Feasibility Study – Can We Build It?

We recently engaged a new client who needs an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) to be constructed so that Mom and Dad can sell their existing home and move in to join households, help with the grandkids and so that as their needs change, the adult children can help meet their parents’ needs.

A couple of questions arose at the beginning of our consultation. The first question is can we build what we want and need? There are several questions that need to be answered. Is there enough room from the house to the property line setbacks for the addition? Will adding on the addition add more impervious (basically, water can’t penetrate a roof, driveway or walkway) that does not meet the city’s planning requirements. The second one is what will it cost? Based on a very preliminary plan, we are able to project costs for a project to see if it is in line with the family’s budget. In this case, we broke down the Design Process into two steps. The first is to do some basic designs, lot layout and research the city’s planning and zoning regulations.  We then will meet with the various building, zoning and planning departments to determine or confirm what we can build.

This gives our clients some direction as to their next steps. Option 1 is the easiest way if we can build the ADU within the existing regulations. Option 2 is to apply for a zoning variance to get relief on setbacks or lot coverage. Option 3, for this client, is if an ADU cannot be built, to do some renovations in the existing house.

Options 1 and 2 will require us to get a Class 1 Survey of the existing conditions and to flesh out the plans to meet the clients’ needs. Option 3 would be to create the blueprints necessary for the work on their home. During this process we continually monitor the design and the costs to keep everything in line.

We recommend that we first find out what can be built for a smaller investment and then layer on the other work for Architects, Planners and Surveyors to get to a final building plan.

Much appreciation to our returning Clients, referral partners and to our new Clients.

Calyx is licensed and insured in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. If you need our help with figuring out if what you need can be built, then reach out to us at 401-334-9110 or 508-639-9595 or you can email us at inquire@CalyxBuilds.com.