Correct foundation problems. If your foundation is failing and must be replaced, that’s a great opportunity to create or upgrade a basement in-law. A structural engineer can assess the foundation and design its upgrade, but some common signs of foundation failure include large (1⁄2 in. or wider) vertical cracks through the foundation, foundation walls bowing in, sinking foundation corners, and flooring in the rooms above that crowns above a girder. If your house is on a sloping lot, there’s an interesting upside to enlarging the space under the house. The downhill face of a basement unit will be aboveground so on that side, you can create a whole wall of windows. You may need to scoop out a lot of earth, build a retaining wall, and augment the foundation-all big undertakings-but the in-law unit that results will be sunny, spacious, and very un-basement-like.

Model: Cascade Modern. This modern, 378 square-foot Kabin features a laundry room, partially vaulted loft, a common room with vaulted ceiling to maximize space, 1 bathroom and a 40 sq. ft. covered porch. This backyard cottage is constructed to Built Green’s 4-star standards.

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