home additions

An in-law suite may be an important part of home improvement plans.

With the large population of baby boomers now in their senior years, many adult children are planning for the time when they will open their home to at least one aging parent. If these plans are in your future, here are some design suggestions for in-law suites that are part of many southeastern MA premier home remodeling and additions.

Why Build an In-Law Suite?

• Staying Close and in Touch — Many people spend time worrying about an aging parent living alone, especially if they are unable to see them often enough. In-law suites take the worry out of being far away from an elderly parent and provide the convenience of being there when needed.
• Avoiding the High Cost of Assisted Living Facilities – The cost for affordable assisted living facilities varies with location and level of service; however, residents of assisted living communities can typically expect a 4.28 percent annual increase in their base rate.
• Designing for Future Use – Current and future homeowners can easily transition an in-law suite to comfortable accommodations for out-of-town guests and visits from children and grandchildren.
• Increasing the Resale Value – Another upside of having an in-law suite is having the additional square footage to offer when it’s time to sell the home. Today’s home buyers appreciate having guest accommodations that are less intrusive for the host and more private for the guest.

Where to Build an In-law Suite

There are actually several ways additional living space can be incorporated into your southeastern MA home improvement plans. One of these suggestions might work perfectly with your current floor plan.

• Add an extension to an existing bedroom or guest room to provide a comfortable sitting area.
• Convert two existing bedrooms that have a connecting bathroom by turning one of the bedrooms into a sitting room/living area.
• Build a one or two room addition with a bathroom that may open onto the family room.
• If backyard space allows, build a stand-alone quarters, or a ‘tiny home,’ with a full kitchen, bedroom, bath and small living room. Future use may be the ideal guest quarters or rental space.
• Build a new master suite for the homeowners and utilize the existing master bedroom and bathroom for an in-law suite.
• Building a second story might be your only option for an in-law suite, although at some point you may need to install an elevator shaft or a chair lift onto your staircase.

Your home improvement contractor can help you prepare for aging parents.

Features for Your In-law Suite

Depending on your particular situation, a Weston, MA, home improvement contractor can include a separate entrance to your in-law suite, which may simply be an exterior doorway to the patio area. A stackable washer and dryer, phone line and intercom system, as well as separate Internet and cable connections, are all features appreciated by both in-laws and future guests. Many homeowners anticipate dining with their aging parent so a kitchenette that includes a microwave and a mini refrigerator with a freezer drawer may be all that’s needed.

Other Considerations for Your In-Law Suite Plans

• Doorways should be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair and a walker.
• A ramp for wheelchair access may need to be added to a porch.
• Adequate storage should be part of the design plan.
• Safety features, such as grab bars, handrails and non-slip flooring.
• Separate heating and air conditioning.
• Separate smoke, fire and carbon monoxide detectors.

Rather than waiting until their senior relative can no longer live alone, many homeowners are thinking ahead. If you’re planning for the time when you’ll be ‘welcoming home’ an aging parent, a Weston, MA, home improvement contractor can provide options for building an affordable in-law suite.

Colony Home Improvement has more than 40 years of remodeling experience in southeastern Massachusetts. Contact us today for a consultation at no obligation.