Adding An In-Law Suite Addition To My Home, What Issues Are Involved?

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Adding An In-Law Suite Addition To My Home, What Issues Are Involved?

 

Addition to existing home with extra parking and walkway to a separate entrance.

 

Kitchen open to great room with master bedroom in the distance.

Before starting the process, read the Covenants and Restrictions for your community, check with your HOA and local zoning department to see what’s possible or have a Custom Builder guide you through the process. 

Most homes are located on properties zoned only for a single family residence. A new addition can raise some issues as to whether the residence will now be considered multi family and violate HOA rules and zoning laws. 

In Orange County, Florida, the zoning rules are tricky. Breakfast bars, wet bars, craft centers and summer kitchens are allowed but not a 2nd full kitchen. Many times it depends upon what you actually call a cooking facility. It’s best to have professional guidance.

 

Key Issues: 

• A separate kitchen may present issues with local zoning and homeowner associations. 
• The septic tank and drain field capacity may have to be expanded. 
• Having a separate electric meter on the In-law suite will not be possible on a property zoned for a single family residence.
• The existing roof structure is key here in regards to minimizing addition costs. 
• A Builder can tell you the best way to connect the two residences or whether it would be better to have a completely separate structure. 
• The cost per square foot of this type of addition is usually more expensive then the value of the existing residence price per SF. It costs more to add on to an existing home.

 

Read More- Can I Have Two Kitchens In My Home? 

 

Suggested Features: 

• A private living area connected to the main house. 
• Suite should be comfortable and separate to create a feeling of independence. 
• Private full bathroom. 
• A door that separates the new living quarters from the rest of the house. 
• A separate entrance if approved by zoning. 
• 36” wide halls with wheelchair accessible doorways. 
• A full Kitchen if possible. 
• Accessibility. 
• Most in-law suites are around 1,000 SF of living area and cost between $150/SF-$250/SF. 
• Now is the time to add additional rooms for family needs. 
• Master suite with sitting area. 
• Walk-in closet. 
• Master bath with curb-less shower. 
• ADA height elongated toilets and vanities with extra space around the toilets. 
• Incorporate lots of natural lighting in the design with a view if possible. 
• Attractive grab bars at toilets, tubs and showers. 
• Separate washer and dryer (stackable). 
• Separate air-conditioning system, lighting, smoke, fire, carbon monoxide detectors and water heater from main house. 
• Great room, with kitchen, bar top, nook and family room. 
• Think of this suite as a future flex space by incorporating universal design features.
• Overhead and hand-held shower features. 
• Easy open drawer and door hardware. 
• Sound proofing to make the separate living quarters private. 
• Emergency call button. 
• Install a separate phone line, Internet connection, cable jacks and a stereo system. 
• Access to common areas like pool, decks and patios. 
• Allow for additional parking or garage space. 

Future Use:

• Keep flexibility in mind, this may not always be used as an In-law suite. In the future it may become a guest suite, older teen space, home office or master suite.
• When it's time to sell, the more uses the additional space has the higher the resale value.

 

Read More- How To Make Stairs Safer

 

Read More- What is Universal Design?

 

Read More- Does Universal Design Have to Be Ugly?

 

Read More- How To Effectively Use Recessed Lighting

 

Have an awesome day! 

 

Mike 

 

www.regalclassichomes.com

 

What Is The Best Way To Clear Out My Air Conditioning Condensation Line?

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What Is The Best Way To Clear Out My Air Conditioning Condensation Line?

 

 

It's that time of year again! Central Florida weather is heating up and that's when mold and all kinds of nasty gunk grows in your AC condensation line. Better to be aggressive when it comes to keeping your air conditioner working smoothly to avoid an inconvenient shut down or expensive service call.

Most new HVAC systems have an automatic shut off feature when the condensation line become plugged. Older systems just back up until the Homeowner notices a large wet spot on their ceiling. In either case, it's a problem that has to be dealt with right away if your are looking forward to a good nights sleep. 

 

Read More.....

 

Have Ana we some day!

 

Mike

 

www.regalclassichomes.com

 

Custom Home Building- How To Save Money And The Planet At The Same Time?

