We know how much you care about keeping your loved ones close, especially as they get older. That’s where an in-law suite can make all the difference—a perfect blend of independence and connection right under your roof.
Here, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about creating a safe and cozy in-law suite or an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for aging in place. From the benefits and costs to finding a caring and knowledgeable builder in Northeast Ohio, we’re here to help you make this important decision with confidence.
Let’s explore how adding this special space to your home can improve the lives of you and your family.
What is an In-Law Suite?
An in-law suite, or an in-law apartment, is a separate living space designed to provide privacy and independence to aging loved ones (but it can have other uses, too, which we'll talk about later on!).
These suites typically include essential amenities like a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area. They can be attached to the main house or a detached addition or ADU, offering a comfortable and self-contained living space.
So, What is Aging in Place?
Aging in place is all about helping our loved ones stay in the comfort of a home rather than an assisted living facility. Aging in place features help them feel safe, independent, and at ease—no matter their age or ability.
Check out these top benefits of building a space on your property that's equipped for aging in place:
-
Physical health: With family close by and features meant for safety, your loved one's physical health is better protected. And, especially if you have small children at home, older relatives are likely to be more physically active.
-
Longer life: Research shows that older loved ones who live with family members have a longer life than those who live in an assisted living facility.
-
Mental health: It's been proven that staying near family results in better mental health for older loved ones. Connection and comfort ease stress and stave off depression, creating a longer, happier life.
-
Economical: Let's face it, assisted living facilities are expensive. The expense of adding an in-law suite to your home will pay for itself through an increase in home value and savings on assisted living payments.
What Does an In-Law Suite Typically Include?
Each of these areas together make a comfortable place to live or stay, offering the freedom to come and go, enjoy a quiet morning routine, sit back and relax, or brew a cup of coffee—all without having to go into the main home!
Private Entrance
A private entrance is a must-have for keeping that sense of independence. It lets your loved one come and go as they please, without feeling like they’re intruding on your space. Plus, having direct access to a cozy patio or porch gives them their own little outdoor retreat, making their living experience even more enjoyable.
Full Private Bathroom
A full private bathroom is essential for both independence and privacy. Incorporating aging-in-place design features, such as grab bars, non-slip flooring, and walk-in showers, can ensure safety and ease of use. Stylish fixtures and thoughtful layouts can make these spaces both functional and stylish.
Consider comfort-height toilets, easy-to-reach shelving, and lever-style faucets to further enhance accessibility while maintaining a sleek, modern look.
Kitchen or Kitchenette
A kitchen or kitchenette is all about giving your loved one the freedom to whip up their own simple meals, make their morning coffee, or grab a midnight snack without having to go into the main kitchen. To keep things safe and easy, you can choose an induction cooktop (no more worrying about leaving the stove on!), pull-out shelves, and countertops that are just the right height.
A small fridge, microwave, and plenty of counter space? Absolutely essential. And hey, why not add some contrasting colors to the cabinets and counters to make everything easier to spot? It’s all about making sure they can reach everything they need without turning cooking into a workout or a safety hazard.
Bedroom and Closet
A spacious bedroom with a walk-in closet? Now we’re talking comfort and style! This is the kind of space where you're loved one can really stretch out or have plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair without bumping into things. And let’s not forget the walk-in closet. Lower hanging rods and pull-down shelves mean everything is within easy reach. No more wrestling with hangers at awkward angles or having their clothes completely inaccessible.
Plenty of natural light is a must! Let in all that glorious sunlight, which can give them an instant mood lift (because who doesn’t feel better when the sun’s shining in?). As for flooring, your choice will depend on who might be living or staying there. Are you concerned with wheelchair accessibility or avoiding trips and falls? Skip the cushiony carpet and go for luxury vinyl tile to make getting around the space easier.
Living Area
The living area is the heart of the in-law suite, where comfort and relaxation are the focus. This space should be designed to feel warm and inviting, like a cozy nook where your loved one can unwind after a long day. Choose a mix of lights on dimmers, task lighting, and sconces so no matter what they're up to, there's proper lighting.
