Coach houses have somehow warmed their ways into the hearts of many in the world at large. Having a small living space where everything can be fitted into quite well is the ideal living condition for some while it is a hobby of sorts for others.
If you are considering a Coach house in Ottawa, knowing the answers to the common questions others have about this type of house is a great way to broaden your knowledge about them. Knowing these answers will help you to understand the function and purpose of coach houses better. As well as whether it is something you want for yourself or not.
Question 1: What exactly is a Coach House?
Coach houses are otherwise considered tiny houses. They are usually built on properties but these tiny apartments are usually not linked to the main house in any way. Hence, they have their working amenities.
They often have just 1 or 2 rooms which serve more than one function. Garages and sheds can be converted into tiny homes. However, you can equally decide to have the home built right from scratch. If you choose to have it built from the scratch, then you have to take out time to ensure you get the right builders for the job.
Question 2: Do People Live In Them?
Well, of course! They are not just designed to serve as decorations but to be lived in. If you wish to have a tenant then this will be an excellent choice. Although the person you rent the place to would be living within your premises, they won’t have direct access to your home.
So, you can take advantage of this to create an additional income source. You can also keep it as extra housing for times when your friends or family come around.
Question 3: Where Can They Be Built?
Most people often ask this question because they are concerned about the legality of this whole business. Well, if you wish to build a small house within a premise that already has a house, then you have to find out your city’s zoning laws. Some states often have privacy laws as well as other things that need to be complied with before a coach house can be built.
In Ottawa, the following proposed bylaws apply to building coach houses:
The tiny home:
- Must be lower or smaller than the primary house.
- Must not be more than 592 square feet, 50 percent yard.
- May have design guidelines that may be considered at some point.
We may not be able to state all the requirements that you may need to comply with. However, before you start the project, ensure you go through the proper measures and find out every important law and regulation you need to know.
Question 4: Is a Coach House and Granny Suite the Same?
Most people tend to confuse a granny suite otherwise called granny flats with coach houses. However, these two are different because granny suites often don’t have fixed foundations. So, they are usually temporary structures. You can click here to learn more about granny suites.
Coach houses on the other hand usually have fixed foundations. Hence, they are permanent additions to any property they are built on.
Question 5: Will Having It Affect My Taxes?
When you build a tiny home on any property, the value of that property will typically increase. This is because the tiny home would be seen as a freestanding property on its own.
Therefore, because the property’s value increases, the taxes you would be required to pay will also increase. MPAC evaluations and applications for building permits often work together.
Conclusion
Building a tiny home on a property in Ottawa can be considered a wonderful investment choice. This is because you can rent out the place and get additional income which comes without the fear of your tenant having access to your property.
Even if you don’t intend to rent it out, having it can boost your property’s value and even provide additional housing for when you have extra guests. These benefits may entice you to start this project. However, before you do, we recommend that you properly review the important questions which we discussed in this article.
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