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Custom Home Building- How To Save Money And The Planet At The Same Time?

 

When people build a home they are mostly interested in energy efficiency that make sense. Saving the planet is usually a second thought. An energy efficient product that save money, has a reasonable payback and saves the planet all at the same time is the kind of product that "just makes sense".

 

Every day we hear about solar and wind power but for most people the payback period is just too long. Anything more than 10 years is just not being realistic. Circumstances change, jobs change and in the real world people move.

 

The answer is "LIGHT BULBS". Yes, LED now makes sense if you are building a new home. The technology has finally caught up and you can save the planet, all at the same time.

 

Read More.....

 

Have an awesome day!

 

Mike

 

www.regalclassichomes.com

 

Are The Baby Boomers Still The Largest Target Market For Housing?

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Are The Baby Boomers Still The Largest Target Market For Housing?

 

 

Not according to the latest statistics. The Baby Boomer generation has been eclipsed by the Millenials. The reason, most of the people migrating into the USA are younger and add to the clout of the Millenial generation. What does all this mean to the housing market?

 

Read More.....

 

Have an awesome day!

 

Mike

 

 

 

www.regalclassichomes.com

 

Which Investment Is Better, Real Estate, Stocks Or Gold?

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Which Investment Is Better, Real Estate, Stocks Or Gold?

 

 

Historically most Americans favored real estate investment as opposed to stocks and gold. Then came the crash of 2008 when the value of homes plummeted and foreclosures went through the roof. Fast forward, 8 more years and now more Americans favor real estate investment over other choices. So what's changed their minds?

 

Read More.....

 

Have an awesome day!

 

Mike

 

www.regalclassichomes.com

 

How Can I Make My Home More Energy Efficient Without Breaking The Bank?

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How Can I Make My Home More Energy Efficient Without Breaking The Bank?

 

 

Like most things in life, it's all about the details. In Custom Home Building, there are 1,000's of details to consider, it's difficult to tell which ones are important. With energy efficiency, it all comes down to a cost benefit analysis. Can I spend $100 today and get back $1,000's over the next 10 years? That's the kind of touch decisions I like to make. Frankly, it's a "no brainier"! Spend a little today and get back lots of money in the foreseeable future. Yes!!!!

Better yet, the materials to make a home more energy efficient are already available in the dumpster. All it takes is a laborer to go around and plug holes in the building envelope after the plumber has already tightened things up.

Regal Classic Homes is an "Energy Star" Builder. Ask me about more ways to save money on energy efficiency with fast paybacks when we build you new Custom Home or Remodel.

 

Read More.....

 

Have an awesome day!

 

Mike

 

www.regalclassichomes.com

 

Is It A Good Idea To Place A Sink Or Cooking Surface In A Kitchen Island?

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Is It A Good Idea To Place A Sink Or Cooking Surface In A Kitchen Island?

 

 

Kitchen islands are all the rage but a small kitchen island of 6' or less poses some interesting challenges. Experience teaches me a 6' island is too small for the placement of a 24" sink or cook top. The sink or appliance is usually placed in the middle and doesn't allow enough room for staging around it. I still don't like the idea of a cooktop in the middle but an innovative product and idea has developed that may change that. Now you can place a sink on the end of the island and still have lots of room around it for staging.

 

Read More.....

 

Have an awesome day!

 

Mike

 

 

www.regalclassichomes.com

 

Your Preliminary Plans Are Over Budget, Now What?

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Your Preliminary Plans Are Over Budget, Now What?

 

The Owners are ready to build their new home, remodel or addition and schedule meetings with three different Custom Home Builders. Each Builder is qualified and has glowing references. You tell each Builder exactly what type of home you want. Provide a floor plan sketch, photos and many details of what you would like included in your new home. You even share what your budget is for the entire project. The Builders go off to draw preliminary floor plans and a front elevation in preparation for the next meeting.

At the second meeting, each Builder presents their interpretation of the home you would like to build. The not to scale sketch you provided the Builders turns out to actually be 1,500 SF larger than you thought when brought to scale. Two of the Builder explain the home sketch you provided with details is way over your budget but one Builder tells you, it’s no problem he can build this palace for the budget you provided. What do you do? Which Builder do you believe? The two that said, you can't afford to build the home you want within the budget requirements or the one that said, it’s no problem? 

