It’s important to plan ahead before adding on a mother-in-law suite to your home. Keep reading for 7 key tips on adding a mother-in-law suite to your home.

Is a family member coming to live with you? That could be amazing but a problem arises if the house can’t fit more occupants. It wouldn’t be appropriate to let someone stay indefinitely on the couch or a dusty, old room.

Why not build a mother-in-law suite instead? This will help in accommodating new occupants without making your home space cramped. It also helps deal with issues of privacy and getting used to living with someone else.

That said, it isn’t easy. Don’t worry though, we’re here to help you get the most out of your living space. Read on and find out more today:

Mother-In-Law Suite Tips

Over the years, the concept of multi-generational living rose. The main reason is due to the economic and emotional benefits that come with it. That’s why the mother-in-law suite became such a hit concept.
Mother-In-Law Suite Tips
The suite’s design is for the older generation. That means it will have some amenities similar to that of a nursing home.

With proper design, this living space helps give independence while offering security, comfort, and care. These are all important even if the new occupant isn’t an elderly person.

Here are some tips that can help you make a proper suite:

1. Check the Building Area Codes

When starting, you need to check with your city for the building area codes. This is the most important step since it will determine the limit on the things you can do with your additional space. The majority of zoning rules set limitations to additional bedrooms, baths, sitting areas, and kitchenettes.
Check the Building Area Codes
You can bypass the kitchen problem by opting for a wet bar. Another option is to ensure that this additional space can connect to a common kitchen area. If you add a kitchen or a free-standing unit, that area becomes an Affordable Dwelling Unit (AUD).

If you have an AUD at home, the city considers this as a rentable space. That means your residence isn’t a single-family home anymore. As such, you’ll need separate permits instead.

2. Check the Septic Permit

There are a lot of rules you don’t have to think about when it’s plumbing. But the truth is that your septic tank needs a permit as well. A general rule is that one septic tank only allows for three bathroom connections.

When you make mother-in-law suites, you might end up increasing your system’s size. This enables the space to get its own bathroom. But with that, you need to prepare more funds since it might cost a lot.

3. Pick a Location

Once you have the type of space you want to build, you need to look around your home. Find the best area to build or convert. With the permits, you can try transforming your garage or porch into an enclosed space.
Pick a Location
Another good option is to make a new addition to your home. Check for a first-floor area that you don’t use and make the space into a suite. To make it even better, pick the space close to an existing bathroom.

Converting an existing space is more ideal if you can combine two rooms to make a suite. For example, a guest room that has both formal and living areas is the best choices for the conversion. Improving the area makes it more hospitable for more permanent guests.

4. Separate the Power Sources

Ensure that your additional areas will have its own separate power sources for electricity, heat, and HVAC systems. It helps you prepare for the future, in case you start charging rent to occupants. But the most important benefit of this tip is that you can shut the unit down when it’s unoccupied.

You can also learn more from experts at Solid Construction and Design. It’s a Sacramento-based firm that can help you add the extra space while enhancing your home’s beauty and value.

5. Keep Your Occupants in Mind

When you’re making the blueprints for your additional area, think about its potential occupants. This will help in choosing the type of space you’ll make. Ask whether they’ll need wider doors and hallways or some other amenity like assisted baths.
Keep Your Occupants in Mind
Even when your parents or in-laws are in peak physical shape right now, think about the long-term. It never hurts when you decide to put no-slip flooring and no-curb showers. They’ll appreciate the foresight and show their happiness as time goes by.

You also need to think about the degree of privacy and independence they want. If the occupants want to spend more time together, you can forego the kitchen and sitting areas for more communal ones. Otherwise, you can build a separate living space if they prefer more privacy.

6. Keep Other People in Mind

If your parents or relatives won’t move in on a permanent arrangement, check your decorations. Keep everything neutral, from the wall color to the flooring. Once your relatives move in, they will now have the means of adding their own personal touches from there.

7. Enjoy Your Family’s Company

Parents moving in will always seem like a daunting prospect at first. But a lot of families surveyed said that this move was a blessing in disguise. Most of them agree that they should have done it sooner.
Enjoy Your Family’s Company
It’s important to remember that merging households will carry some logistical benefits. It will cut the care costs and other costs associated with your aging parents’ home maintenance. But the biggest advantage of all is that you’ll get to spend more time together with your entire family.

Build a Mother-in-Law Suite Today!

When building a mother-in-law suite expansion, you need to keep a lot of things in mind. These are some that you need to consider, to ensure that you won’t regret building the extra space. It’s the essentials to help you get started with the room expansion process for your family.

Don’t hesitate to search for more tips if you feel like you’re not prepared enough. You can also read our other posts to help you learn more. We have more topics related to home improvement as well as other interesting articles that can entertain you.