Providing our in-laws with their own living space, such as an in-law suite, is a thoughtful way to show our consideration for their privacy. It is important to provide family members with their own private bedrooms and bathrooms to ensure their comfort. With a morning kitchen included in some in-law suites, in-laws can maintain their independence while still enjoying the convenience of the main kitchen.
Explore our collection of homes designed with in-law suites to create a beautiful living space for your extended family.
Key features of an In-law Suite
In addition to the essential living areas such as living room, bedroom, and bathroom, the in-law suite typically has the following features:
Independent Entrance
House plans with a mother-in-law suite typically feature separate entrances to offer privacy and independence to the in-laws while maintaining personal space for everyone.
Safety
Consider factors that assist seniors and ageing residents when planning for an in-law suite. Amenities such as wider doorways, grab handles, barrier-free showers, non-slip flooring etc. make the space convenient and safe for seniors.
HVAC
Providing in-law suites with separate controls for heating, ventilation and air conditioning empowers them to have better control over their living space.
Separate kitchen
Some in-law suites also come with a small kitchen or a kitchenette offering an independent space to cook light meals or snacks.
Decks and patios
In-law suite house plans can be designed to accommodate a small deck or patio along with the suite.
Extra storage
Allocating dedicated storage is a smart way to optimize the use of the in-law suite.
Recreational zones
Designing amenities like a reading nook, a fireplace or a patio adds a touch of comfort to their living quarters.
Factors to consider before selecting an in-law suite plan
There are many factors to consider before you finalize house plans with an in-law suite. Ensure that you have a clear objective in mind while building an in-law suite.
Design and size
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to designing an in-law suite. Ensure that it offers adequate space, privacy and accessibility to your visitors. An important consideration when designing the mother-in-law suite is safety and convenience.
Accessibility
Accessibility is one of the most important aspects of a mother-in-law suite floor plan, especially if you have elderly or infirm individuals. The design must include accessibility considerations such as a ramp, grab bars in the bathroom, adequate lighting, lower storage and work areas.
Personal space
Integrating the in-law suite with the main house without compromising on personal space or privacy is sometimes a challenging task. Choose a mother-in-law suite floor plan that accounts for privacy while maintaining a sense of unity between the two spaces.
Adaptability
Requirements evolve and change frequently when there are aging family members in question. House plans with an in-law suite should offer flexibility in terms of multi-functional spaces, bonus rooms, storage areas, etc.
Design fidelity
The in-law suite, be it attached or independent, should follow the main house in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and design. Consider choosing a complementary design and layout.
Zoning and Regulations
Ensure compliance with local zoning regulations and building codes before constructing an in-law suite.
Different types of mother-in-law suite plans
In-law suites come in various layouts and designs to suit individual preferences. Here are some common ideas for mother-in-law suite plans:
Detached In-law Suite: Detached suites are independent of the main structure of the house but located on the same estate. They feature all the amenities and essentials of an independent house but on a smaller scale. They are ideal for families that require more privacy.
Attached In-law Suites: The attached suites are integrated with the main house with an entrance or a wall. They typically have a bedroom, bathroom, living area, and kitchen space.
Basement In-Law Plan: Many homeowners opt to utilize existing basement space to convert it into a basement in-law suite. It is a cost-effective option that also provides privacy.
Garage In-Law Suite: Similarly, many homeowners opt to convert their garage space into a suite. While this doesn’t entail major construction, factors like permitting and zoning, insulation, plumbing and electrical, and planning the bedroom and living space still need to be considered.
Modular In-law Suite: Modular suites are pre-fabricated and installed on-site, with the benefit of convenience and faster construction compared to conventional building methods.
An in-law suite also known as a mother-in-law suite is a small, minimal living space that is attached to or located on the same property as a family home. It is designed to house parents, in-laws or other relatives as needed.
Can you rent out your in-law suite?
This depends entirely on local regulations, homeowner association rules, and any deed restrictions applicable.
Can you convert an existing space into an in-law suite?
Existing spaces like garages, basements, attics, or unused rooms can be converted into an in-law suite. However, you need to plan the renovation well to make it a fully functional unit.
What are the advantages of having an in-law suite?
There are many benefits to having an in-law suite. It offers an independent living space for in-laws, parents or relatives to facilitate multi-generational living spaces. It also improves the property value, provides an option for generating rental revenue and offers flexibility for evolving family needs.
