MIDDLE HOUSING FEASIBILITY AND DESIGN SERVICES

We are available to help you navigate the complex zoning code and help you uncover what housing types are now possible on your single lot. With an extensive history in multi-family, multi-unit and Accessory Dwelling housing options, Harka can be there for general consulting through the buying process as well as assist in the design and permitting processes. We can provide different development options unique to your site and in-depth cost analysis. We can maximize the value of your property by analyzing what is existing and help you determine the best path forward. We have 18+ years experience in all types of middle housing projects including residential renovations/additions, ADUs, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters, and townhomes.

Harka's Middle Housing feasibility study caters to both prospective homebuyers and existing property owners. For homebuyers, this service offers peace of mind through a thorough inspection by a knowledgeable professional. Additionally, we collaborate with you to envision the property's full potential, arming you with informed decisions BEFORE you buy. Existing homeowners benefit by exploring development opportunities for their property, maximizing its value and potential for future growth and investment.

Our training as Certified Energy Managers has given us the tools to save you money, while cutting the carbon footprint of your project. We can provide energy and embodied carbon models throughout the process to help you track and manage your energy and carbon targets.

WHY THIS SERVICE: 

As more states update legislation with bills like Oregon’s HB2001 and SB458, we see potential to increase the diversity of unit sizes and prices to meet the growing demand and changing demographics of cities. With that comes a greater complexity to the residential zoning code. Harka will break down this code for you and present you with clear development options. We will work with you through a collaborative process that will explore multiple ideas and unlock the property’s full potential. We help you navigate those choices from start to finish. With our guidance, you will be able to…

• Be confident about a property’s potential before you buy

• Avoid lengthy permitting processes due to zoning hang-ups

• Communicate your property’s added value to potential buyers

Middle Housing Feasibility Report

For potential homebuyers, this service can be completed DURING an inspection period.

Here’s what it INCLUDEs: 

Discovery

The process starts with a site visit to gain a full understanding of the existing conditions. We document any existing structure and their condition. Careful consideration is made on the site’s access, topography, solar path, trees, shading, prevailing winds, and more. We gather information around your goals, timeline, and budget. We analyze the local building codes and how they affect site conditions. Additionally, we look for work that may have been done without a permit. Lastly, our team gathers inspirational imagery to help tell the story of what could be.

Feasibility Report

Using our experience, we begin to overlay all these puzzle pieces in an easily understandable report. Our team identifies the construction paths that best fit into your stated goals, schedule, and budget. We create rough cost estimates that include both soft and hard costs. We plot out a rough schedule so you can understand the basic timeline of events. The report will be presented to you in person and we will be there to answer any questions. As the conversation evolves, we will consul you on what we think this the best path ahead.

Schematic Site Design

For potential homebuyers, schematic design work can happen quickly; however, it would typically be outside of a normal inspection period.

what it INCLUDEs:

Visioning

Together we will preview your vision, and work with you to develop and UPLIFT it. We’ll approach translating the vision and goals into what will be appropriate for your space and your needs. We'll explore how the space might look and feel through the use of inspirational imagery.

Sensible Sustainability

Together we develop a set of sustainability goals and determine how they might inform the design. Maximizing passive heating and cooling strategies do not need to add costs to your project. We provide rough energy and embodied carbon modeling that we have quantify your sustainability targets and identify potential key reduction areas.

Concept Design Package

Implementing our longstanding expertise, we will offer design/development options that address your needs and offer you new ideas to consider. We will use aerial imagery in order to develop ideas quickly and affordably. The sketches will be coordinated with the feasibility report options. Together, we will discuss the pros and cons of all the ideas presented. The visuals will help us dig deeper into timeline, costs, possible phasing options of each idea. We will present conceptual master site plans and precedent imagery to the middle housing potential of each option.

About the Process

We’ll accomplish all of the above through a collaborative process that combines real-time conversations, sketches, independent research, and documentation. Clients find our collaborative process to be inspiring, reassuring, and most importantly fun!

COSTS

MIDDLE HOUSING FEASIBILITY REPORT

Basic: Starts at $1,425*

• Zoning and Code Study

• Multiple cost estimations

• Construction timeline projection

• Can be completed inside the inspection period

• Site visit and consultation

• Historic permit research

Full Design Services 

When you are ready to take the next step, this FEASIBILITY REPORT will inform the design process and will reduce mistakes from the the outset. You can bring anyone in at that stage, but we hope you will consider bringing Harka back to complete the full design service. Click below to learn more about our full services.