At this point, all the Builders have is a sketch of the front elevation, floor plan and a general idea of the home specifications. The Builder’s next step is to hire the Architect to actually design the home and then bid it out with the various suppliers and subcontractors. Until the Builders have a detailed set of plans and specifications bid out with the Builder’s team, nobody really knows what the project is actually going to cost? After all, this home has never been built before. The Architect charges $10,000 for a full set of plans. What should an Owner do at this point? Hire the Builder and Architect that told you what you wanted to hear or the two that said, the home is way over budget?

The risk; you may be out $10,000 or more if the Builder that told you what you wanted to hear is wrong and the home is actually way over your budget. I can't tell you how many Owners I’ve met over the years that have a rolled up set of plans they can't afford to build on a closet shelf. Frankly, it’s a common problem, Builders and especially Architects, like to tell the Owners what they want to hear.

So what do the Owners do? This is the time to pause and think carefully. First, ask each Builder to provide a set of specifications so you know exactly what they are including in their ballpark pricing. Now you have a floor plan, front elevation and a set of specifications. It’s not all you need but at least you know everyone is reading from the same sheet of music. After all, up to this point all the Owners and Builders have is conversation, without any obligation. The Builder's can tell you anything because there is no actual commitment. 

Second, now is the time to speak with each Builder’s Homeowner references. Does the Builder have a history of underestimating the cost of homes and change orders? Read More- How To Select A Builder

Third, do you trust the Builder with the low price? Is he organized and shows up on time and prepared for the meetings or is he disorganized? Are there other tell tale signs that point to inaccuracy? Read More- Can I Trust My Builder?

Fourth, all the Builders are motivated to tell you what you want to hear and price your home project on the low side. After all, Owners tend to hire the lowest priced, qualified, Builder and the one that tells them what they want to here. It takes courage for a Builder to say, this home is way over your budget because, he knows from experience it’s probably going to cost him the job. If two builder's out of three tell you this home is over your budget, it probably is! 

Unless, you are prepared to increase your budget it’s time to look at options that will decrease the price. Remember, this house is more than you want to spend and you haven't even started selecting the cool stuff for you new home like cabinets, lighting, flooring and interior appointments. 

Let's say, I’ve convinced you that it’s time to cut this palace down to size, so where do you start? Owners typically suggest cutting the quality of interior appointments to save money but "that’s where it will help you the least and hurt you the most". Eighty percent of the home costs are in the actual structure and required items like permits, impact fees, driveways and landscaping. You are still going to need wood trim, appliances, cabinets, lighting and flooring no matter how much you cut costs. So even if you weald a meat cleaver at interior appointments you will only say about 10% unless, you were really extravagant with the up front specifications. The end result will be a house with cheap finish details and that's what most people see. That’s going to hurt you when it's time to sell! 

Let’s look at where all the high cost items are when building a home, in order of magnitude: 

1. Building lot. 
2. Square foot of living area. 
3. Square foot of garage and porches. 
4. Swimming pool. 
5. Screen enclosure. 
6. Roofing choices. 

Each of the above items has an impact on many building cost items or are expensive all by themselves. Every square foot of living area increases the cost of the slab, roof, flooring, paint, drywall, air conditioning, trusses, framing etc. Many of the trades charge by the square foot (SF) of living area or total SF under roof. So you can see that the SF of your home is a large cost item especially, the SF of living area.

If you want to save on the cost of building your home, don't make it any bigger than you need? Do you really need that tile roof, swimming pool, intricate roof design, boat dock, screen enclosure or 3 car garage? Follow your Builder’s lead. If he points to certain features of your home that are potential cost saving measures, there’s a reason. After all, he’s on your team! If you design a home that you can't afford in the end, nobody wins. The Owners don't get their new home and the Builder doesn't get to build it for you. The end result, another set of rolled up plans on the closet shelf.

 

The best Owners are those that are willing to be guided. No matter how experienced you think you may be, you are dealing with professionals with decades of home building experience. They do this every day! If you get to the point where you feel you know more than your Builder, it's either time to find a new one of question whether you are really listening.

