What exactly is an In-Law Suite?
According to the 2000 Census, there are at least 3.9 million American families who have at least 3 generations living in one household.
So Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Joey and Jen all share a cozy home. Sometimes this is temporary - maybe Joey went to college, moved out, but came back after he graduated so that he could save for his own home. Or maybe it was a mutual decision that Grandma should move in - she loves watching the young kids, saves on expenses, and since she doesn't get around as well as she used to, her support group is right down the hall.
An In-Law Suite is a planned area for additional adults to share living space on a temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent basis. It can be:
- A bedroom with a full bath attached.
- A bedroom with a sitting room near a full bath.
- A small "apartment" which may have a bedroom and a living room/kitchenette combination.
- A suite with a separate entrance.
Will you be allowed to build a full in-law suite?
Before deciding to include a full suite in your next home, check on the area building codes. Some areas don't allow a second kitchen or a separate entrance.
Are you planning to sell your home?
If you're planning to sell your home someday (which most of us will, within 5-7 years of the purchase of the home), think about the type of suite that a potential buyer will want. In most cases, an in-law suite that consists of just a bedroom with a private bath, downstairs if possible, will be most desirable - because they offer a multitude of uses.
A downstairs bedroom with full attached bath can be:
- A place for a partner to recuperate from illness.
- A great guest room.
- A quiet and convenient office or study.
- A place for Grandma and Grandpa to stay for three months without having to climb the stairs - or interrupt the upstairs sleeping habits.
What is your budget?
Adding a full attached bathroom to a downstairs bedroom can add some cost. If your septic permit only allows three bedrooms - and those are all upstairs - you may need to pay for an expanded system, which can add 25-75% to the septic cost.
An additional full bath can add at least several thousand to the cost of the home, depending on whether you prefer tile and premium cabinets, or a more typical vinyl floor and fiberglass tub. It's more typical to see a half bath downstairs.
But the cost of adding a full suite with kitchenette can be significant. There will be kitchen appliances, plumbing, countertops, lots of cabinets, and simply the cost of the additional square footage to consider. And keep in mind, you probably won't get that cost back when you go to sell your home - unless you are building at a luxury level and can market the rooms as a "Nanny living suite" - which is another great use for an In-Law Suite.
Where Do I Go to Find These Homes?
Here are some places to start looking for home plans with different varieties of in-law suites:
Stanton Homes - Homes with Mother In Law Suites
FrankBetz.com - Home Plans with InLaw Suites
WestHomePlanners.com - Home Plans with In Law Suites
EPlans.com - Floor Plans with In Law Suites
DesignBasics.com - Floor Plans with In Law Suites
The Bakersfield by Frank Betz is an example of a home with a first floor bedroom with attached full bath. Click here for photos.
Customize a Plan
If you can't find the perfect floor plan, talk to a custom home builder.
A custom home builder may be able to expand a bathroom, add a separate entrance, add more closet space, or even convert a third car garage into a full suite.
Once you've narrowed down your plan, you can ask a custom home builder for a building cost estimate - they'll be able to work with you to determine the specific costs for your area, including details specific to your lot or homesite.
Request a free home building cost estimate, or let us know if you don't see the kind of plan you're looking for. We might be able to send you exactly what you have in mind for your new North Carolina home with a mother in law suite!
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Penny,
Always needs to be given alot of thought....my Mother in Law is having done at her son's home.....and it has been on the board for at least 6 months now....taking their time.