my grandkid could design that - backyard cottage design challenge

                                                
Announcing a soft launch of our international my kid could design that - backyard cottage design challenge. The challenge is open to children 12 and under and will test their creativity and be a lot of fun. Loosely patterned after the backyard cottage design challenge last spring in Seattle we would like to unleash the creativity of our youngest citizens. The competition is for the best designs of a backyard house or cottage. For our competition, we would encourage our participants to think outside of the box. So the rules are no rules. Awards will be given for various age categories so we would ask that parents not interfere too much.  Prizes will be awarded to the winners and their designs will be featured on our blog and the microhousenw web page.  Design ideas may be presented in almost any media from finger paints to gingerbread to computer google sketchup models. An image of entry will be need to be submitted in jpeg or pdf format for judging and should include a verbal description of the entry. We are working on an entry form until then please contact info@microhousenw.com. with my kid could design that in the subject header.

Entries Due:
December 2010

Awards Announced:
January 2011

Categories:
Most Creative
Most Buildable
Most Sustainable
Popular Vote

Jurors:
J. Crone- and works
Bruce Parker - Microhouse
Sharon Khosla - 16th Workshop
Popular Vote

Awards/prizes:
To be determined

elder cottages housing a long term investment

Elder cottage housing can be used for many things in addition to housing an aging family member, it may be part of a long term investment strategy generating rental income.  Where backyard cottages are allowed by local zoning laws they have distinct advantages over most investment properties. Their construction may often be financed with an inexpensive equity line of credit and they don’t have land costs. As a result, rental cottages can reasonably be expected to generate a net rate of return more than double most rental properties.  


A hypothetical $300,000, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, house may rent for around $1,500/Month with tenants paying utilities. Factoring in taxes, vacancy and credit loss, but for the sake of simplicity ignoring depreciation and maintenance,  we have a annual net income of approximately 5% of purchase price.  A hypothetical 2 bedroom, 1 bath, backyard cottage would have comparable rental income but the cost of the cottage would be in the range of $100,000 - $125,000, yielding a return on investment greater than 10%.  


While construction costs are fairly consistent across a region rental rates vary greatly by neighborhood. For this reason backyard cottages in good neighborhoods can generate higher rates of return. A quick check on craigslist can help to get a handle on rental rates in your neighborhood. Microhouse can help put together a proposal regarding your project construction costs. We work with a tested team of engineers, surveyors, and contractors that can insure a smooth design and construction process.  We can also recommend lenders to aid in financing your project. 


Microhouse 
206.632.7115