The Mother In-Law Suite

If you have a bit of space you might want to consider adding a mother in-law suite to your home. The mother in-law suite may be built as an addition to your home or on your grounds as a detached cottage. Such a space can provide either permanent or temporary accommodations for boarders or guests. It's not uncommon for seniors to move in with their adult children at some point and that is how the addition earned its name though a mother in-law suite does not have to house parents.

Perfect Situation

The suites offer a modicum of privacy for both the residents of the main house as well as for those living in the suites themselves, though both are also afforded the benefit of being in close proximity to each other. This is a perfect situation for guests and hosts or for parents/grandparents and their children and grandchildren.

There are a variety of options you can choose from in constructing a mother in-law suite. The usual arrangement is to build an addition onto the existing structure of your home. A well-designed suite will include basic amenities such as living room, private bath, and bedroom. If space and money permit, a small kitchen unit or even a laundry room may be included in the floor plans.

Another option is to create a detached structure to serve as your mother in-law suite, such as a small cottage on your grounds. The cottage should provide for the needs of the parent or guest. The cottage may be quite near the main house, or it may be connected to the house by dint of a covered catwalk. The cottage may be farther away if your grounds are large and can be connected to the house by means of a footpath.

Converting Space

It's also possible to convert one floor of your home, such as a basement or attic, into a mother in-law suite. This can be a good solution when there aren't sufficient grounds or property for a detached cottage or ground floor addition to the house. Converting space means outfitting an entire floor of your home with the plumbing and necessary amenities to make the space livable and somewhat private.

No matter what floor plan you decide to implement, it's crucial to check your blueprints and construction plans abide by local building codes. You may need to seek permission from your neighbors if you wish to build close to the edges of your property or apply for a building permit from your local municipality. Don't begin any type of building without studying local rules and be sure to comply with all of them, each step of the way, to avoid legal issues down the road.