My husband and I would like to make our basement over into an apartment for my mother. The bewildering question seems to be ~ where do I start! We are prepared to do a lot of the work ourselves. There is a half bath and laundry facilities...we want to add a shower and a kitchen.

 

The first step is to rough-sketch a plan, based on existing plumbing and electrical systems, and check with your Building Inspection Department for local codes, permit and inspections requirements to tie what you want to add onto them.
It would probably be best to start with the plumbing, then the electrical.
Good Luck!
Mike

 

My husband and I are embarking on the same project. I have found that using a software product to plan the layout is very useful. I use Broderbund's 3D Home Architect. It has taken me about 3 months and about 15 tries to get my final plan together, but I'm glad I've waited, if we would have built our original plan we would be kicking ourselves.
There are many other programs at the computer store, so it may be worth your while to take a look.
Good luck,
Annette

 

Make sure you check with your building inspector regarding your plans, local codes, permits, and inspections.

An illegal conversion is the creation of one or more additional dwelling units within a home without first receiving the approval and permits. Such conversions often involve the alteration or modification of an existing home by adding an apartment in the basement or attic.

 

Mike ~ Thank you for your input; your advice is well-taken! Greetings to you in Albermarle Sound ~ we have a special place in our hearts for Hatteras.

Chris

 

Originally posted by BoCRon
My husband and I are embarking on the same project. I have found that using a software product to plan the layout is very useful. I use Broderbund's 3D Home Architect. It has taken me about 3 months and about 15 tries to get my final plan together, but I'm glad I've waited, if we would have built our original plan we would be kicking ourselves.
There are many other programs at the computer store, so it may be worth your while to take a look.
Good luck,
Annette

Annette~ thank you for your well-wishes! I will certainly look into the programs.

Chris

 

Originally posted by twelvepole
Make sure you check with your building inspector regarding your plans, local codes, permits, and inspections.

An illegal conversion is the creation of one or more additional dwelling units within a home without first receiving the approval and permits. Such conversions often involve the alteration or modification of an existing home by adding an apartment in the basement or attic.

Thank you for your reply; the running rule seems to be to check with local authorities. Chris

 

The first thing to consider about a basement bedroom is egress. You need a window or door that can be used as egress in case of fire. There are code minimums covering the size. Bottom line is that it has to be large enough for a fireman and his equipment to enter quickly and safely.

Chances are very good that if you don't have a walkout, you will need to enlarge a window or add one.

If you do have a walkout, many places will not allow you to construct a full apartment. Your house is probably in an area zoned for single family homes and you are creating a multi-family dwelling.
Even if there are apartments nearby, the zoning may cover a very tiny and specific area.

 

Originally posted by BobF
The first thing to consider about a basement bedroom is egress. You need a window or door that can be used as egress in case of fire. There are code minimums covering the size. Bottom line is that it has to be large enough for a fireman and his equipment to enter quickly and safely.

Chances are very good that if you don't have a walkout, you will need to enlarge a window or add one.

If you do have a walkout, many places will not allow you to construct a full apartment. Your house is probably in an area zoned for single family homes and you are creating a multi-family dwelling.
Even if there are apartments nearby, the zoning may cover a very tiny and specific area.

Wow! Quite a bit to think about. I'm not sure it makes sense to me that if we DO have a walkout....we CANNOT make an apartment...and vice versa!

 

I believe the term for what you want to build is "in-law suite" or "guest suite". "Apartment" implies a multi-family dwelling, frequently prohibited by local code in areas zoned for single-family use.

 

I live in a township. Townships are not nearly as restrictive as cities. My neighbor built a "mother-in-law suite". Zoning prohibited them from creating a separate outside entrance to it.
They didn't even have a kitchen in it.

Call it what you will, but a "suite" with a separate external entrance and a kitchen, bedroom, & bath will probably make the house a multi-family building.

What we think is irrelevant. What matters is what the local building authorities say.

 

Originally posted by BobF
I live in a township. Townships are not nearly as restrictive as cities. My neighbor built a "mother-in-law suite". Zoning prohibited them from creating a separate outside entrance to it.
They didn't even have a kitchen in it.

Call it what you will, but a "suite" with a separate external entrance and a kitchen, bedroom, & bath will probably make the house a multi-family building.

What we think is irrelevant. What matters is what the local building authorities say.

True....another problem has surfaced....no matter how we do it...there will be stairs of some sort and that is a problem. Husband and I may have to move down there!