Adding an in-law apartment to your home may be the solution you’re seeking for an aging family member having difficulties living alone. Perhaps your mother-in-law needs a little extra help. She may not need assisted living, but you would feel better if she lived closer. An in-law apartment provides some level of autonomy, but also the convenience of proximity to loved ones.
An in-law apartment is not necessarily just for your mother-in-law or an older relative. It can also be used for a nanny, a caretaker, a child who’s returned home after college, or for whatever your needs entail. Basically, an in-law apartment provides separate living arrangements on your property.
Although in-law apartments vary according to individual circumstances, they do share common characteristics:
- a separate entrance,
- its own kitchen,
- a private bathroom, and
- a personal living area.
In-law apartments are often not a part of the original floor plan of a home. They can be added on in a variety of ways: above a detached garage, on the second floor of a home, as a first-floor addition, in the basement, or as a guesthouse.
Not sure if an in-law apartment is right for you? Here are some questions to ask yourself: Do you have a family member who needs assistance but is still able to live alone? Does the family member want to live that close to you? What about siblings? You need to get buy-in from all involved, especially if the in-law apartment means you are going to need costly renovations to your home or property.
Don’t forget to check local restrictions and codes. Some areas actually forbid certain types or uses of in-law apartments. And remember, just because your city permits an in-law apartment, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can rent out the space in the future. It’s a good idea to research all of the restrictions on in-law apartments in your area before starting any costly renovations.
Published on May 02, 2007