“With a floor plan that makes use of every inch, this in-law is ready for its second century.”

— Michael Litchfield, author, The Classic Renovation: A Complete Guide

In-Laws, Outlaws, and Granny Flats

Michael Litchfield, The Taunton Press, 2011, Newton, CT

A New Life For An Elderly In-Law

In the insightful book, in-laws, outlaws, and granny flats, the Shaw In-Law unit is featured as an example of a historic in-law, a secondary dwelling to the main house. The book explores a variety of creative solutions for turning one home into two. Using examples from around the country, the author explains why the concept of secondary dwelling units is currently experiencing a renaissance. With high-quality photographs, plans, and details, this bible of a book is a resourceful guide to successful small-space solutions in every genre, from old to new. The author discusses why many cities are now adopting ordinances to allow these secondary units and how they are positively reshaping lifestyles.

Because it was a genuine historic rehabilitation project, the Shaw In-Law was prominently featured in the book. The author uses the project to point out the unpredictability of renovation projects especially when they involve much-deferred maintenance. He illustrates the solutions the Architect used in resolving space, light, and accessibility issues in an existing structure and notes the mechanical systems selected for energy efficiency. He clearly explains some of the structural innovations that strengthened the cottage. Finally, he discusses how fixtures and finishes were successfully restored or replaced to keep the charm of the original cottage.

Backstory

The Shaws purchased this property with the intention of modernizing the 1917 “in-law” in the rear for their elderly mother. Their top priority was to create a contemporary plan for the small, dark cottage and to make it seismically safe, energy-efficient, and accessible for a senior citizen. The second priority was to maintain its historic Arts & Crafts ambiance.

Zoning regulations were most challenging: the building could not be moved, no more than 50% of it could be demolished, and the 537 sq. ft. footprint could not be increased by more than 10%. To make matters worse, the foundations were standing in a pool of water, most of the sub-framing was infested with beetles and termites, and the existing walls were framed with 2x3 studs.

Design Solutions

After completely modernizing the cottage’s entire infrastructure, the floor plan needed fixing. To improve the livability of the small cottage, the wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to create an open family-room type of space. A sunny, south-facing bay window expanded the kitchen while a “barrier-free” shower room was relocated to a sunny corner of the in-law. Mechanically, an “on-demand” water heater was mounted to an exterior wall to save floor area and a new hydronic heating system was installed to save energy costs.

The new/old in-law still retains its cozy Arts & Crafts ambiance. This was achieved by repairing (instead of replacing) the old bead-board ceiling, replicating wood casings for doors and windows, and selecting finishes and light fixtures typical of 1917. The finishing touch was splurging on two new leaded glass windows in the living room. Overall, mom loves her new cottage (especially the shower), and the kids like it even more.

The Shaws’ cottage is a wonderful example of the original purpose of in-laws, that is, it allowed a family to keep their elderly parent at – but not in – their home. The rehabilitation of this tiny dwelling was also quite successful on several other levels. It received a national award for being The Most Accessible Remodel and it won a local preservation award from Oakland Heritage Alliance. Finally, it caught the attention of Michael Litchfield, a founding editor of Fine Homebuilding, who has been writing about home renovations for over 30 years.