HomeCat Tool Lets Users Design Backyard Offices

HomeCat, a startup founded by Ilya and Nikita, has launched a web‑based tool that lets homeowners design backyard office spaces that meet local building codes. The platform, accessible at myhomecat.com, began as a shed‑design service and expanded after the founders observed a growing demand for off‑site office structures. Users simply enter their address and desired dimensions—such as an 8 × 8 foot office—and the software generates multiple compliant design concepts, automatically accounting for zoning, HOA restrictions, and other regulatory requirements. A sample design for San Francisco, available on the site, demonstrates the tool’s ability to produce code‑ready plans.

The service is still a work in progress, with the team acknowledging that it covers roughly 90 % of the compliance workflow; edge cases like complex zoning rules or unique HOA stipulations may require additional manual review. Nevertheless, HomeCat’s interface allows users to refine a chosen concept through a chat‑based customization feature, enabling iterative adjustments without needing to start from scratch. The founders are encouraging the Hacker News community to test the tool, offering a complimentary professional design for anyone who comments with their project details.

In a gesture to celebrate Labor Day, HomeCat’s creators are extending a free design offer to the HN audience, inviting comments on the platform’s discussion page. The initiative underscores a broader trend of democratizing architectural design through automated, code‑compliant software, potentially lowering barriers for individuals seeking to create functional, compliant outdoor workspaces.