Crazy idea for a shop/garage/man house

[SB440R/T]

So my HOA does not allow pole barns or sheds or anything of that nature. So I have a grand idea of building a "house garage" across the street. The lots are pretty cheap. It would be a garage that looks like a house on the outside, but is just empty inside. I can have a workshop, a nice entertainment/bar area and a golf simulator in there. I would only make it about 2000k sq feet and tile the whole thing.

Am I crazy? How would that even be taxed?

 

[PurdueSD]

So my HOA does not allow pole barns or sheds or anything of that nature. So I have a grand idea of building a "house garage" across the street. The lots are pretty cheap. It would be a garage that looks like a house on the outside, but is just empty inside. I can have a workshop, a nice entertainment/bar area and a golf simulator in there. I would only make it about 2000k sq feet and tile the whole thing.

Am I crazy? How would that even be taxed?

Move out of the HOA, way more cost effective. May i suggest the country, its beautiful and quiet out here.

 

[Motorman55]

Can you own more then one house in your HOA. Some don't allow more then one and you have to occupy it.

 

[ArkTinkerer]

Facing a similar limitation based upon zoning. I am trying to work with the planning department to do what looks much like a ranch house with a wrap around porch/carport. Barn doors on one side and sliding doors from carport into the house. Open empty floor plan inside. The idea is that the building would be plumbed under the slab and set up to become a house some day. Outside, for the most part, it would just look like a regular house.

 

[bob15]

I would move from where you live. Get away from the HOA subdivision and build what you want elsewhere.

 

[gdpolk]

I would consider moving personally. I know that's a big commitment but I just wouldn't be comfortable living in an area where I wasn't allowed to build on my own property. There is already enough legislation and regulations in our lives without paying a group of pesky neighbors to restrict your rights on your own land.

 

[SB440R/T]

Move out of the HOA, way more cost effective. May i suggest the country, its beautiful and quiet out here.

So that is the thing. I love my neighborhood. I am on an acre on a golf course and the lots next to me are empty. I already built a 900 sq ft garage, but like anything, more is better.

Also, the home I live in now was custom built to what I wanted. I love the house, just being creative for meeting my "other" wants.

 

[SB440R/T]

I would consider moving personally. I know that's a big commitment but I just wouldn't be comfortable living in an area where I wasn't allowed to build on my own property. There is already enough legislation and regulations in our lives without paying a group of pesky neighbors to restrict your rights on your own land.

Probably the least restrictive HOA I have ever lived in. The neighborhood maintains everything, even the roads, so the fees are low. Hell they have an RV lot you can park your trailers in for free.

Plus I built the house I live in how, check out the link below. Love the house and neighborhood.

 

[SB440R/T]

Can you own more then one house in your HOA. Some don't allow more then one and you have to occupy it.

I will have to ask about that.

 

[mike93lx]

You'll be building a structure with essentially little to no resale value

 

[SB440R/T]

You'll be building a structure with essentially little to no resale value

That is one of my considerations, it would have to be part of the house if I ever sell. For now, this is where I plan on retiring.

 

[SB440R/T]

I did say this was crazy, haha.

 

[Bronson]

You live on a golf course and you want to build an indoor golf simulator?
Why?

 

[Old Man Roger]

What was that thread? The one with the RV elevator..lol

 

[SB440R/T]

You live on a golf course and you want to build an indoor golf simulator?
Why?

Because night drinking and cold weather. I mean like a net and mat and a cheap swing analyzer system, not like dicks sporting goods type of simulator. And you can learn a lot from being able to figure out why you are doing things wrong, just adds to the lessons.

 

[JDMopar]

Sounds like a good idea. Just make it look like it fits the neighborhood, but hollow on the inside. Select a real house plan that is one level, and that could be built on a slab. Rough in the plumbing under the slab, where it would be needed if it were ever converted to a home sometime in the future. Make a half bath on one end, so you have a toilet and a place to wash your hands. If you did a ranch style plan, with garage doors on one end, windows installed according to plans, etc, no reason your idea won't work.

 

[edog1]

If your going to spend that kind of money I would suggest purchasing commercial property

 

[theoldwizard1]

Does zoning and/or the HOA require a bathroom and kitchen ? Minimum number of bedrooms ? Sq. ft. ratio house to garage ? These issues could kill you budget.

HOA probably has to okay the front facade.

These things could really kill your budget.

 

[RustFarmer]

That is one of my considerations, it would have to be part of the house if I ever sell. For now, this is where I plan on retiring.

If you build it so it can be converted back into a home with a minimal amount of work it will work out better for you or your heirs down the road. They could list the house with the option of the shop first. Then depending on what the buyer of the house wants, the shop could be listed in a second sale.

Talk to an Architect. He can design it so it is acceptable to the HOA. He can also help you pitch it to the HOA. Two story may allow for more shop space on the first floor.

I suspect it will be taxed the same as a house.

 

[Hollywood D]

If you pulled it off, I would imagine it's only a matter of time before the neighbors complain to the HOA anyways. Some people just need something to complain about all the time.

I now live in a non HOA community. There's drawbacks such as the neighbor has a big scrap lumber pile in his yard, but I can also do pretty much whatever I want.

 

[cdestuck]

I think it’s a great idea if all would work out with your HOS approval. Just keep in mind that someday when you went to sell the shop, you’ll probably take a major hit in what you’ll have in it.

 

[Southernbuild]

I like the idea, I've seen it done somewhere before, and it looked good.

Just design the house / building to be easy to convert to a house, and plan on "finishing" it as a house prior to selling it.

