About 20% of the population of the United States resides in a multi-generational family, which contains two or more generations. If the cost of assisted living rises, more seniors are opting to live with their children and grandchildren. But they move to their private in-law suite rather than taking the spare bedroom upstairs.
What is an in-laws suite?
In-law suites are private spaces for in-laws and parents that are normally attached to or on the same property as their grown child's home. Many in-law suites are specially built homes, but also converted garages, basements, and self-catering guesthouses.
What Would It Cost to Build an In-Law Suite?
The cost of developing an in-law suite varies depending on the type of space and how much work is necessary to make it habitable. Preferably, all you need for an independent living should be included in your in-law suite, including a separate bedroom, lounge, bathroom and kitchen. The addition of all this is obviously costly and somewhere between $45,000 and $130,000.
The cost of building an in-law suite is not as expensive as this may appear, compared with the annual cost of assisted living communities. According to a survey, the average cost of a private room in a nursing home in the United States is about $105,000 per year. Semi-private rooms are not any less expensive, costing an average of $93,000 a year. In the longer term, adding an in-law suite is almost always less expensive than the alternative. Aside from the financial benefits, being surrounded by family is also beneficial to your parents' health.
Find the Building Codes in Your Area
What functionality you can add to an in-law suite would be determined by your local building codes. If you're thinking of adding on, you'll probably just be able to add a bedroom, bathroom, small kitchen, and seating area. Adding a full kitchen or separating the unit from the main house would necessitate separate licenses, and could even be prohibited by municipal zoning regulations prohibiting the construction of rentable properties in residential areas.
Other common in-law suites requirements include:
Separate from the main house entry, an outside entrance to the dwelling.
Different water and sewer connections are required in most municipalities, but most municipalities allow three major plumbing connections with a single sewer permit.
Off-street parking, such as a garage or driveway, if available.
In-Laws Suite Plan
The great way to maintain your loved one secure while protecting their freedom and privacy is to plan a simple and effective design for their in-law suite. The most cost-effective way to add a living room to your home is to have it in the basement. However, depending on your parents' age and strength, a walk-out basement or garage level suite could be the best option for avoiding stair problems.
Separate the Suite's Utilities From Your Primary Residence
The 3 key in-law suite rooms to include a comfortable living space are a bedroom, bathroom and, if possible, a full kitchen or kitchenette.
If you separate the utilities of your in-law suite from the main house, you'll be able to disable them if space is ever unoccupied for a long time. You will be able to quickly break the bills if you end up renting the room out to another tenant in the future.
Take into account your parents' current and future needs
Is there anything special your new guest needs, such as wheelchair mobility or bath grab bars? When they move in, your in-laws are likely to age in place. Be diligent and ensure that their new accommodations are designed to grow with them. Installing pull-out drawers, shower seats, adjustable sinks, and other necessary facilities is part of this process.
Planning to build an In-law Suite? Contact the Custom Home Builder in North Haven, CT