They say home is where the heart is, so why not make room for a few more hearts? Whether you’re welcoming aging parents, giving grown kids their own space, or planning for future flexibility, adding an in-law suite can be a smart investment. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what it takes to build or remodel the perfect space.
With over 13 years of experience working on homes across Pennsylvania and West Virginia, we’ve seen firsthand how an in-law suite can transform a home (and a family’s lifestyle).
What is an In-Law Suite?
An in-law suite, also known as a mother-in-law suite or accessory dwelling unit (ADU), is a separate living space for extended family on the same property as the main home. It encourages multigenerational living and can be customized to meet the needs of your family.
There are many reasons you may be considering adding an in-law suite to your property. Maybe your parents are getting older, and you want to offer them a place to live. Maybe a family member is in-between jobs and needs somewhere to stay.
While the name suggests these are for relatives, they don’t have to be. You can also rent them out, use them as a guest house, or have a live-in nanny to help take care of your kids. Whatever your vision for the space, most in-law suites come with the following features:
- A bedroom
- A kitchenette
- A bathroom
- A living or dining space
- A separate entrance
Types of In-Law Suites
Now that we’ve answered, “what is an in-law suite?” we can dive into the different types.
First is a detached in-law suite. This is a standalone structure that is not connected to your main home. For example, it may be a guest house somewhere on your property or a freestanding garage with an apartment above it. This kind of suite is ideal for renting out, giving you plenty of separation between your family and your guests.
Next is an attached suite. If you don’t have any extra space within your home, build an addition that is attached but has its own entrance. This is an extension of the main house, giving your in-laws (or whoever else is living there) a private space, but with easy access to you.
Lastly, you can add an in-law suite within your home through interior remodeling. Do you have a basement, garage, attic, or unused room? Transform that existing space into living quarters. This is definitely the cost-conscious way to build an ADU because you’re not starting from scratch.
Benefits of In-Law Suites
- Adds Property Value: Many people ask, “Does an in-law suite add value?” The answer is yes! Depending on your location and what kind of suite you’ve built, it can add 20%-30% when you sell your home. However, you may not earn all your money back from the build. These suites are great for the convenience they offer, not the return on investment.
- Provides Potential Income: If you choose to rent out the suite, then it will provide you with monthly income to help recoup the costs. And with increasing housing prices, this may be a cheaper option for your family. NOTE: there may be local zoning rules against this in your area. Check before renting.
- Maintains Independence: An in-law suite is not the same as your family crashing in your house. A suite (especially a detached in-law suite) lets them maintain independent living with their own bathroom, kitchen, and entrance, but still keeps them close.
- Allows for Instant Help: Because you have family living on your property, emergency help is always a knock away. This provides the ultimate convenience and flexibility in living arrangements.
- Brings Your Family Together: Adding an in-law suite can help you grow closer to your family and make more memories. It gives you more space to spread out without having to move.
Design Decisions
If you’re considering adding an in-law suite to your property, here are some questions to ask yourself as you plan. Talk to the people who will live there to get their input as well, so you can design a space that meets everyone’s needs.
Are You Converting or Building New?
The first basic question to ask yourself is: Do you want to convert a current, unused space or build something new? ADUs can cost anywhere from $70k to over $200k, depending on your design choices. To keep it on the smaller end, converting is a great place to start. Detached in-law suites are the most expensive options, while attached or interior remodeling is cheaper.
Worried About the Cost? We Offer Financing to Make Home Improvement Accessible to All.
Do You Need it to be Accessible?
If you plan to have aging parents live in the space, then it needs to be accessible. Make sure you add ramps, wide doorways for wheelchairs, a walk-in shower, grab bars, and keep it on the ground floor to avoid stairs. Even if your family doesn’t currently need those accommodations, you should design with the future in mind, so your suite can fit their needs as they age.
What About Privacy?
If privacy is a priority, then make sure you design the suite to have a separate entrance from your main house. Also consider separate wifi and utilities for full independence and extra sound proofing to avoid disruptions.
How Much Space Do You Want?
The more space you have, the more expensive it will be to build. Most in-law suites have a full bathroom and bedroom, plus a kitchen or kitchenette. Another consideration is living space. While this isn’t a requirement, it’s definitely nice to have, even if it’s just a small section of a room.
Also ask yourself whether you want to add laundry, or are fine with them sharing yours. You can keep it simple with a closet that can fit a stackable washer and dryer. And don’t overlook parking! With more people coming and going from your property, make sure you have a parking plan.
What Interior Design Style Fits Best?
When you build an in-law suite, you’ll get the opportunity to design the entire thing. Think about the color scheme and design style you like, including countertops, cabinets, flooring, and layout. Starting the process with a strong vision will help the decision-making go faster.
Process of Adding an In-Law Suite
Building a mother-in-law suite can take a few months to a year to complete, depending on how extensive the construction is.
Step 1: Research Local Restrictions
You may have a big dream, but your build is limited by local regulations. Before diving in, check your local zoning laws and building codes to see what rules there are for adding an in-law suite. Typically, detached structures have more restrictions than additions.
Step 2: Brainstorm
Once you’ve determined that you are allowed to have an in-law suite, it’s time to brainstorm what you want. Use the design questions above to guide you. What are your must-haves and what are your nice-to-haves? Also consider who will be living there. They may be active and mobile right now, but take into account their health and needs down the line.
Step 3: Set a Budget
This budget will depend on the type of ADU you want. Are you building an in-law suite addition or remodeling your home? In your budget, make sure you include the cost for a contractor, materials, permits, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Step 4: Hire a Contractor
One of the most important steps is to hire an experienced contractor like KSW Construction LLC. You don’t want just anymore working on your house. Make sure the contractor you choose has proven experience in remodeling or in-law suite additions, plus good reviews from the community. You may also need to hire HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, and other specialty services.
Interested in our services? Contact our team.
Step 5: Design the Space
Once you’ve signed a contract, it’s time to start designing. At KSW, you’ll need to schedule an appointment at our new Design Center. During your visit, you will look at samples of backsplashes, flooring, handles, cabinets, countertops, granite, faucets, paint colors, and more. This will give you a hands-on feel for what your new suite will look like.
From there, we partner with two different architectural design firms who can create floor plans, building plans, and 3D renderings. By outsourcing the design to trusted firms, it’s easier to request changes or corrections, reducing your wait time. However, if you have designs from another company already, we can still work with you!
Step 6: Permits and Insurance
Anything that involves expanding your floor plan or changing mechanicals in your home typically requires a permit.
At KSW Construction LLC, we work with local municipalities to make sure the permit requirements are met, and we assist in the permit application process so you have one less thing to worry about! For an in-law suite, we will need to submit the architectural drawings along with the permit application. Additional costs are necessary for acquiring permits and sourcing code-compliant architectural drawings due to the level of detail required and necessary municipal reviews and inspections.
Make sure to update your homeowner’s insurance and confirm that it covers your proposed addition.
Now your in-law suite is on its way! Get your family ready to move in and look forward to more quality time with loved ones.
Why Choose KSW?
- We specialize in interior remodelling and additions, with dozens of successful projects to back it up.
- We partner with design firms to speed up the process.
- We work with local municipalities to assist with acquiring the required permits.
- We live by our values of trust, accountability, family, teamwork, and serving the community
- We’re a family-owned business, and you can feel it in our approach.
- We offer exceptional customer service, communicating with you every step of the way.
- We promise fair prices and efficient timelines, so we don’t waste your time or money.
