As a parent gets older, their health care needs change, but their desire for independence may remain strong. For this reason, the in-law suite has become a popular residential construction project for those who wish to keep their loved ones close without making them feel smothered. If you’ve been considering adding a living space to your property, here are a few thoughtful considerations that will ensure it’s comfortable and safe for seniors.

What to Consider for an In-Law Addition to Your Home

1. Zoning Laws

Before rushing into any residential construction design plans, visit your local zoning office to learn about the structure regulations in your city—or coordinate with a local contractor to find out what you need to know. In some areas, having more than one building on a lot is not permissible, and in other places, extra structures are limited to storage buildings. In these instances, it might be necessary to build a home addition instead of a detached suite.

However, if you’re able to construct a detached suite on the property, regulations will determine if it can be a fully self-contained and complete with a bedroom, bath, kitchen, and living area. It’s common for kitchens to be prohibited in smaller spaces like this, but a kitchenette might still be possible. 

2. Separate Entrance

When planning for a long-term visitor, you want to do whatever you can to make everyone living in the house feel comfortable. For your guest, this means taking actions that don’t make them feel like they’re intruding on your space. Talk to your residential construction contractor about adding a separate entrance to the suite to ensure your loved one will have privacy to come and go without disturbing the rest of the house. 

3. Senior Accommodations

Designing a guest suite with an aging parent in mind involves thinking about how their mobility and eyesight will decrease over time. Slip-resistant floors throughout the structure will decrease the risk of a fall. Grab bars in the shower and by the sink and toilet will make getting up and down and walking around easier. Additionally, touch faucets and lever door handles will protect arthritic joints from pain, especially when accompanied by pull-out shelving. 

Although they may not use a wheelchair, scooter, or walker now, it’s smart to be prepared and construct wider doorways. There should also be plenty of natural and task lighting throughout the dwelling. Opt for flat-panel touch features to quickly open blinds and turn on lights. 

If you’ve decided to add an in-law suite to your home, turn to the trusted professionals at Custom Roofing & Construction to get the job done right. For over 25 years, this company has provided residential construction and roofing services to Dothan, AL. Their contractors will assist with everything from remodeling to emergency roof repair. Call them today at (334) 790-4418 to discuss your project and visit their website to learn more about their services.