How do I start thinking about designing a home or a totally separate garage and In-Law apartment?
• Q. Make sure you love your location. The lot, the site, the neighborhood. Then consider practicality, function and your lifestyle. Be open with your architect on budget and time-frame. An architect is trained to work with you to design a home tha considers all of these factors. Your site plan should have specifics such as Building Restriction Lines (BRL), construction setbacks and septic field layouts. Local building codes, if not on your site plan, can be clarified through your county or city government offices. This is the first step in determining the location limits. On the question of an addition, it should serve to form exterior rooms and public spaces and tie to existing structures through the design of hardscapes and plantings. Naturally, the design of the garage and surrounding hardscapes should mirror the style and era of your home. • Q.
