There are nearly four million multigenerational homes in the U.S. And that number is still rising!
Many people discover that living in a multigenerational house eases worries about elderly family members and takes off a financial burden. But is it worth sacrificing privacy for the adult members of the family?
With a mother-in-law's house, you don't have to sacrifice privacy, but you'll still have the peace of mind of proximity. Keep reading to learn how to do it.
What Is a Mother-in-Law House?
A mother-in-law's house or an in-law suite is a separate living space within an existing home. While in-laws aren't always the people living in a mother-in-law's apartment, they're often made for older family members, especially parents.
As your parents age, you may find that they need an extra eye or some assisted living, but they aren't ready to retire to an assisted living home. That's where the mother-in-law suite comes in.
But they're also used to make extra income, to house guests, and so much more. Basically, any purpose that could be served by having a home within your home is met by the mother-in-law suite.
What Are the Advantages?
There are many advantages to having a mother-in-law suite on your property - Especially if you have the extra space and you don't know what to do with it. It opens up opportunities for family members, friends, and yourself to expand the possibilities of your home.
Safety Net for Loved Ones
The most obvious and frequent use for a mother-in-law suite is of course to house in-laws. But this can apply to other family members as well. They make the opportunity for intergenerational living whether that's for aging family members or for young adults who are still getting on their feet.
Even if you don't have someone who needs housing immediately, it's not a bad idea to have a safety net in place ahead of time in case someone you love needs to move in eventually.
Safe Proximity Without Sacrificing Privacy
One of the biggest problems of having a needy family member move into your home is the loss of privacy. Both you and the newcomer sometimes have to sacrifice a certain amount of their private life.
An apartment for your mother-in-law in your home can help solve that problem by adding a level of separation between the two of you - even if she is ultimately living on your property. She still has a space to call her own.
Increase the Value of Your Home
Mother-in-law suites add a lot of value to your home. If you ever plan on selling your home, you'll find that having a flexible, extra living space will entice more buyers to take an interest in your home. Potential is everything in real estate, and apartment suites have huge potential for lots of buyers.
Have a Rental Option for Extra Income
Let's say you make a mother-in-law house prematurely, and no one in your family needs to use it yet. What do you do with it?
You can list it for long or short-term rentals. Suddenly your home will become a source of passive income for you, and you'll make your investment back on the building costs.
A Space for Overnight Guests
Do you love to entertain? Adding a mother-in-law suite can make entertaining and hosting guests so much easier. We all love to have someone stay over, but sometimes it becomes too much when you're always in each other's hair.
The mother-in-law suite adds a nice degree of separation so that your guests can sleep privately, have breakfast alone, and even spend a little time during the day working alone if they need to.
What Are the Disadvantages?
As with any good thing, there are disadvantages right alongside the advantages. But the good news is that the disadvantages are few and far between and usually easy to solve. Let's take a look at how to handle them.
Expensive to Build
Mother-in-law suites are big projects. After all, they are a fully functional secondary home on your property. However, if you are looking to expand your housing needs, these units will be cheaper than buying a second home or renovating your entire house.
You will need to add plumbing, electricity, and water which can add up to quite a bill. These costs can be amplified by contractors that don’t have experience enough with these projects or under-bid the actual scope.g
Remember, you can always make the investment back a little bit by renting it out for a while before a family member moves in. Additionally, the added value of an ADU goes right back into your property’s value.
Also consider this: If you weren't using that space and still paying a mortgage on it, that was money wasted. Put a little investment in so that you don't waste money on space you don't use.
Subject to City Laws
Cities have ordinances and zoning laws when it comes to mother-in-law suites. This is a big deal. Regulations and getting your project’s plans right and legal is one of the biggest challenges for many homeowners. Mother-in-law suites across the country have strict compliance requirements and mistakes can be very costly for homeowners.
