Suppose an in-law suite is something you’ve considered. In that case, there’s a good chance you’re thinking of building a second residence on your current property or building an extension on your existing home. It could be accommodating an expanding family or having parents or in-laws relocate with you as part of your downsizing plan. Perhaps you’d like to rent a place to supplement your income. Whatever the case, this blog post will go over various possibilities for having an in-law suite, with tips on making your plans for a little additional space come true.
What Exactly Is an In-Law Suite?
It’s vital to remember that “in-law suite” is only one of the names used to describe this extension or addition. However, it’s not a given that accommodating your in-laws is the primary purpose of this type of project, so it’s referred to as an in-law suite or a variety of other names.
In-law suites can also get referred to as garden home, secondary suite, granny flat, granny suite, backyard suite extension; secondary home or laneway home, guest nest, and possibly the most commonly, Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU for short. It usually has a private entrance to ensure security for both the property owners and the people who live in the extension.
A second-floor suite can serve multiple uses. The primary one is that your parents and your in-laws live when they retire and sell the home they grew up in or investment property. The cost of homeownership is increasing, especially in cities with larger populations and towns; there is a rising trend toward multi-generational living within Ottawa. Although the concept isn’t new, the benefits of having a higher income to pay off that mortgage could be a breakthrough.
Engaging in the Conversation(s)
When designing an in-law suite, there are several factors to consider. In the first place, if the intention is to live with those parents in the house, you may consider letting them in on the concept. Will they be willing to discuss the idea? Are they the ones who are pushing for it? In which case is it something you and your family are ready to sign? If everyone agrees to the terms, then there is the issue of privacy. You’ll want theirs, and they’ll wish theirs, and this is the same in the case of tenants who are family as they do in the case of renting to non-family members.
Suppose you’re looking to bring your parents into your home after having an all-important conversation with your partner. In that case, you’re ready to discuss it with your parents. It will differ depending on the situation, but it’s crucial not to presume that they’ll be in favor. You may get enthralled by the opportunity to live near you. Or they might be hesitant to relocate. Maybe they are affixed to their home or area. They might be reluctant to leave their family, friends, or locality. However, make sure to handle the issue with compassion and respect. Do not rush the procedure. Give everyone the time to digest the concept and evaluate the possibilities.
Questions to Ask Before You Begin Building
Before you decide to design an in-law room, you’ll need to answer any questions. What is the price? What’s the long-term vision? Do I have the ability to construct one in my neighborhood?
What Is the Price?
Costs will differ significantly based on the options you decide to do. If you can fit enough space in your current home, you need a quick reconfiguration and a few minor changes. It will almost definitely cost more to build an expansion or a separate structure on your land. Research, choose the builder you want to work with, and begin to dig deep into the details to learn what your home’s in-law suite is likely to cost you.
If your in-law suite will live up to its name and accommodate you or your spouse’s parents, you’ll have to discuss the arrangement with your partner’s parents on the financial side. They might be able to cover the entire cost with money saved or equity built into their home. If not, how are they planning to pay for it? Are you planning to share this cost with your parents? Are you willing to pay for the initial cost and lease the property to them? Making sure you and your parents agree regarding these issues and be clear about your decision is essential to achieving an enlightened result. Even though they’re your family, it does not mean that you don’t have to have the agreement written form. It’s essential to keep things in writing. It will reduce the risk of confusion, leading to conflict between the family.
In the Area
It is also necessary to review local regulations on zoning or go to an authority in the municipal sector to find out if you’re permitted to construct a second property in your neighborhood. Different communities are subject to additional rules regarding extending the existing property or building an entirely new house in an already-occupied area.
An alternative is to let the house go the house and begin afresh. Perhaps adding on to your current house isn’t feasible, but you would like to have your parents living in the same place. Maybe you could join forces to build your own home, complete with an in-law suite part of the deal. It is also necessary to inquire with the municipal authorities about alternatives to land to ensure that they agree with this kind of building. However, it could be an initial inconvenience for everyone concerned. This type of construction offers excellent flexibility and freedom with the choices for building with no restrictions to the structure you have already made.
Design Options
Designing your new home or the extension can be an enjoyable process. Let’s talk about the many ways to approach the in-law suite, specifically:
- The design of a detached house
- New construction of a home
- Renovating your current home
Detached
The possibility of building a detached home on your property allows you to create the perfect space for your parent’s or potential tenants’ specific desires. Depending on your land’s size and budget, it is possible to develop an enclosing boundary between the new structure and your home. A separate driveway and parking space could be a way to keep some distance. Whether made of man, trees, or hedges, building a fence between your property is also possible. If they are your parents, they’ll be happy to have some privacy just like you!
Your design is specific to your requirements and tastes. However, any floor plans you have as a starting point to build upon when creating your dream design. The building professional in your area will be able to review your drawings and provide an estimate of the cost.
Attached
A separate suite attached to the new house could be a cost-effective alternative to building a new home with a separate suite; however, it comes with its problems. It is essential to make the space as quiet as possible to guarantee privacy in two directions. An entrance separate from the family room is an excellent option to create an impression of a private space.
The layouts of homes can differ based on your requirements. However, there’s no need to be overwhelmed. This strategy could work to modify an existing floorplan, such as the one shown above for our Lunenburg version, to include an additional suite on the house side. Removing internal doors between the main house and the suite and then adding an entryway is feasible. You can then design the room according to your style!
Renovating
Remodeling your home can also be a way to get with an in-law apartment. Examine your alternatives to see if your neighborhood’s zoning restrictions enable you to construct a second unit. You’ll also need to think about the amount of space available on your current lot to achieve this.
A home-office suite could be built by either creating an extension or converting an existing space within your home. Extensions can construct on your house, or maybe you already have a garage that could get altered and upgraded for use.
Long-Term Strategy
Although it’s not something that any would want to consider if you plan to use your new home as a home where your parents reside, you may need to consider how you’ll use the space after their lives. There are several options to think about:
- Renting the space
- The apartment is for children
- Home studio, gym, or office
Renting out the house is an option worth considering. It can be a way to cover the mortgage costs or create another source of revenue. Perhaps you’re thinking about the future, but your parents aren’t ready to move in. In this case, you could opt to lease the property for a short period.
If you have children, You might also be thinking about the time that they and you might need a bit of privacy! Suppose they start independently, whether in university or college, or prepare to enter working life. In that case, they might require space to explore what it’s like living in their own home while knowing that their parents aren’t too far from them. Even with relatives, make sure that you are clear about the conditions of any lease agreement or deadlines for moving out and get the terms written down. It can prevent disagreements in the future.
When get not surrounded by any family members who need an apartment or being a landlord doesn’t appeal to you, consider ways to use the space to meet your requirements. You might decide that you’d like to transform your in-laws’ suite into your own home office, studio, or gym. You might be working at home more often or working from home as a self-employed. The conversion of the suite into an office space gives you the possibility of inviting guests or colleagues to a workspace that is separate from your house. Perhaps you’re someone who is a Yoga lover or professional trainer, artist, or sculpturer.
Suite Deal
Suppose it’s for family or guests, kids, working tenants, or professional or personal interests. In that case, An in-law suite could be an excellent option for any property or home, secondary suite, whatever you’d like to call it. Ottawa Home Pros is prepared to assist you when you’re ready to begin talking about a detached option or a new building that includes an in-law room in your neighborhood! For your in-law suite project, call us at (613) 288-9145 or email us at info@ottawahomepros.com.
