In-law apartments are breaking big. The last year brought about a number of new living and working arrangements, as work-from-home scenarios changed the face of how businesses operate on a day-to-day basis. But the pandemic also pulled into focus a renewed interest in multigenerational living, as time apart from elderly loved ones proved incredibly isolating.
Also known as mother-in-law apartments or secondary suites, in-law apartments are home additions that feature amenities common in a traditional home, simply on a smaller scale. Whether attached or detached to the main home, they provide ideal living quarters for aging seniors, and can be outfitted with virtually any comforts, depending on your budget. Many garage conversions are earmarked for this reason, alone.
When building an in-law apartment, it is important to hire a certified contractor who will be able to outline the various options available for your
addition, while helping you to develop a plan that maximizes your existing space and budget.
Additionally, a professional will take care of those little aggravations that you don’t have time to deal with, including:
- Checking the local building codes: Laws vary from location to location regarding the construction of an in-law apartment. Some local zoning rules may even outright ban the construction of “rentable properties” in residential areas. By and large, a traditional in-law apartment typically consists of a bedroom, bathroom, sitting area, and small kitchen. Additional permitting may be required to upgrade the kitchen unit or building the living area separate from the main house. Your contractor will handle these and all other requirements including:
- Off-street parking
- Plumbing, water, and sewer connectivity
- Exterior entrances (separate from main home)
- Residential requirements
- Determining the perfect spot: Your contractor will collaborate with you to determine how aging relatives will use the space once they move in. Using information you provide, they can help you provide an in-law apartment that is both comfortable and convenient for aging relatives, whether converting an existing room, like the garage, or building an addition from scratch. Your contractor can also help you implement multiple safety features, such as wheelchair ramps and safety bars.
There are a number of benefits to building an in-law apartment, from a high return-on-investment to increased peace of mind for the entire family knowing that parents and other elderly relatives are nearby. So, whether it’s time for dad and mom to move a little closer to home, or even if you would like to supplement your income with a rental space, an in-law apartment may be just what you’re looking for.
Cossentino & Sons can help. Call us at 410-442-0000 or schedule a consultation today.