All You Should Know About Mother In Law Suites

If you want to maintain your independence while still benefiting from the assistance that comes with living with relatives, you should probably consider a mother-in-law suite. For those wondering, a mother in law suite, which is also known as an in-law suite or a granny flat, is a tiny, private living space inside a family home that is usually attached to the main house. It features a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living area, and a separate entrance from the primary residence.

1- What is a Mother in Law Suite
2- Rent Requirements Mother-in-Law House
3- Advantages
4- Disadvantages
5- Are Mother in Law Suites Expensive
6- Mother in law Suites Property Value

What is a Mother in Law Suite?

Mother in law suites is the equivalent of a small apartment within or near the primary house. If you are wondering about ways to create a mother in law suite, consider doing the following:

• Convert your garage into a mother in law suite. The garage is one of the most visible open areas in many American houses. Yet it is often overlooked as a possible site for a mother-in-law suite. Despite the fact that you will lose some storage space, a garage might be an excellent location for an apartment without having to expand your home.

• Consider converting a walk-out basement. Basements with walk-outs are often located under the first floor in the front of a house, but with an opening on the grounds on the foundation level at the back or side of the house. This is the ideal site for an outdoor entry to a mother in law suite.
• Perhaps you can reorganize the current floorplan of your home. This may mean turning empty rooms that don’t get a lot of traffic, like formal dining rooms or guest rooms, into a mother-in-law suite that can be rented out.
• If you have freestanding structures in your backyard like a storage shed or a barn, you may be able to utilize the space as a tiny apartment, which you could, in turn, rent out to tenants.

 

Ultimately, a mother-in-law suite can be detached from the primary residence or it can be incorporated into the main floor plan of the house, whether it’s in a separate wing on the home’s second floor or converted basement space. Although the name suggests that it was created to provide a safe, long-term living environment for elderly parents or grandparents, today’s homeowners often utilize this area for home gyms, private offices, rental spaces, or guest quarters.

A Mother In Law House for Rent Can Include the Following:

• Anywhere from 300-1000 square feet. It must have its own door, bathroom, and kitchen to be deemed an auxiliary living unit. The value of an auxiliary dwelling unit, or an ADU, is higher than a converted room because it not only can provide a steady stream of income but also raise the value of your home should you choose to sell. If done correctly, detached ADUs can increase the value of your house by as much as 20% to 30%.
• Storage space, such as a walk-in closet or big chest of drawers, to store clothes and other personal items. Most mother-in-law apartments are also equipped with a full bathroom consisting of a shower/bathtub and a sink.
• Mother-in-law suites frequently have a separate entrance from the primary residence. Which provides an increased level of privacy for the occupant.
• Additionally, mother-in-law suites can include compact-sized kitchens or kitchenettes, small dining areas, and/or small living spaces.

Benefits of Mother in Law Apartments

There are several benefits to building a mother-in-law apartment in or near your house. Those benefits include:

1) A Haven for Family Members:

A mother in law suite might be a valuable addition to your house if you someday want to have family move in with you. The suite allows for multi-generational living in a single-family home while maintaining privacy. Even if you don’t anticipate sharing your home with family, having a mother-in-law suite is still a good idea in the event any of the other bedrooms becomes unavailable due to renovations or damage.

2) The Value of your House will Do Mother in Law Suites Add Value?

Absolutely! Homes with mother-in-law apartments are popular, and some buyers are ready to pay a premium for properties that have one.

3) Income Generating Opportunities:

Besides hosting friends and loved ones, mother in law flats can be beneficial for generating extra income if rented out to a tenant. Depending on the regulations in your state, your in-law suite may qualify as an auxiliary dwelling unit that can be rented as an apartment.

4) A Safe Haven for Family and Friends:

A mother in law suite might also come in handy if you ever plan to have family members move in with you in the future. Intergenerational living is made possible in a single-family house that is still able to give privacy and independence to its residents. It’s a good idea to have a mother-in-law apartment even if you don’t expect to have any relatives move in just in case something unexpected happens.

5) Guests May Enjoy a Peaceful Night’s Sleep:

A guesthouse or mother-in-law suite may double as a separate bedroom for your guests. Regardless of how long they stay, they’ll have all the comforts and privacy of home.

6) It Can be used as a Private Workspace:

Owners may turn the suite into a private office or art studio when it’s not being used by guests or family members.

Drawbacks of Mother in Law Apartments

There are a few drawbacks to having a mother-in-law apartment on your property. Those include:

1) Construction Costs:

Converting a garage or finished basement into an in-law suite might be expensive. Expenses related to these renovations could add up fast if you need to re-route plumbing, electricity, or gas lines into the apartment. It’s a good idea to get an estimate from a contractor before moving forward.

2) City Ordinances:

There are zoning laws and regulations that apply when building and/or renting out mother-in-law suites. These include building permits, square-footage restrictions, and rental restrictions. Before adding a mother-in-law suite to your home, become familiar with your local building regulations and restrictions.

3) Increased Maintenance:

Mother-in-law flats, like any other portion of the house, need to be cleaned and maintained whether or not you have visitors staying. If you’re renting out the space, cleaning and upkeep will be required between tenants.

When Should You Consider Renting Out a Mother in Law Suite?

Renting regulations vary by city. You would need to become familiar with the local rules before listing your mother in law suite for rent.  City zoning restrictions or homeowners association (HOA) rules may not allow secondary housing units on your lot. So you must research what’s permissible before listing your space for rent. If your mother-in-law’s suite meets the criteria to be a rentable space. Secure a general contractor who can help you with all of the essential paperwork and permits needed before construction begins.

Are Mother In Law Suites Expensive?

The price of constructing a mother-in-law suite varies depending on what you want to include and any modifications you may need to make to your house. However, on average, detached mother-in-law suites cost around $180,833. A mother-in-law suite attached to your home will save you money since the average cost to construct is $154,400.

Converting an average-sized basement into a mother-in-law’s apartment could cost an average of $185,833. You can expect to pay an average of $142,000 if you decide to turn your garage into an apartment. Of course, these costs will vary depending on factors such as where you live and the building materials used.

When it comes to calculating to cost of adding a mother in law suite to your house. Consider the property’s size, overall condition, and location.

Do Mother in law Suites Add Property Value?

The value of your house will increase with a mother in law apartment. For instance, if homes in your neighborhood currently sell for $150 per square foot, adding a 500-square-foot apartment to your property would add an additional $75,000 to your property value.

Is a Mother in Law Apartment a Good Investment?

A mother-in-law suite might be a good investment if you make your house more comfortable for the family. Especially if you expect to have family members moving in with you. Intergenerational living can be enriched if everyone is still able to have their privacy and remain independent.

A mother-in-law apartment can also make your home more appealing to buyers should you ever sell. A private entrance, kitchen, and living area are just a few of the perks that may be earned by those who would like to avail it. When residing in a place for an extended period of time, these conveniences are a huge plus.

Final Thoughts

Instead of purchasing a separate house or paying for a senior care facility. A mother in law suite may be a cost-effective way to take in an elderly relative. In addition, you’ll have the comfort of knowing that your loved one is close by. There are over 64 million multi-generational homes in the United States, and a mother in law apartment can provide privacy and increase peace of mind.

The ability to rent out a mother-in-law’s apartment, which is common in most areas, is also a major selling point. Renting out a mother-in-law’s apartment is a terrific way to make extra money and pay off your mortgage even faster. However, as with buying a house, it’s critical to examine the advantages and disadvantages of all available options before selecting the one that’s best for you.