Don’t forget about easy access to electrical outlets and a small entertainment setup with a TV or stereo to make the space even more enjoyable, perfect for movie nights or listening to music.
And if your loved one enjoys a bit of quiet time for reading, journaling, or working on a hobby, consider incorporating space for a desk or reading nook. The name of the game is creating a personalized and homey space that feels like it was designed just for them— because it is!
Where to Build an In-Law Suite
An in-law suite is a really great idea but you'll need to think about where this great idea will go! Here are a few of the considerations that will help you decide:
Who Will Use This Space?
Consider who will be using the in-law suite and their specific needs. For instance, if the space will be used by someone with mobility issues, you'll want to have enough space for a ramp leading up to their exterior door. If your in-law suite will be in the basement, talk to your designer about working an elevator into the plan. A detached suite is great for someone who has a better ability to get around on their own.
Size Available on the Property
The available space on your property will influence your design choices. Building out might take away yard space while converting existing spaces like a basement or garage can preserve your outdoor area. Consider zoning laws and property lines, which can affect where you can build.
Budget
Your budget will play a significant role in deciding the type of in-law suite you can afford. ADUs have the highest cost while remodeling your basement or converting a spare bedroom and bathroom is moderately priced. Converting existing spaces within the home's footprint is usually going to be the most budget-friendly option, but if you're not willing to give up square footage, consider adding onto the ground floor to create your suite.
What is the Best Size of an In-law Suite?
The ideal size of an in-law suite depends on how it'll be used, by whom, and for how long. Let's take a closer look at what these factors could mean for the size of your in-law suite.
Who Will Be Using It
Understand the mobility needs and preferences of the person who will use the suite. Will it be for one person or a couple? Consider how features like wider doorways, a shower large enough for a wheelchair, or a private entry hallway could impact the square footage. If they'll live a happier life with a fully self-sufficient kitchen, this will add several more square feet to your plan than a kitchenette will.
How Often It Will Be Used
A suite used every other weekend by a mother-in-law may have different requirements than one used year-round by aging parents. For shorter stays, a smaller space will do, but if someone lives in the suite, giving them more space will offer optimal comfort and independence.
Proximity to Adjacent Rooms
Thinking about the suite's proximity to other rooms in the house means considering noise levels and whether the suite needs to be close to amenities like the main kitchen or laundry room. If you have young children, you may want to place the suite away from play areas to reduce noise. Conversely, a suite closer to the main living areas can make it easier for seniors to participate in family activities.
How does this affect size? Well, if you're committed to a certain location, you'll have to realistically look at how much space there is to work with to pull it off.
Most Popular In-Law Suite Additions
We've already covered lots of factors that will guide the design of your in-law suite. Now, let's cover the pros and cons of different types of additions.
Attached In-Law Suite Addition
An attached in-law suite is built onto the main house, providing easy access while maintaining a degree of independence.
-
Cost: Costs vary depending on the size and design, but expect the cost to start just above $200,000 on average for a high-quality attached in-law suite addition.
- Pros: This type of addition doesn’t take away space from the main house and can be custom-designed from top to bottom. It keeps loved ones close by, providing peace of mind. It also allows for shared utilities and easier access to the main house.
- Cons: It will require a new foundation, and your builder will need to successfully match the exterior of the addition to the existing home. Additionally, there may be zoning restrictions or HOA rules to take into consideration.
In-Law Suite Garage Conversion
Converting an existing garage into an in-law suite can be a practical solution if you can spare the space.
-
Cost: The cost of turning your garage into an in-law suite will begin at $150,000 and increase from there, depending on the features you'd like to include and the current condition of your garage.
- Pros: It utilizes existing space without increasing the home's footprint or needing a new foundation. Two-car garages are often already sized appropriately for a suite. This option can be completed with less disruption to the main house.
