The property checker
What’s possible
at your address?
A backyard cottage. A place for family. Room to stay.
Start with the rules, then explore your options.
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Find a place anywhere in the 50 states or Washington, DC. This researches the selected area’s rules; an address is needed to check a specific property.
Let’s explore your options.
Sourced guidanceStart with an address, then ask in your own words. We’ll show the available evidence, sources you can open, and anything that still needs confirmation.
A little clarity, one step at a time
- Locate the property.Start with an address or a municipality you know.
- Follow the research.See the findings as records are checked, with any gaps made clear.
- Ask what matters to you.“Could my mom live in the backyard?” is a good place to start.
Want help with the next step?
You can send our team a project question. Choose what to include, then review the contact form before sending.
Only this text will be copied. Your chat stays separate. Existing project notes, if any, are included here for your review.
Nothing is sent until you choose to send the form. Permission to reply and optional email updates stay separate.
No signup needed. Address lookups and questions are processed when you submit them. This conversation stays in this tab and clears on reload. How your information is used
When you’re ready
Talk through your project.
Share your idea when you’re ready for help with the next step. Your research conversation stays separate from a request to our team.
Prefer a call? Reach Justin at (281) 235-5708.
Talk with us about your project
Answer a few project questions, then choose whether to send a request to Justin. Early ideas are welcome. A property summary is included only if you choose to share it; you can edit or remove it before sending.
About 2 minutes
Ask about your ADU
Step 1 · Property or area
Does calling it a cottage, studio or pole barn change the rules?
Start with how you want to use the space. A complete home with its own kitchen and bathroom generally raises dwelling questions. Rooms within or attached to the house may follow an addition or alteration route; a separate living unit may need ADU approval. A garage, workshop or storage building must be approved for its intended use.
A permit for storage does not approve a home, and leaving out a kitchen does not automatically make sleeping there lawful. Learn how to check your municipality’s rules.
New York references: dwelling and guestroom definitions, §1219.2; occupancy and changes of use, §1203.3(d).