Your Latest House Addition – A Mother In-Law Suite

Do you have a parent who visits for extended periods of time or an ailing grandparent you would prefer to keep close to home? What about a son or daughter who graduated from college and plans to move back in? There are many different reasons you may choose to add an in-law suite to your home. As a result, this addition now comes by many different names, including granny flat or just accessory dwelling unit.

Design Tips

Not all ADUs are created equal. Here are some design tips to help ensure your home addition is top of the line:

• A separate entrance allows for more privacy.
• A full kitchen and laundry room reduce the need for shared spaces, further contributing to increased privacy and convenience.
• If the suite will be used by anyone nearing retirement age or older, or who may have injuries or disabilities, reconsider height and stairs. For instance, grandma would have an easier time accessing her granny flat in the backyard than on top of the detached garage.

Funding Tips

Depending on how many extra perks you want to provide in the in-law suite, they can be costly. However, they are a great investment. Because of this, banks are often willing to provide home improvement loans or home equity loans to fund the project.

Building Tips

Before you get anything started, it’s a good idea to see what is allowed by your HOA or POA, if you have one, and by the local building authority in your area. If you select a reputable contractor, they should also be able to assist you with navigating local laws and obtaining necessary permits.

An in-law suite has many benefits for a homeowner. This can range from keeping elderly family members out of nursing homes to providing extra income through rentals. However, to protect your investment, be sure to hire a contractor who is licensed, bonded and insured.