 

Have an awesome day! 

 

Mike 

 

www.regalclassichomes.com

 

Custom Homes- How To Maintain The Stucco On The Exterior Of My Home?

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Custom Homes- How To Maintain The Stucco On The Exterior Of My Home?

 

 

Stucco is the exterior finish material of choice in Central Florida. It’s attractive, low maintenance and it lasts for years. Since most homes are primarily constructed of concrete block applying stucco over the block is a compatible material and cost effective. Like most things in life, a stucco finish requires care and maintenance. Frankly, home maintenance is something most homeowners fail to do with expensive repairs being the result. 

Tips:

• Stucco should be cleaned 1-2 times per year with a spray hose, working from bottom to top to avoid staining.
• Touch up cracks and repair chips yearly. 
• Repaint the home every 5-7 years and not just when the paint fades out in 10-12 years. 
• The paint and caulking is the wall’s waterproofing agent and must be maintained to prevent water damage. Wall penetrations as well as windows and doors require extra attention.
• Pay particular attention to stucco areas above the height of the exterior walls, on the roof. This area requires more frequent painting and repair due to its increased exposure to the weather.
• Install gutters on your home and redirect sprinklers to keep water from hitting the exterior walls. 

Stucco is a great product but it requires periodic attention to make sure the finish and your home lasts for years to come.

For more home maintenance tips.....

 

Read More.....

 

Have an awesome day! 

 

Mike 

 

www.regalclassichomes.com

 

How To Care For Marble Flooring In Your Custom Home?

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How To Care For Marble Flooring?

 

 

If you are looking for an inexpensive, low maintenance product for your new home, "don't buy marble"! Marble is a beautiful stone but requires special care and maintenance. Most people are unaware, the marble they see in the show room has been cut, polished and had all the gaps and holes eliminated by applying a marble filling agent. It has to be regularly cleaned, sealed twice a years and requires periodic maintenance by a professional tile refinishing company or the fillers fall out and the marble disintegrates. In short, it has to be "babied" if you want your marble floors to look great for years to come.

One of the worst mistakes I've seen is when the maid or cleaning person uses vinegar and water on a marble floor. The vinegar literally eats and disintegrates the marble!

 

Read More- How To Care For Marble Flooring.....

 

If you want a product that looks like marble, costs less and requires very limited maintenance I suggest you consider a "porcelain tile". When most people hear the word porcelain they think of there grandma's white kitchen sink and what a disaster that was to deal with. Today's porcelain products are nothing like grandma's kitchen sink. In fact, I've installed porcelain flooring in million dollar homes and most people compliment the homeowners on their beautiful marble floors!

 

Read More- Porcelain vs. Marble.....

 

Have an awesome day!

 

Mike

 

www.regalclassichomes.com

 

 

Custom Homes- How To design A Secret Door Or Room?

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Custom Homes- How To design A Secret Door Or Room?

 

 

 

Custom Home Buyers always want something unique about their homes they can impress their friends with. Something cool or special! How about a secret room or door? How cool is that? The secret can be something out of CSI or less sophisticated.

 

A secret room or door is something that has to be planned during the design stage and not something done on the fly. Make sure you let your Builder know that you want one early in the process. The earlier, the more time the team has to design something unique and the better it will be hidden.

 

When it's time to sell your home, a secret room or door becomes a memory point for potential buyers. Imagine the Realtor has been showing homes to a buying couple in your area and after viewing 30 homes has no idea which home was which. Something unique that makes your home stand out is definitely an edge.

 

Read More.....

 

Have an awesome day!

 

Mike

 

www.regalclassichomes.com

 

The Eat In Kitchen Island, It's All The Rage In Custom Homes!

www.regalclassichomes.com

 

The Eat In Kitchen Island, It's All The Rage In Custom Homes!

 

 

 

The eat in kitchen island, just make sense. Central Florida is all about the casual life style. When friends come over, the normal gathering area is close to the kitchen. After all, that's where the food is!

 

Read More.....

 

Have an awesome day!

 

Mike

 

www.regalclassichomes.com