I’m looking at an option of building the project in phases: a simple, single story unit designed to be added on at a later date (hence the wacky roofline). If you look closely, you’ll see it’s the same building, but with a simple, nearly flat roof. We’d tear this off later, then use the flat roof joists below for the floor of the second story.

North Elevation

East Elevation

One of the things that’s great about this graphic is that it shows the sustainable nature of accessory units. These additional units allow families to stay on their property, even as housing needs change over the years. Rather than selling the house as children move in (or out), the family can simply move in (or out) of the accessory unit.

Take a look at Ryan’s website, along with his full proposal here.

I’ve been working with a new builder to develop a more accurate budget for the ADU project. One element of the design that accounts for a HUGE percentage of the overall cost is the kitchen. And, in the kitchen, one of the of the most expensive elements is the countertops.

We’re not building an elaborate kitchen by any stretch of the imagination. It’s a modest space, about 100 square feet, with a standard set of cabinets and appliances. No Wolf stoves or crazy slide-out dishwashers.

Here’s a simple layout:

The blue areas represent where we’d go with solid-surface products (32 sq. ft./15.5 lineal ft.), while the yellow will be a custom laminate countertop.

To give you and idea of the cost of things, I just received a bid for quartz or granite countertops that was about $5600 installed. That’s CRAZY expensive ($175 a sq. ft). The home centers price it between $60-$90, so you can definitely get it for less.

Inhabitat recently did a brief writeup on alternatives Richlite and Paperstone, two paper-resin “green” alternatives. I’m guessing we’re still in the +$70 sq. ft. with these products, and perhaps as high as $100.

One option that’s a real budget-tamer is granite tiles. You can buy either 12×12 tiles or even pre-edged 18×26 tiles at a much lower price. Here’s an example of a local supplier who sells these sorts of tiles (The DIY Home Center). If you do the math, the tiles come in around $16 a square foot. Talk about a savings!

Elevations 4-18-07 (PDF) | Floor Plans 4-18-0

Elevations 4-30-07 (PDF) | Floor Plans 4-30-07

Elevations 6-29-07 (PDF) | Floor Plans 6-29-07

Elevations 8-03-07 (PDF) | Floor Plans 8-03-07

After discussing my project with contractor Eli Spevak, Patrick is recommending against the concrete second floor. He and Eli both think it would be difficult and expensive. As a result, the floor joists will be thicker, thus changing the height of the ceilings. In addition, Patrick looked into the code further and there is some question whether shed roofs are measured from the mid-point or from the top. Eli has had planners interpret it as the top.

So, to get both more head room and alleviate the roof-measure issue, we’re going to a modified gable, inspired by traditional salt box house design.

Click this link for the PDF of the designs…more elevations to come.