In-law suites are gaining popularity every year, as homeowners look to help their parents age in place and keep their families together. They are also an effective tool for raising your property value and adding more space to your home. If you are interested in planning an in-law suite for your home, here are five simple tips to get you started.
Check the Code
Before you can start the planning process in earnest, you need to ensure that your local area has requirements in line with what you need. Many zoning rules place limits on what an addition can hold—a bedroom, a bathroom, a sitting area, and a kitchenette. If you are interested in adding a full kitchen and making the in-law suite its own area, you will need separate permits but can rent that area as an affordable dwelling unit.
Check Your Septic Situation
Your home has a permit for the septic tank that you use. Many septic tank permits only allow for up to three connections. If you have a system that can only currently hold three connections and are maxed out, you will need to increase the size of your septic system and get a new permit for your in-law suite.
Select a Location
Now that you know what you want to build, you need to choose a place to build in. Depending on the permit situation, you could convert a garage or porch into a closed-in room. If you want to go all in and build an addition, look for first-floor areas that are underused that you could add onto.
Keep Your In Laws in Mind
Since you are building an in-law suite to accommodate some of the most important people in your life, think about their needs. Do they have mobility challenges? Will they need larger-than-normal space to move around? These accommodations can all be made throughout the building process, but it is easiest to make them early in the planning process.
Make It Flexible
In-law suites are not always permanent residences, so it’s also important to think about anyone else who might occupy the room. Choose a color scheme that can suit a variety of preferences and don’t overly-customize the room to make visitors feel uncomfortable.
Home Additions from Creative Spaces Remodeling
At Creative Spaces, we strive to ensure that our clients are 100% satisfied with every project we complete. We listen to your needs and create a design that will give you the lifestyle you’ve been after! If you’re ready to start the design process, give us a call or visit our website today! Creative Spaces Remodeling removes the uncertainty and stress of remodeling your home with our proven step-by-step system, developed over owner John Johnson’s 30 years in the industry. You can count on us to be direct, detail-oriented, and flexible from start to finish, to create the remodel that matches your desires and needs.
Award of Excellence – Best Interior Remodel National Renaissance Design Competition Award Builder of the Year Houzz “BEST OF SERVICE” Award Winner 2014, 2015 & 2016 Member of Remodeler’s Advantage Round Tables To receive further updates on home remodeling news and information follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, and Houzz.