In-Laws, Outlaws & Granny Flats is an inspiring and informative guide to transforming a single-family house into a home with a second dwelling unit. Second units—often called mother-in-laws or in-law suites—are perfect for families who want several generations living close by. But there many compelling reasons to create an in-law.The flexibility to shape your future
In-Laws, Outlaws & Granny Flats is the first book to explore the many designs, uses and benefits of this important housing option. Creating an in-law unit can enable you to:
• Have elderly parents live nearby yet be independent. An in-law unit can also house the caregiver of an elderly or disabled person, or an au pair who cares for young children. Companionship is a benefit that’s hard to put a price on.
• Create greater privacy for adult children living at home.
• Establish a secure investment with tax benefits (a rental unit) that generates income so you can live more comfortably, travel or save for retirement. The income from an in-law can also help older homeowners stay in their homes—or help first-time buyers afford a place.• Design a home office that keeps work separate when it’s time to relax.
• Put up guests for long stays without cramping anyone’s style.
• Construct a new dwelling in the greenest, most economical way imaginable—by utilizing an under-used building or lot.
In-laws, Outlaws & Granny Flats is about real people. It chronicles roughly 30 in-law units in the U.S. and Canada. Each case history discusses what prompted homeowners to consider a second unit, which layouts and configurations best fit their personal needs and properties, how they dealt with zoning and neighbors, and what floor plans finally emerged.
The book’s opening chapters guide you through the practical considerations of choosing an in-law type from the six most commonly built, selecting space- and energy-conserving appliances and products, and navigating the planning and permitting processes.Beautiful, Useful & Green
In-laws, Outlaws & Granny Flats contains hundreds of rich color photos and hand-drawn illustrations as useful as they are beautiful. In exacting detail, they show a broad range of design choices and in-law types—including basement, attic and garage conversions, carve-out and bump-out additions, and cottages. Because in-law units always share an existing lot and, in many cases, an existing wall, they are arguably the greenest way to add a dwelling.
Through dozens of engaging case histories, In-laws, Outlaws & Granny Flats describe the personal journeys of friends, family and almost-family who meet some of life’s bigger challenges with common sense, compassion and creativity.In-laws, Outlaws & Granny Flats will be published by The Taunton Press in March, 2011. Released simultaneously in softcover print and e-book versions. Photography by Muffy Kibbey, illustrations by Martha Garstang Hill. 224 pages.
About the Author
Mike Litchfield has been renovating or writing about houses for more than 30 years. He was a founding editor of Fine Homebuilding, the editor of a CNET/Yahoo! Gold Star website (best home-improvement content), and has written ten books praised for their clarity, completeness and wit.
IN-LAWS, OUTLAWS & GRANNY FLATS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Thinking things through
Introduction
1. Is an in-law right for you?
2. Designing in-laws
Exploring six popular types
3. Choosing appliances and materials
Featuring energy- and space-saving products
4. Plans and permits
Case histories & photo portfolios
5. Basement In-laws
6. Garage conversions
7. Stand-alone In-laws
8. Bump-outs, carve-outs and attics
Resources
About those “Outlaws”
In-law housing is so popular and full of personality that it has spawned dozens of nicknames. “Outlaws,” for example, refer to in-laws not rented to relatives or to units built without permits. In Canada and the UK, in-law suites are also called auntie, uncle and granny flats. In Australia, kangaroo apartments. The list goes on and on: sidekicks, elder cottage housing opportunities (ECHO), accessory dwelling units (ADUs), double-ups, carriage houses, guest cottages and in Hawaii, ohana housing.
