An in-law suite is a small apartment on the same property as a single-family home. It may or may not be attached to the main house. They always have a bedroom and full bath and may have additional spaces, such as a kitchenette or a living area. If you’re thinking about expanding your square footage with home construction, consider why you might want to use an in-law suite and how you can make the most of your addition.

What to Know About In-Law Suites

Why People Build One

With the baby boomer generation aging, their families are thinking of ways they can accommodate their senior parents. An in-law suite is a place your loved one can live, enjoying their privacy while being close enough so that you can provide the assistance they need. However, this space can serve many purposes outside of a home for an aging parent.

They are a popular place to house out-of-town guests so they can enjoy some privacy. Adult children may stay in the unit while taking a break between college semesters or establishing themselves financially. The space can be used as a home office for your small business, or a rental apartment to bring in extra income.

What to Consider When Designing One

Privacy is a priority in designing an in-law suite, so consider a space where your unit can have its own entry. You don’t want your tenants or guests to have to walk through your personal residence to get to their unit. Consider adding desirable features for a self-sufficient unit, such as a kitchenette, laundry area, parking, and separate climate control. Make it handicap accessible by adding a zero-threshold entrance, grab bars, and non-slip floors.

You’ll also need to check your city and municipal zoning permissions to determine whether you can add a unit. They’ll tell you what limitations you have in creating your unit, such as what you can include in the kitchenette. Your home construction contractor can help you get the permits you’ll need for the project.

When you’re ready to design an in-law unit, talk with the architects at Masterpiece Construction in Honolulu, HI. These home construction experts specialize in high-end custom homes that are durable and eco-friendly. They’ll design a space that will boost your property value and suit the purpose you’d like it to serve. Read past client testimonials online, and call (808) 688-8839 to plan your residential design.