 

[Falcon67]

May be more a city/county/legal issue than HOA. Pretty much standard residential zoning rules prohibit buildings on a lot without a "primary residence or structure". You might think it "primary" but if you are not living in it, zoning isnt going to buy it. That would then require an exemption. If there is not something close by that is already done like your plan, good luck. The first car port on the block is always a fight and many times denied.

 

[Bronson]

Because night drinking and cold weather. I mean like a net and mat and a cheap swing analyzer system, not like dicks sporting goods type of simulator. And you can learn a lot from being able to figure out why you are doing things wrong, just adds to the lessons.

Ahhh.
OK.
I'm not a golfer, so I wasn't sure.

 

[mike93lx]

That is one of my considerations, it would have to be part of the house if I ever sell. For now, this is where I plan on retiring.

selling it with the house or not, it won't add value. most people won't have any interest in a second building, across the street.

 

[lakelandcat]

So my HOA does not allow pole barns or sheds or anything of that nature. So I have a grand idea of building a "house garage" across the street. The lots are pretty cheap. It would be a garage that looks like a house on the outside, but is just empty inside. I can have a workshop, a nice entertainment/bar area and a golf simulator in there. I would only make it about 2000k sq feet and tile the whole thing.

Am I crazy? How would that even be taxed?

Man if ya got the bucks and get the approval I say go for it, tell em it's the ultimate Man Cave (big toys for big boys!) don't forget the 19th hole,you gotta have a head and small kitchen for the munchies throw in a hammock, entertainment center and a closet and ya got a studio house. you da man

 

[ford33]

Check the HOA rules and the county zoning requirements. You may only be allowed to build a residential housing structure on a single lot. The restrictions are intended to prevent commercial or "unique" structures from being built.

This is why you want to live in an HOA. These restrictions prevent unsightly structures from being built and then becoming abandoned when the original owner or intended purpose is no longer valid.

 

[firebirdparts]

I have thought about doing that next door. I have space but my place is crisscrossed with easements and it's hilly too. I have not talked to the zoning office about it, but it seems like zoning, not the HOA, might prohibit you from building a garage (only) on a residential lot. You might have to fool them into thinking it's a house.

 

[SB440R/T]

So the only requirement is that is has to be over 1800 sq ft. The nice thing about the neighborhood is most everything is spread out and people for the most part stay out of everyones business.

I know it is not the most wonderful idea, but worth seeing what it would cost to do and see if it would be worth it. I would build a second garage, but it would look really odd and placement on the lot would be odd too.

Good thing about my road is there are about 5 houses and about 10 cars that pass a day. Pretty low key.

 

[Playwme]

I like it.

If you have the money, just build it as a house. Design it so the kitchen, master bedroom with ensuite, and family room are at one end. Then you have your lounge area and accommodation for visitors. Leave the rest open with access from a standard double width garage door, and if it needs to be converted to a house down the track it’s just a couple of walls/ceilings and another bathroom.

Only drawback is that it’ll be taxed as a house. It’s likely to be taxed as a separate property no matter which way you go, unless you can somehow amalgamate the lots into a single holding.

 

[apollo11]

sounds like "his and hers" homes to me.

 

[MT Black Sheep]

Actually, it is very doable, with the right design. I am completing a 3000 SQ ft shop/house that has an open floor plan that allows future renovations and remodeling without a lot of cost, or hassle. The main thing for me, was to have an exterior appearance that didn't say "shop". So, we got a little creative with the truss package and windows, and got a nice look. Although with 16' walls, it still has the size of a shop, but with a change in roof line and large windows, it takes on a more residential look. With the expansive interior, I am able to build a two story floor plan as I need, but still have room for the shop/work area.
Most people think house when they pull up. Anyway, it can be done, it just takes planning and thought beforehand.
Good luck!

 

[JamesW84]

If you do run plumbing in the slab, I'd personally not pay the fees to get it hooked up. That is probably expensive, not to mention paying for another water bill every month.

Some areas are getting those shop rental places where you rent shop space in a large shop development thing. Maybe look into one of those?

 

[thursday]

You're asking for trouble when you try to navigate loop-holes of an HOA. Do everyone a favor and just move.

 

[Pathfinders]

Living space over the garage in finished.

 

[MushCreek]

Also check your local building codes. In most places, a residence has to have a kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, etc. Otherwise, it's not a residence. You'd probably want a bathroom, and a small cheap kitchen could be handy as well. All that adds to the cost, though.

 

[jmarkwolf]

Not a crazy idea at all.

In my HOA, detached garages are allowed if they comply with rules for attached garages, and substantially resemble the house. Same windows, same siding, same shingles, roof pitch, etc.

Bone up on your exact HOA requirements. In my HOA, if you also own an adjacent lot you can certainly put up a detached garage. There is no specified prohibition for doing the same if you were to own a lot across the street.

And even if there were, our HOA rules allow for changing the rules if 75% of the homeowners approve. This is how I changed the rules for detached garages in my HOA. I petitioned the homeowners and easily got the 75% approval to build my 28ft x 30ft two-story detached garage. No one balked even a little bit. There have been several detached garages built since.

You're proposal might sail through committee in my HOA. The only sticky thing might be the multiple dwelling rule we have. It is expressly prohibited. So making your outbuilding look like a house would probably be shot down.

 

[Rc_Guy]

The house on a lake my brother used to live in had a guest house also. He cut the living room wall from outside and inside and hinged it to open so he could put his muscle car in there and close the door and you could never tell from the outside that it was a garage.

 

[rslaback]

I would be shocked if the covenants of your subdivision allowed this.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

I think it’s a great idea if all would work out with your HOS approval. Just keep in mind that someday when you went to sell the shop, you’ll probably take a major hit in what you’ll have in it.

Not if it is convertible to a house. Put in a full finished bathroom for now.
Call it a guest house/rec room.