- Cons: A garage will likely need a lot of upgrades to make it a comfortable place to stay or live, including better insulation and extending the HVAC, electricity, and plumbing.
In-Law Suite Basement Conversion
Converting a basement into an in-law suite can offer a private, self-contained living space.
-
Cost: While generally more affordable than building a new addition, costs can rise with necessary accessibility upgrades. Expect to spend $150,000 or more, depending on the state of your current basement. If you're starting from a raw space, the cost will typically be higher than if you're starting with a finished space.
- Pros: Walk-out basements offer independence and provide a completely private level of the home. It utilizes existing space and often has substantial square footage that can be transformed into a spacious suite.
- Cons: Accessibility challenges might require significant modifications, such as adding an elevator.
In-Law Suite Detached Addition
A detached addition, or ADU, provides maximum privacy and independence because it's a separate structure altogether.
-
Cost: Detached additions are among the most expensive options due to the need for separate utilities and infrastructure. Essentially, you're building a small home. Costs typically start at $275,000 and can increase from there.
- Pros: This type of addition doesn’t affect the main house’s space, allowing for custom design and increased independence. It can also include an attached patio for outdoor enjoyment. Detached units often offer more flexibility in design and layout.
- Cons: It is more expensive and may not be ideal for loved ones who need frequent assistance or have limited mobility. Utilities must be extended to the new structure and you will have to sacrifice yard space.
Benefits of Building an In-law Suite on Your Home
Building an in-law suite on your property offers a few notable benefits.
Increased Property Value
The appeal of having this kind of living space can't be overstated. It can be marketed as a rental unit, a flexible living space for teens, or a guest house/suite.
Multigenerational Living
In-law suites are a great way to keep the whole family close while still giving everyone their own space and independence. It’s the perfect setup for bringing generations together under one roof without stepping on each other's toes. Plus, it’s a win-win—grandparents get the support they need, and the whole family gets to enjoy more quality time together.
Flexibility of Use
With a little creativity, these suites can be anything. Yes, they're called "in-law suites," but the sky's the limit on how useful they can be to you and your family.
What are Other Common Uses for an In-Law Suite?
In-law suites aren't just for in-laws—think of them as the Swiss Army knife of home additions. Whether you need extra space for guests, a creative hideaway, or even a way to bring in some extra cash, an in-law suite can do it all.
Guest Suite
Want to be the host with the most? A well-designed in-law suite makes the perfect guest suite, giving your visitors a comfy spot to call their own. No more awkward air mattresses in the living room—your guests will love having their own private retreat just steps away from the main home.
Hobby Room
Got a passion for painting, crafting, or some other creative pursuit? Turn the in-law suite into your personal hobby room. With plenty of storage, worktables, and good lighting, you’ll have all the space you need to let your creative juices flow—without taking over the dining room table!
Home Office
Need a quiet place to get some work done? An in-law suite can double as the ultimate home office. Set it up with ergonomic furniture, solid lighting, and high-speed internet, and you’ve got yourself a workspace that’s far enough from the hustle and bustle of the main house but still close enough for coffee breaks.
Home Gym
Skip the commute to the gym and turn your in-law suite into a private workout haven. With the right equipment, large mirrors, and rubber flooring, you’ll have a motivating space to keep up your healthy lifestyle.
Rental Unit
If you’re looking to boost your income, why not convert the suite into a rental unit? With a separate entrance, kitchen, and bathroom, it’s the perfect setup for a tenant. Just make sure it meets all the legal requirements, and you’ll have an income-generating space that practically pays for itself!
Why Hire a Design-Build for Your In-Law Suite Home Addition
Hiring a design-build firm like Payne & Tompkins ensures your in-law suite addition is handled professionally and carefully from start to finish. Our integrated approach streamlines the process, combining design and construction services to deliver a seamless, cohesive project that's sure to give you an experience that's far better than you'd expect in a remodel!
With every professional you'll need to pull off a successful remodel, you can skip the endless back-and-forth and miscommunications. Give us a shout, and let's talk about your in-law suite goals!