(EMAILWIRE.COM, December 12, 2012 ) VIC, Australia -- More people nationwide are building backyard cottages behind their homes. The expansions are due to cities have changing zoning laws making them possible. The bungalows ranging from small cabins to multi-room bungalows.
The cottages are being built to create a living space for an family members or to create a supplemental income through renting of the unit.
Changes in zoning laws have made the construction of the backyard residences possible. In 2009, Seattle, Wash., altered zoning laws to allow for "accessory dwelling units" to be built on single-family lots of more than 4,000 square feet, as long as the requirements for permits, plumbing and electricity are met.
Microhouse Executive Bruce Parker says "Backyard cottages increase density in a nice way. They use existing infrastructure, and they're inherently sustainable. A cottage is the antithesis of a big house on a tiny lot."
While ParkerÂ’s company is a Seattle-based design collective has been designing small homes for several years, the changes in zoning law has caused his firm to focus on backyard dwellings.
"Rather than paying thousands of dollars a month for assisted living, you can have your parents with you and they can help with the kids, Parker says. "But everyone gets their own space."
In Portland, Ore., zoning laws were changes in 2010 to allow for backyard cottages. Jasmine Deatherage and her mother, Diane Hoglund, went home shopping with this potential living arrangement in mind and focused on homes with large backyards.
"We really wanted to live together," Deatherage says. "I have a 2-year-old and my mom will be taking on some of the childcare. It's a special time to live together."
Some homeowners have other uses for the backyard cottages they built, such as an opportunity for a small-scale business.
Bob DiPalma of Burlington, Vt., created an apartment using the space above his garage, drawing up the designs with his wife and arranging for a contractor to create the additional living space. As a result, he and his wife now rent out the apartment as a part-time vacation rental.
"Over the last four years, we've had really wonderful guests who have appreciated the space," DiPalma says.
Sometimes, the need for more space is just a need for more space.
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