When you’re looking for a home, one of the best features you can find is an in-law suite. These separate, small dwellings are on the same property as your home, often with an added layer of privacy for an aging loved one, guest, or someone else. They can consist of a simple bedroom and bathroom or even come with an additional kitchen or living area.
With the increasing trend of multigenerational living, finding a home with an in-law suite is often desired. But what homes offer this, and can you find one within a specific price range? Additionally, what are the benefits and designs of these extraordinary living spaces?
In this article, we will discuss more about in-law suites, uncovering their benefits, what types of in-law suites you can find, and how to maximize the comfort and privacy of your intergenerational living spaces. Let’s first explore why so many people love in-law suites.
The Benefits of In-Law Suites
As you can imagine, there are many benefits to having in-law suites or a guest suite in your home. Not only do you have an additional space for guests, but it can also help you connect with your family members, strengthening your bond. Here’s a look at the four main benefits you could enjoy if you found a home with a guest suite included in the floorplan:
- Enhanced Family Bonding: Intergenerational living can give you the chance to spend time with your loved ones. If you have a mother, father, grandparent, or even an aging aunt or uncle living with you, you can enjoy more quality time with them. The more time you spend with your family, the closer-knit your family can become!
- Save Money and Enjoy Greater Value: With many in-law suites, you can save money on what would otherwise be spent on assisted living facilities or a nursing home. Additionally, reports show that home values for properties with a guest suite included are 35% higher than average than homes without one in many U.S. cities.
- Convenient Guest Spaces: If you have an older child visiting from college or you frequently have guests, having a separate space for them to enjoy can be highly convenient. It also allows you to open your home to guests, socialize with your close friends and family, and help your loved ones save money on hotels.
- Multigenerational Living: Multigenerational families living together in the same home is becoming common and a great way to save money and be closer to parents and grandparents. According to research, people enjoy living with their family members and find it rewarding, with 30% of people reporting positive experiences in recent years.
So, with so many benefits, you might wonder what sort of in-law suites you can choose. Let’s look at four distinct types of guest suites you might find when searching for homes.
What Types of In-Law Suites Are Available?
There are several different types of in-law suites that you can choose from. With attached suites, like those you could find at Lakeshore by Simple Life, you can enjoy separate living spaces connected to the home. Here’s a look at each type of guest suite and what each can provide for your space:
- Attached Suites: As the most common in-law suites, these are connected to the main home, often as a separate wing. These can be great for easy access to your loved ones, but they may also bring extra noise you might not want close to your living quarters.
- Detached Suites: If you want more privacy, you can opt for a guest suite entirely separate from the main house. A detached suit is on the same property, but you enjoy added privacy. This is best for guests rather than those who need additional caregiving.
- Basement Conversions: If you have an unused basement, you can easily convert it into a guest suite. This can be great for ensuring proximity to your loved ones and guests, but you should also be mindful of whether the stairs would be feasible for your guests.
- Garage Conversions: Finally, a garage conversion is one of the most popular options today. By transforming this unused space into a living area, your loved one or guest can stay in their own space right off the main house or in the detached garage. However, temperature control might be harder, as garages are not designed like other home spaces.
Now that you have an idea of what in-law suite you want in your home, what designs should you consider for these spaces? From accessibility to privacy to added amenities, it’s time to explore ways to transform your space into the perfect multigenerational living space.
How to Design the Perfect In-Law Suites for Your Loved Ones and Guests
Whether opening your home to guests or planning to have your mother, father, or another aging relative live with you, you can design the ideal guest suite for comfortable, convenient, multigenerational living. The first step is to increase accessibility. This means ensuring wider doorways for your aging relatives and guests, lower countertops, and other steps to improve mobility.
You can also add soundproofing to the guest suite, ensuring that your loved ones or friends will never have to worry about hearing the rest of the house when they are resting. You might even want to include a separate entrance for guests. For added comfort, amenities like a separate kitchen or living area can make the place feel more cozy. Including thermostat controls can also ensure your guests and loved ones are always comfortable when they stay with you.
As always, you’ll need safety features in your guest suite. Like the in-law suites available at Lakeshore by Simple Life, you can include necessities like emergency call buttons, non-slip flooring, and more. However, check with the local zoning laws and regulations to ensure you pass inspections and have all the proper permits for your new in-law suite.
If you truly want to maximize comfort and privacy, you can include landscaping outside to create a visual barrier or integrate smart home technology to make the space even more convenient. No matter what you choose, these options can make for easy, fun, and enjoyable multigenerational living.
Find Your Perfect Home at Simple Life
With so many benefits to in-law suites, it’s obvious why so many people are choosing homes with these spaces. If you’re ready to enjoy multigenerational living with your loved ones, Lakeshore by Simple Life could be the perfect place to find your new home. With optional high-quality guest suite cottages to choose from, you can enjoy simple living but with the comfort of your closest relatives and guests just a few steps away. Visit our website today to find your new home!
