By Judy Kleinberg Whether you dream of a quiet yoga space, a sturdy expanse of work bench and shelves for gardening, a charming playhouse or a light-infused craft room, a backyard cottage can be the answer. But before you meet with the professionals – designer, contractor, builder – here are some considerations to inform the conversation. Size Matters While you may have lots of space and a budget to match, you can minimize red tape by keeping your cottage within specified size limits. Check with your county planning department for the maximum square footage allowable without a permit. This varies widely and is a good place to begin. Local regulations may also specify the distance between the main house and the new structure, the roof height and how high above grade the structure can sit (think stilt houses and tree houses, for example). Making sure your backyard studio conforms to local regulations can save you heartache – and increase your profit – when it comes time to sell your home. Location, Location, Location Once you know the maximum size, it’s time to think about where your new structure will sit. That may be determined in part by its function. A woodshed or tool storage shed can be tucked into the back of the yard, while you may want your music room or meditation space to open onto the prettiest vantage. Do you need natural light?
glass work or piano practice – or will it be an “extra room” for
Access to water? You will also need to consider climate and soil
everyone’s special projects? Do you want direct sunlight through
conditions and whether your structure will require a foundation.
windows, glass doors and skylights or do you prefer the filtered light afforded by a deep porch (perhaps with a porch swing)? How about
It can be a big leap from the “cute cottage” you have in your mind to
a window seat for reading? Do you want your sewing machine or
the reality of (for example) 200 square feet. The best way to visualize
other equipment tucked into a closet or out in the open? Will you
the new space is to lay out a life-size “floor.” Fold, unfold or join drop
need soundproofin for listening to music or band practice? What
cloths to equal the square footage of your cottage, then lay them on
about display shelves and lighting for artwork, books or other
the ground to get a sense of the size, fit and placement. (You can
special collections? Would a bulletin board wall be a useful addition?
measure out the dimensions with tape or string, but cloth, or even
Do you prefer built-ins or movable furniture? Will you need washable
plastic sheeting, will give you a more realistic view.) Will you have to
surfaces and perhaps even a floor drain for a ceramics studio or
remove shrubs or trees? Will the structure block access to paths,
kids’ painting room?
doors or gates? And speaking of paths, will you need to include a ramp or accessible pathway?
Pinterest is a great source for more inspiration. In addition, a growing number of companies now offer handsome pre-fab
The Look You Love
structures that may provide more ideas. Get inspired by having a
If you want a structure that echoes the architecture of your home, a
look at Studio Shed, Summerwood Products, kitHAUS and
building designer can help you maximize both interior and exterior
Drop Structures.
space to create the cottage of your dreams. Form and function need to work together in a small backyard structure, so consider
Whether you plan to write poems, finish your symphony or set up a
carefully what is important to you.
darkroom, your backyard studio/cottage should meet your needs for space, privacy and convenience. It could be the best thing you
Will your dream space serve a single purpose – for example, stained
ever did for yourself – and your house!
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