Any homebuilders who build mother-in-law suite above garage? (Denver, Arvada: apartment, to rent)

[kimmiesue]

I currently live in Firestone and am interested in finding a homebuilder who can build a house with a mother-in-law suite above the garage. I'm thinking that to get this feature, I will have to find a semi-custom builder. Is this correct? Or do you know of any communities in this area that allow for that to be added? I'm pretty certain that the community that we live in now would not allow this addition onto our house, although I haven't checked into this option.

Thanks in advance for your help/suggestions!

[2bindenver]

Some homebuilders have built this model. Lone Tree comes to mind. Right now, Lennar is building a two residences in one building in Stapleton - Stapleton New Home Community - Denver, Colorado | Lennar Homes There is an outbuilding in this listing - go to recolorado.com enter in 9480404 as the MLS # or this townhome with a mom in law suite # 6819039

[Bradburn1]

We have them here in Bradburn Vilage--Westminster. We call them carriage houses, but they are officially called accessory dwelling units (ADUs). In my neighborhood the primary builder was New Town Builders, now called Thrive builders. We had multiple custom builders who added them also but I don't believe any of them are still in business.

The ability to add these units is determined by zoning and by the city's regulations, also HOA rules if you have a HOA. Here in Westminster you are only allowed to have an ADU with a full kitchen if you are located on a corner lot due to accessibility during a fire. You probably have already, but check with your city (or county if applicable) if they allow ADUs. As mentioned, Stapleton has them also, as does Prospect New Town in Longmont, also Belle Creek in Henderson. They are super cool and great to have for an aging parent, a home office, or boomerang kids. Or to rent for extra income. My neighbors do all of those with theirs here.

[tcbelvis]

Lewis Pointe in Thornton has a cool model home, Next Gen. Not above the garage though.... Grantham New Home Plan in Lewis Pointe Grand Collection by Lennar

[davebarnes]

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[Coloradomom22]

People who are looking to buy a home with space for their parents look for designs that have accessibility for mobility issues. You probably will have to go with a custom builder if you want a space with stairs over a garage. You might want to consider the downside of stairs if you plan on having an elderly parent live with you.

[TCHP]

Originally Posted by Bradburn1

The ability to add these units is determined by zoning and by the city's regulations, also HOA rules if you have a HOA.

More than that, there are structural requirements to allow a second story dwelling that a large percentage of average garages can't meet. Garages that are on the side or detached from the main house will typically be on 6-8" slab construction without adequate depth or the necessary footers to support the additional load that is created by adding an entire second story apartment on to them. Don't be surprised if, even if they are allowed by zoning, your local building department requires a structural analysis by an engineering firm before granting a permit to begin such work. Then, don't be surprised if their recommendation is to demo the entire garage to redo the foundation before proceeding with building.

[Bradburn1]

Originally Posted by TCHP

More than that, there are structural requirements to allow a second story dwelling that a large percentage of average garages can't meet. Garages that are on the side or detached from the main house will typically be on 6-8" slab construction without adequate depth or the necessary footers to support the additional load that is created by adding an entire second story apartment on to them

That is an excellent point I had not thought of. Many people in my neighborhood are looking at adding carriage houses above detached garages that do not already have them, they are very popular. Will have to ask them about this specifically.

[emm74]

Originally Posted by Coloradomom22

People who are looking to buy a home with space for their parents look for designs that have accessibility for mobility issues. You probably will have to go with a custom builder if you want a space with stairs over a garage. You might want to consider the downside of stairs if you plan on having an elderly parent live with you.

That was my thought as well, I would be concerned about the stairs.

[Augie Daugie]

Originally Posted by kimmiesue

I currently live in Firestone and am interested in finding a homebuilder who can build a house with a mother-in-law suite above the garage. I'm thinking that to get this feature, I will have to find a semi-custom builder. Is this correct? Or do you know of any communities in this area that allow for that to be added? I'm pretty certain that the community that we live in now would not allow this addition onto our house, although I haven't checked into this option.

Thanks in advance for your help/suggestions!

Parkwood builds above garage carriage homes in Stapleton. McStain also built those in Stapleton, but they are no longer working in the neighborhood. In addition to Stapleton, Lennar offers its NextGen models in Leyden Rock in Arvada, Lewis Point and Amber Creek in Thornton and coming soon to Longmont.