The rise in multigenerational house plans has homeowners looking for ways to welcome more family under the same roof. A mother-in-law suite is emerging as a popular option.
Traditionally built with an aging parent in mind, mother-in-law suites as the name suggests benefit the entire household. A parent gets peace of mind that they’re near loved ones who they can lean on while growing older. On the other side of it, homeowners get help with childcare, support when they face major life transitions, and an extra hand in cooking, cleaning, and other responsibilities that come with running a home.
What is a mother-in-law suite?
A mother-in-law suite is a space designed for the long-term stay of one or multiple family members. Usually, that’s a homeowner’s parent or parents. The goal of a mother-in-law suite is to let multiple generations of family live in the same house while respecting everyone’s privacy and independence.
The definition of a mother-in-law suite has some flexibility to it. For instance, it’s generally agreed to consist of at least a bedroom and full bath. Some say it should also include at least a kitchenette and sitting area, if not a full kitchen and living area.
A mother-in-law suite goes by other names, too, such as an in-law apartment or granny flat. Some people refer to it as a Casita, particularly in the American Southwest. A Casita, however, has unique characteristics that distinguish it as a similar but different separate space.
Layout basics of mother-in-law suite floor plans
Think of a mother-in-law suite like an apartment that gives an elder family member space to live independently. Like an apartment, a mother-in-law suite can range from a simple efficiency to a high-end one-bedroom.
A studio-like mother-in-law suite that includes a bedroom and full bathroom would allow access to other parts of the house, such as the kitchen and laundry, in a way that maintains everyone’s privacy. More commonly though, mother-in-law suite designs feature kitchens and living areas, sometimes even a separate entrance.
Speaking of separate entrances, mother-in-law suites can be detached from the house, but they’re usually part of the main home’s floor plan. That’s an added benefit for parents who have limitations and need to be close to their family, yet not encroach upon them. It’s also why mother-in-law suites often incorporate accessible home design.
Other ideas for how to use a mother-in-law suite
Many homeowners build a mother-in-law suite as a permanent residence for a family member. That’s especially true in the case of an aging parent or disabled relative. But some homeowners use their mother-in-law suite for extended stays, such as a grandparent who comes to visit while the kids are out of school for the summer. Between those extended stays, it becomes a temporary home office, or studio for art, yoga, or music.
There are more options, too. A mother-in-law suite can be used to host a live-in nanny, or for children transitioning after high school or college. Some capitalize on the space by renting it out.
Designing a mother-in-law suite in your custom build
If you’re planning a custom home and anticipate needing a mother-in-law suite, it’s smart to include it in the floor plan from the start. That gives you the most control over how the suite will flow with the rest of the house. Building a mother-in-law suite addition later means less flexibility. Not to mention, it’ll likely be more expensive. You’ll have to route electrical, plumbing, and HVAC lines that could have been accounted for in the original build.
Basements and the space above the garage work well for designing a mother-in-law suite. Basements offer a good amount of space and access to utility hookups. If it’s a walkout basement, you also get an easy way to add a separate entrance. Mother-in-law suites over garages are popular, too, because it strikes a good balance between closeness and privacy. Keep in mind accessibility for both of these spaces, though, especially for elderly parents.
Ideally, a mother-in-law suite should be on the first floor to minimize climbing up and down stairs. For that reason, many people opt for custom multigenerational house plans with a second owner’s retreat, repurposing one as a mother-in-law suite. Check out our Ridgewood, Wood Creek, and Beverly II plans to see examples of home layouts that balance two multigenerational owner’s retreats.
Building a mother-in-law suite as a detached unit is an option, too. Just be sure to check with local regulations about accessory dwelling units, also called ADUs. Also check with your homeowner’s insurance, too, so there are no surprises. Generally speaking though, making your mother-in-law suite part of your home’s floor plan is the most practical solution.
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