Extra Upkeep
Remember, if you have extra rooms in your home, they'll require extra care. What used to be a basement or garage that you used to let be a little dirty will now require extra cleaning - especially if you include a kitchen or a bathroom.
Again, this isn't a huge deal but be prepared for a new cleaning schedule.
Difficult Conversations
Oftentimes making a mother-in-law suite is to serve the needs of an aging parent. But not every aging parent is ready to give up their independence.
Make sure that you're prepared for difficult conversations where you can express your concerns, listen to their worries, and come to the best possible solution for your family.
Everything You Need for a Mother-in-Law House
Building a mother-in-law suite can be an excellent emotional, financial, and social decision. Once you've seen the potential for this new space in your home, you'll start coming up with ideas and be so excited to begin.
Here's some help figuring out just what you'll need for your mother-in-law suite.
The Basic Layout
A mother-in-law suite is usually structured as a one-bedroom apartment. People most often build them free standing, though you can also attach them to your home or convert garages, which typically have a lot of open space on a single floor.
Your mother-in-law house should feature all the comforts of a typical home - just a little compressed. If your ADU provider is clever with space, they should be able to fit everything your mother-in-law needs on a single floor.
What does a mother-in-law suite need? It must at a minimum include a kitchen,e, a full bathroom, a bedroom (or dedicated sleeping area), and storage. You can also consider a private entrance, access to an outdoor area, or a room for her specific hobbies.
Let's take a look at how all this can work.
The Kitchen
The kitchen in a mother-in-law suite doesn't have to be a lot, but it does need to be functional.
You may plan on having your larger meals all together as a family, but it's still a good idea to have a space for your mother-in-law (or whoever stays there) to have snacks, breakfast, and even lunch on their own.
The absolute must-haves, even if you choose to build a kitchenette instead of a kitchen, are a fridge, microwave, toaster, counter space, cabinets, and coffee maker. If you can, you should also include a stove and oven.
Your mother-in-law should be able to make simple meals so that she doesn't have to rely on you every time she's hungry. This will be better for you so that you don't have to constantly break your schedule to cook for her. And it will be better for her because it allows her to maintain some independence.
The Bathroom
Everyone prefers to have some privacy in the bathroom, and the people using your mother-in-law suite are no different.
Every suite must include a full bathroom with plenty of sink space, a medicine cabinet, and a shower or bath. If you are building your mother-in-law suite for an older relative, consider some of the challenges that they may have alone in the bathroom. Install a bar in the shower to help prevent falls.
The Bedroom
The bedroom should include ample space for clothing and belongings in the form of closets, nightstands, and dressers. After all, this will become a forever home for an occupant.
If you have a planned occupant of this room, you should involve them in the design plans. Bedrooms are very personal spaces, and they should feel like their own.
Entertaining Space
You can't assume that your mother-in-law will either want to be alone or up with the whole family for the rest of her life. If your mother-in-law has friends or other visitors to entertain, she deserves a space that she can entertain them in that isn't her private bedroom.
If you have the space, you can build a little living room in the mother-in-law suite. Otherwise, consider how to add a comfortable seating area in the kitchen that can be used for multiple purposes.
Hobby Space or Access to the Outdoors
If you have the room, consider adding a hobby space for your mother-in-law. She may be used to having a lot more room, but by including the things that are important to her identity, you can keep her life feeling rich and full.
You can consider including a craft area, reading nook, or artist space. Just because she's given up her private home doesn't mean she'll be ready to give up her interests.
Access to a small garden or outdoor area goes a long way. Fresh air is good for senior citizens, and she'll love the extra area to sit and enjoy her retirement.
Bringing Family Together With a Mother-in-Law House
A mother-in-law house can add value to your home and provide some relief to a senior family member without sacrificing their privacy. Even if you don't have a senior family member, consider adding a suite to your home for a young adult or just for visiting friends. You won't believe the sigh of relief it will bring you.
Are you ready to start designing your mother-in-law suite? Contact us today to get a plan and quote!
