(Seeking Thoughts) House Hacking a Single-Family Residential?

[Kyle Lempiainen]

Hi BP Community,

While I've been a longtime listener of the podcasts, I'm diving head first into properties this year despite the uncertain conditions. 

I've found basically a duplex on the inside (2 kitchens and many beds/bathrooms), but has all sorts of doors connecting the two units.

BUT, the property is zoned as Single Family Residential. 

I haven't come across this sort of home before. Do you guys think the interior connecting doors are there for a reason? Because of its zoning? 

Would it be a good house hack?

[Rachel Kokosenski]

Check with your city planning department about the zoning question. They should be able to point you to the regulations governing that specific part of the city/town.

You might consider renting by the room. I've heard of people renting rooms in a large house like this to students, particularly serious ones like lawyers or med students who are looking for simple accommodations and quiet for studying. You did not mention the exact number of bedrooms, but let's say there are 6 total x (room rent) = likely 2-3 times what you would get by making it a duplex.

Remember if you are going to consider it a house hack, you'll need to be living in one of the rooms too! Hope that gives you some ideas to get started.