Tips for Building a Mother-In-Law Suite

A mother-in-law suite is a residential unit on the same lot as a primary residence, such as a single-family home. While mother-in-law suites may be separate or attached to the primary residence, they must be adequately equipped to accommodate the needs of their residents without the need to use the primary home. For this reason, they generally have a separate private entrance and their own living room, bedroom, and bathroom, complete with furniture and kitchen appliance packages. Although the name of this housing unit varies depending on the intended residents, the overall purpose is the same. Whether you call it a mother-in-law suite, a granny flat, a multigenerational suite, or a secondary suite, use the following tips to create the perfect space. 

Check Local Laws and Building Codes

Before building and outfitting a mother-in-law suite, reviewing all applicable local and state laws, building codes, zoning ordinances, and other regulations is critical. The legal and regulatory term for an in-law suite or similar addition to your property is Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Depending on where you live, local authorities may impose specific regulations, limits, or restrictions regarding ADUs. 

In most cases, building a separate mother-in-law suite on the lot may require additional building permits, whereas adding an extension to your existing primary home is typically subjected to fewer restrictions. In addition to local legislation, if your property is under the purview of a homeowners association (HOA), you may also need to ensure your mother-in-law suite project complies with their rules and guidelines.

Plan the Suite’s Living Space According to the Residents’ Needs

A mother-in-law suite should function as a fully featured, independent living space that provides its residents with the comfort, autonomy, and privacy they need. Another way to look at a mother-in-law suite is to consider it a second home. For this reason, the suite’s living space should include at least all of the following:

• A living room

• At least one bedroom

• A bathroom

• A kitchen

If the suite’s residents are elderly or have disabilities, you may also need to consider accessibility features, such as grab bars, wheelchair-accessible doorways, a walk-in shower or bathtub, access ramps, or lowered cabinetry and countertops. Other helpful safety and convenience features include anti-slip surfaces, emergency call buttons, and easy-to-open doors and drawers.

Keep the Utilities Separated

It is recommended to separate the in-law suite’s utilities, such as water, power, or gas, from those of the primary residence. There are multiple reasons to do so, which may vary depending on the suite’s purpose.

• If the suite is intended for your in-laws or extended family, metering the utilities separately from your own provides an additional layer of convenience, as they remove the need to split the bills for your primary residence.

• If you intend to use the suite as a living space for rent, separate meters allow you to switch the suite’s power and water off whenever a tenant does not currently occupy it without turning them off in your primary residence.

Furniture Ideas and Best Practices for Optimal Comfort

Although an accessory dwelling unit is generally smaller than the primary home, that doesn’t mean it can’t be a comfortable or fully-featured space. Choosing the right furniture and home amenities can transform your in-law suite into a dream home for its residents.

• Kitchen Equipment

One of the most fundamental aspects for residents living in an in-law suite is the means to cook and prepare food by themselves. Consider outfitting the in-law suite’s kitchen with a set of premium-quality, professional-grade appliances, such as a complete Thor Appliance Package. Thor Kitchen packages include a gas range and cooktop ranging between 24 inches and 48 inches in size, powered with either natural gas or propane. These packages may also include matching kitchen appliances such as a range hood, a dishwasher, a refrigerator, a microwave, a wall oven, or a wine cooler.

• Outdoor Grills

Another way to improve the suite’s comfort and offer an opportunity for all residents to come together is to include an outdoor grill package in the in-law suite’s appliances. Outdoor grills such as the Blaze Outdoor Grill Cart include a 40-inch propane gas grill mounted on a cart and casters. It features five commercial-grade burners, a full-width drip tray, storage space with double doors for dishes or cookware, and high-strength casters for easily moving the grill in and out of the suite.

• Cooling and Heating

Ductless mini splits are among the most flexible and cost-efficient home cooling and heating solutions in today’s market. However, even the most powerful multi-zone systems may not support your primary residence and the in-law suite. The best solution is to install a separate mini split system exclusively for the in-law suite, such as a MrCOOL DIY Mini Split package. Not only does it allow you to keep your primary residence’s cooling and heating system unchanged, but it also offers multiple benefits for both you and the suite’s residents.

• You can size the system according to the in-law suite’s interior dimensions, ensuring the mini split operates optimally and offers the best performance and energy efficiency.

• The suite’s residents can control and configure their own air conditioning without needing to change the settings in the primary residence. 

• Mini split systems include filters and humidity removal mechanisms, increasing the interior air quality and protecting the residents from exposure to pollutants and airborne bacteria. This feature can be especially desirable in multigenerational suites or for residents with particular health needs.

• Instead of extending the primary residence’s indoor unit set to the in-law suite, installing a separate mini split system for the suite allows you to help keep utilities separate. It also avoids over-extending your existing system, which may decrease its cooling efficiency and increase power consumption.

Build the Ideal Mother-In-Law Suite

With a clear plan and proper guidance, building the ideal mother-in-law suite for your family or potential tenants doesn’t have to be complex. According to statistics compiled by Symbium, a good estimate for the value added by an in-law suite to your property is equivalent to 100 times the monthly rent. For instance, if you rent your suite for $800 per month, your property value may increase by up to $80,000. Consequently, taking the time to plan your in-law suit and outfit it with carefully selected high-quality furniture, appliances, and amenities can not only make the suite more comfortable but also make your property more appealing and valuable.