Regarding your well written housing series recently, a very cost-effective method exists that allows for the addition of apartments to existing housing stock. The Massachusetts Building Code does allow for the change of use in buildings without having to bring the building or change of use portion up to current new building code levels.
Specifically, in an existing building an apartment can be added (basement, attic, garage or conversion of a large apartment into smaller apartments) without the addition of a costly sprinkler system. A two-family house can become a four-family very inexpensively compared to new construction.
The design professional conducts an analysis as outlined in Chapter 13 Performance Compliance (International Existing Building Code – IEBC, a main component of the Massachusets Building Code). Utilizing this method I have helped one unpermitted apartment become legal, added three apartments to preexisting buildings in this area and converted a former building I owned from commercial use to three apartments, all done without full compliance with the current Massachusetts Building Code.
The building is evaluated for safety, and typically involves fire proofing of an exit stairwell (fire rated sheetrock over existing stairwell walls, fire rated apartment entry door replacement) and upgrades to the building’s fire alarm system.
This method is not well known. Besides savings in code compliance, no additional costs for new utility hookups are evident (preexisting electricity/sewer/water are in place). It encourages denser housing stock, a well recognized way to encourage eco-friendliness.
This method does require zoning analysis and possible zoning special permit request. Additional parking on site may be required. NIMBY (not in my back yard) can raise its head here and require careful politicking and concern for neighboring residents, as well as a zoning board look at the greater good for all its town’s residents and not just the abutters to the subject property.
As a former engineer for the commonwealth, degreed also in low income housing development and policy, I see this method as a great addition to the housing issues and changing demographics (smaller families, more people living alone) evident in western Mass. (and most of the world it seems).
Steven Andrews
Halifax, Vt.