Whether you’re actually building it for your mother-in-law or just want another area on your property for guests or to rent, a mother-in-law suite is an elegant solution to add private living space to your home. And not to mention, they’re a huge selling point if you ever plan to put your house on the market. But what exactly is a mother in law suite? Also known as an accessory dwelling unit, a guest house, or a basement or garage conversion, an in-law suite is a fully-functional living space that serves as an addition to an existing single-family home. This can be done through a detached, smaller second living space on the property, by adding onto the home, or converting an existing space.
Be Aware of Building Codes
The first step to building the perfect mother-in-law suite is knowing what’s possible. Many additions are restricted to a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and living area which all may require attaining new permits. Contact a construction company early in the planning process so that they can help you determine what’s possible for your property and acquire the necessary permits.
Consider Your Utilities
Another thing to think about is your municipality’s rules around sewer lines. Most allow three bathroom connections for each sewer permit, so you may need to apply for another if you are using all three. If you are building an addition, you will likely want to have it use its own power, A/C, and heat source. This is important if you may want to immediately or eventually charge rent. Even if you are using the space for an in-law or guests, this is still a good idea so that you can shut everything off when it is not in use.
Think About Occupant Needs
Regardless of who the space is for, it’s important that you think about how it will function. Will the occupant need to use common spaces, or should they have everything they need in their living area? If it is a parent that you’re building the space for, it’s important that everything is built for aging in place. This ensures ultimate accessibility and safety, including wider clearance throughout the area and bathrooms designed to prevent falls.
Use a Professional Design Consultant
With any small space, you need to make the most of every inch to ensure maximum functionality and enjoyment. That’s why we recommend utilizing a professional design consultant for your in-law suite. At Straight Line Construction, our team of professional design consultants work alongside our contractors to create a beautiful final result and cohesive space. We’ll work with you to understand your goals and make sure that the space is perfectly suited for whatever purpose you desire–whether you’re creating an in-law suite, rental, or a guest home.
Call Straight Line Construction for All Your Mother-In-Law Suite Needs
We can’t help you deal with your mother-in-law (just kidding, we’re sure she’s a sweet lady!) but we can help you build a beautiful in-law suite. Between our team of talented design consultants, experienced construction professionals, and wide selection of quality materials, we can help you create a functional and ultra-comfortable space. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.