Small Structures, Big Opportunities

In November 2008, the National Association of Home Builders released statistics indicating that builder confidence was down to its lowest level since January 1985. The release credits the financial markets, weak job market and economic uncertainty for plunging builder confidence, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. With this news comes a call for trade professionals to find new opportunities for income and referrals. Designing and building detached structures such as nanny units, home offices and pool houses can create these opportunities.

Many architects, designers and builders, including the three we interviewed for this article, believe in detached structures and the benefits they offer both the trades and homeowners. Each of these professionals has a different passion for the structures he builds, but all three believe in the many advantages these structures provide.

Solutions for Happy Guests

“A lot of times, the reason we look for this kind of solution is because of historic homes. Sometimes it’s best to not touch [the homes] at all,” says Jonathan Parks, AIA, principal, Jonathan Parks Architect in Sarasota, Fla.

Designing in sunny Florida may be a contributing factor to the extensive nature of Parks’ portfolio of detached structures. “[Florida] is unlike other environments where you need a [physical] connection [between structures] — it’s not snowy here where you would need the connection. And Florida is a place where people like to visit. The best way to keep friendships intact is to let people stay out [at the detached structure on the property], so they can keep to their routines.”

Parks has designed detached offices, pool houses, casitas, game rooms and more. “Everyone has different wants — some people want privacy and some people want a separation for work,” he adds.

A multitude of benefits come from detached structures, Parks says. “It allows people to stay in their current home and have a project in their backyard without it affecting them. You don’t have to turn their power off,” he adds.

“It’s also a great way for [builders and architects] to extend their construction services. Contractors can spend time really showcasing their work because the owner will be there quite a bit. And if you do a good job, there’s always the ability to get referrals,” Parks says.

But with advantages come challenges. “You really have to do a simple structure. They can get expensive and the contractor’s work can be extensive. You need a sweet scope with square footage, details and finishes; you don’t want the budget to be a challenge,” Parks adds. “The biggest challenge is that you don’t have the economy of scale as you do with larger projects — you have to be on the game. Try not to do too much when you’re not building another house. It’s not supposed to feel like you’re building a new house. And it’s not to take the place of an off-site storage compartment. The buildings need to have some type of poetry.”

Age in Place, on Site

Thomas Turman, licensed architect and owner of Turman Associates in Berkeley, Calif., became involved in the creation of detached structures such as guest residences long before the recent housing crunch. “The first versions were full residences with kitchens and bathrooms. We were providing structures that didn’t overwhelm the lot or crowd the existing structure, and we created a courtyard between the two structures. It slowed down in 2000 but picked up recently because people realized they can extend without buying a new house,” Turman says.