What Is a Mother-in-Law Suite? Benefits, Design Ideas and Costs
The concept of a mother-in-law suite stems from early 20th-century traditions when caring for aging parents was a societal expectation after marriage. However, you don’t need to have in-laws to reap the benefits of having a second, private living space as part of your home.
What is a Mother-in-Law-Suite?
A mother-in-law suite is typically a small, self-contained living space in a larger home. They’re colloquially known as “granny flats” or in-law apartments and are legally called Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs. An in-law suite is usually fully livable and independent from the main quarters, including a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living area. In the past, mother-in-law suites allowed growing households to cohabitate comfortably across generations. Today, however, an in-law suite can see a variety of uses.
Benefits of Adding a Mother-in-Law Suite to Your Home
An ADU can allow you to keep your in-laws close or serve as a secondary source of income. You can rent an in-law suite out for an extended term, or for shorter periods through apps like Airbnb or VRBO. ADUs are a potential solution to high housing costs and limited developable land in dense urban areas. In some areas of the country, adding a mother-in-law suite makes your home more environmentally friendly. For example, California requires the installation of solar panels before an ADU is approved.
Potential Boost in Home Value
A study from Porch.com indicated that homes with an ADU are priced 35% higher on average than houses without one in the largest U.S. cities. There are two key reasons why an in-law suite can add value to your home.
- More functionality: An in-law suite’s added living space can be used in multiple ways, making your home more appealing to buyers. It’s an additional space that family members and guests can use.
- Rental Possibilities: If a property has an ADU, the separate living space can be rented, which is a great way to offset expenses like your mortgage or property taxes.
Multi-generational Living Benefits
Mother-in-law suites support a way of life that harks back to the “it takes a village” philosophy. Adding one to your home can cultivate a family-centric environment to shape the lives of growing kids and strengthen family bonds. Conversely, it solves the power struggles and lifestyle adjustments often resulting from cohabitation in close quarters.
Homes with in-law suites are becoming more common for evolving families who value togetherness and see the perks of having another caretaker in the home. “It’s a practical solution for a lot of people who want a home-share situation, like those who have adult children with disabilities, who are really struggling to find something in this market,” says Elissa Margolin, director at Housing Action NH. People living in multi-generational households can divide responsibilities like cooking meals, babysitting and running errands. With an in-law suite, it’s more likely that someone is around to watch the house when you’re out of town.
Types of In-Law Suites and Design Ideas
If you’re considering adding an in-law suite to your home, there are three main options that you can consider.
1. Reconfigure Your Existing Footprint
In this scenario, you’ll utilize space in your existing home. Some standard options include a converted garage or attic, or repurposing the space in your basement or a spare bedroom, ideally with a separate entrance. This is typically the most cost-effective way to add an ADU, and it allows you to keep loved ones close. The downside is that it will cut into your home’s existing space, and depending on how your home is configured, it might feel like you’ve given up some privacy.
2. Take on a Home Addition
If you plan to build onto your existing home, you’ll have greater control over the floor plan and footprint of your ADU. You’ll also increase the square footage of your home and have the capability to build in more privacy. The cost to build will be higher than converting your existing space. It will also require more construction know-how, as well as additional design and permitting costs. The construction process will likely take longer, which could be disruptive since you’re building onto your existing home.
3. Build a Detached In-Law Suite
Building a fully detached ADU on your property offers the most privacy. Of the three options, building a detached in-law suite is likely to be the least disruptive to your living situation since it is not attached to the main house. You could also use a detached ADU as a guest house or a rental property. The main downside is that construction for a freestanding “granny pod” is the most expensive option. You’ll need to build it from the ground up, clear zoning regulations and deal with additional permits.
Attached vs. Detached In-Law Suites
The most common type of in-law suite is an attached mother-in-law suite. Attached designs require less space than freestanding ADUs and are typically less expensive to build. However, an attached suite means you’ll share at least one wall with your cohabitant. A detached mother-in-law suite can offer more privacy and be more desirable if you use it as a short- or long-term rental.
How Much Will Building a Mother-in-Law Suite Cost?
According to a recent study from Angi, homeowners typically pay between $60,000 and $225,000 to add an ADU, with the average build cost around $180,000.
Revival Homes, a California builder, says the project cost can range from $107,320 to $140,080 for a garage conversion to an in-law suite, assuming the home has a flat lot. However, ADUs that require an addition come at a much higher cost. “Smaller ones start at $250,000 and reach $350,000 for something larger, depending on the design and materials,” says Kevin Halle, salesperson and production manager at Ritz Design Build in San Diego, California.
Planning and Building Your Mother-in-Law Suite
If you’ve decided that adding an in-law suite is right for you, there are five essential steps to see your project through.
1. Plan and Assess Your Needs
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- Purpose: Determine who will use your in-law suite and which features are most important. Consider how much privacy you want it to provide. If the space is to be used by aging parents, you may want accessibility features like wider doorways, ramps or grab bars.
- Budget: Figure out how much you can spend for the full scope of the project. This will include materials, permits and construction costs at minimum. If building your ADU is a bigger project, you may need to hire an architect or designer.
- Regulations: To legally build an ADU, you’ll need to ensure you comply with local ordinances. Check any zoning restrictions, permit requirements and size limitations before designing your in-law suite.
2. Decide on Design and Function
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- Layout: Depending on your budget, location and the size of your home, you could convert an existing space, build an addition, or construct a detached in-law suite.
- Floor plan: Create a basic design for how you would like the space configured. Be sure to account for necessities like the bedroom, bathroom and living area, as well as optional amenities like a small kitchen and washer/dryer.
3. Seek Help from the Pros
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- Architect or designer: You may not need an architect or a designer if you’re converting an existing space, but a more extensive addition or a detached guest house will require careful planning.
- General contractor: If you’re struggling to maintain work/life balance, the added stress of managing the construction process may be too much to take on. A licensed contractor can take charge of the buildout and hire the right people to handle construction, electrical and plumbing work.
4. Secure Permits and Approvals
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- Permits: You or your general contractor must apply for permits to build your in-law suite. This could include submitting your construction plans and paying fees to the building department of your local jurisdiction.
- Inspections: In companion with the permitting process, your construction will be inspected at various stages of the buildout to ensure that everything is up to code.
5. Construction and Final Touches
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- Contractors: You or your general contractor will need to hire licensed and insured contractors to complete construction work and handle electrical and plumbing needs.
- Final Inspections: Plan to obtain a final inspection on your in-law suite after all work is complete, and ensure that any outstanding issues are addressed before anyone moves in.
You’ll want to communicate clearly with family members, contractors, and any inspectors who approve your construction throughout the process. It’s also wise to budget for the unexpected. New expenses you should have planned for will likely arise during the buildout. Consider setting aside additional funds just in case you go over budget.
Is a Mother-in-Law Suite Right for You?
With benefits catering to a broad spectrum of homeowners and lifestyles, a mother-in-law suite has the potential to meet the wants and needs of anyone who needs a little extra space. If you’re searching for a home that has an in-law suite, an experienced real estate agent can help you find the right home or possibly connect you with builders who can help you create your dream home.
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