Expert: Richard Taylor, AIA - 9/21/2011

Question
Good Morning and I hope I have turned to the correct expert with my questions!
I have a 1400 sq ft basement that i would like to turn into a rental ... kids have all headed to univeristy and the last one leaves september 2012.

First of all the basement is finished with full bath, legal bedroom with also 2 other smaller rooms( these are used presently as storage and a homework room for my university daughter) also one very small storage 5 ' by 8' with wrap around shelving to the ceiling. Also very large media centre  with fireplace ...at the back of the couch sits a full size ping pong table... which takes you to the opposite side of the house with exit door.The ping pong area could be kitchen eating area.

My question is ... shall i use an architect or draftsman to help me configurate space in order to incorporate a kitchen and laundry area?

Thank you for your time!

Sincerely,

Allison Millar

Answer
Good morning Allison - thanks for your question!

I hope to be in your shoes in a few years - I have two in high school now!  Your situation is pretty common, and I commend you for wanting to stay in your home - this is a time when too many folks decide to "downsize" to what ends up being a bigger and more expensive home.

Do you need to reconfigure the spaces, or do you already have room for the kitchen and laundry?  If you already have room, you'd probably be just fine working with a kitchen design/cabinet company rather than an Architect or drafter.

If you need to move a few walls around (assuming it's nothing structural) then you might be able to just sketch it out yourselves and work directly with a professional remodeling firm.

Be sure you provide plenty of soundproofing between your space and the rental, and be sure your zoning and deed restrictions allow two dwelling units on your property.

Good luck, and congrats on the empty nest!

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
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