded in the city records.
Is there a paid consultation? What more does that get me?
EB: We don’t do a paid consultation per se. If you’re interested in seeing some designs, but aren’t ready to commit to a full project, we can be engaged for the initial schematic design phase of the project. This would get you a site survey, as well as a few floor plans and elevations for potential ADUs on your site. This is particularly helpful for clients who know they need to go to the Historic or Zoning Board for review, and don’t want to sign on for the full scope of work until they know they’ll be able to complete the project. We charge the schematic design phase as fixed fee, which varies from project to project based on the site conditions and needs of the client.
Emily presented on zoning, design and permitting at the October 11, 2018 Ward 3 ADU workshop at the Cleveland Park Library. Emily can be contacted here: Emily Bacher, AIA, LEED BD+C, R. Michael Cross Design Group, Architecture and Design, http://www.rmichaelcross.com/, o: 202.536.3006, d: 202.747.0037 x7104