A: Thanks for your inquiry. You will need to contact your local building department (usually "City of" or "County of," depending upon which jurisdiction the property is located in) to determine if the property is already zoned to add a detached cottage, what restrictions or requirements might apply, and if it is not currently zoned for a detached dwelling, what it would take to get it rezoned (if possible) etc.

If you have to get it rezoned, you might consider using a permit service to navigate through the red tape.

Once you determine what is required, there are several different ways to get it done. You could hire an architect or building designer to draw your plans, then ask three general contractors to bid from the plans. Or you could interview several design/build general contractors and choose one to do the whole project, from design, through the permit process, to construction and completion.

To find these service professionals, simply visit Home Advisor and enter a service request to be matched with the ideal service professional in your area.

Good luck with your project!

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com