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BY PHILIP W. FRISK, AIA 2017 SALES & MARKETING COUNCIL CHAIR PWF ARCHITECTURE T he challenge of fi nding a suitable home to purchase is not an easy task in our current real estate market. Record low inventories and record high prices make it diffi cult to fi nd the ideal home. And often when a desirable property is found, it is not uncommon for a dozen or more off ers to be received, many without contingencies. Such conditions often result in buyers settling for a less-desirable home for fear of not getting anything at all. But with the help of the Building professionals can help beleaguered buyers see what a less-than-ideal home can become. The MBA off ers many opportunities to meet these types of professionals at our networking events, educational off erings, and social gatherings. SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING @ mbaks.com/events. eyes of building professionals, a home that seems less than ideal can become a buyer's dream home for those willing to do some careful analysis and creative thinking. ADU/DADU An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) can provide secondary private living quarters that can produce signifi cant income if rented long-term or as a short-term vacation rental. value of the home—especially if the new level has a view. Excavating a basement is another way to add living space without expanding the footprint. This can be a particularly good option if the existing structure encroaches on setbacks or if it is on a sloping lot with a tall crawlspace. Often, much of the work can be done with little disruption to the existing living area. Older homes commonly have low-ceilinged basements—often six feet or less. Rather than excavating for a full-height basement, another option is lifting the house. This may be the better solution when the existing foundation cannot be reasonably underpinned or reinforced to accommodate an adjacent excavation or additional story. MOVING LINES If a buyer is considering a house with potential on too-small a lot, consider approaching one or more neighbors to purchase a portion of their property. Completing a boundary line adjustment may result in a home or yard that perfectly suits the owner. A TRUSTED ADVISOR An experienced contractor, builder or design professional can help buyers more creatively assess a property and suggest improvements that could make it into their dream home, even when it initially does not appear to be even close to that. When we put the building industry's best professionals on the case, we can help buyers get the home they want in even the hottest market. Many jurisdictions allow such structures. Verifying the applicable zoning guidelines is essential to know if this is viable. ADDITION If a home doesn't have enough living space, buyers should explore whether an addition is possible. Most building departments have detailed online development guidelines, listing the allowable coverage for buildings, impervious surfaces, and property line setback requirements that can help a buyer make this decision. REMODEL If expanding the footprint of the home isn't allowed or practical, a second-story addition, while expensive, can result in a home that fi ts the buyer's needs and can dramatically increase the Helping Buyers Get What They Want in a Hot Market 46 master builder SUMMER 2017 Words From the chair