Your Guide to Adding a Mother-In-Law Suite
With 14% of home purchases last year motivated specifically by multigenerational living needs, building an in-law suite can not only make your home more functional but also enhance its marketability in the future.
If your home doesn’t already include one, adding a mother-in-law suite is easier than you might think. In this blog, we cover a few different ways you can add an in-law suite to your home, as well as the typical process you can expect.
What is an In-Law Suite?
In-law suites are self-contained, often separate, living spaces within a home or on your property, designed to provide privacy and comfort for extended family members, such as aging parents or relatives. These spaces typically include a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and sometimes a living area, making them ideal for multigenerational living.
Sometimes called “granny flats,” “mother-in-law suites,” or “secondary suites,” the purpose of these additions is to accommodate older family members or those who will be living with you while providing them a sense of independence or autonomy.
In-law suites can take many forms, like a separate unit (ADU) in your backyard or a walk-out basement setup in your home. If you’re looking to add one to your property, you have quite a few options available, depending on your lot size, budget, and needs.
5 Ways You Can Add a Mother-In-Law Suite to Your Home
1. Finishing Your Basement into an In-Law Suite
Adding a mother-in-law suite to the basement area is one of the most popular ways that this independent living area can be created. When choosing this method, it’s common to also add an entrance to your basement, forming a private place for your loved ones to come and go.
Basement In-Law Suite Ideas
Finishing an unfinished basement space into an in-law suite will typically require:
- Adding windows or modifying your basement windows to let more natural light in
- Adding a bedroom, bathroom, and private kitchen
- Typically adding a basement entrance with a small patio area for private access
- Attention to proper waterproofing and mold-prevention methods
- Thoughtful design to ensure a space that’s easily accessible, brightly lit, and open
A basement in-law suite can range from 300-1,200 square feet depending on your home’s basement space and layout.
2. Converting Your Crawl Space to a Basement for a Larger In-Home Suite
We also commonly see homeowners look to convert their partial basement into a full basement by digging out the crawl space area and finishing it for additional basement space.
While these aren’t your “typical” remodels, crawl space to basement conversions are a great solution to gaining precious square footage when other options might be limited or not feasible. In most cases, you can even add this extra space at a lower cost per square foot than a traditional addition! Depending on your foundation type, you can also better maximize your basement height and achieve more customized basement designs.
By converting unfinished crawl space area into a basement, you can add:
- Up to double the basement square footage for a bedroom, bath, and kitchenette
- Custom built-in options like storage, entertainment centers, and more
3. In-Law Suite Home Additions
Adding to the side or rear of your house for an in-law suite is another great choice where you have the space on your lot to do so. In combination with a remodel to open up space or combine rooms into one, you can achieve a good amount of space to add the private amenities that your family members need.
4. Detached Mother-In-Law Suites (ADUs)
Your backyard can be the perfect location for a mother-in-law suite, especially when designed as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). This approach has become increasingly popular in the Denver area, as a flexible way to meet various needs—whether for aging family members, short-term tenants, or even occasional guests.
Sometimes called “granny flats” or “carriage houses,” these detached units must comply with local zoning codes, lot size restrictions, and setback regulations outlined by the city. These rules exist to ensure that your ADU fits within your neighborhood’s aesthetic while maintaining adequate spacing and access. By working within these constraints with an experienced builder, you can create a space that is functional, private, and adds value to your property.
5. Adding a Second Story
Second story home additions, or pop tops, allow you to have the extra room you need for family members without expanding your home’s footprint.
Pop tops are more and more popular when remodeling homes in Denver neighborhoods as they allow you to build up where other additions aren’t possible. While these types of additions may be more suitable for those without mobility issues, they can still help you up to double your square footage in order to add a private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette area for your loved ones.
Mother-In-Law Suite Ideas or Alternatives
Building a Mother-In-Law Suite in or Above the Garage
Transforming your garage or building above it is a practical way to add a suite without changing your home’s main layout. A garage conversion can still include features like a private entrance, kitchenette, and full bathroom.
Remodeling for a More Open-Concept Layout or Turning Existing Rooms into a Mother-In-Law Suite
Repurposing underused spaces, such as a basement or spare bedroom, can be a cost-effective way to create a functional in-law suite. With an open-concept remodel, smaller, unused rooms can be combined into a larger, more practical living space without requiring new construction. For example, removing walls between a guest bedroom and office can transform them into a spacious and comfortable suite. Adding accessible features, such as wider doorways and other aging-in-place elements, may help the space meet long-term needs for elderly family members too.
Can I build a mother-in-law suite on my property?
Building a mother-in-law suite on your property depends on several factors, including local zoning laws, building codes, and the size of your property. If you’re planning a detached suite or accessory dwelling unit (ADU), your builder can guide you on what’s feasible under your city’s zoning regulations. Some areas impose strict restrictions on detached units, while others are more flexible. Property size often determines the maximum allowable square footage for additional structures, and municipal codes typically specify setback requirements, such as how far the unit must be from property lines, neighboring homes, or other structures.
Working with a local experienced builder will help ensure that your project meets all of these requirements.
In-Law Suite Addition Checklist: the Process for Adding a Mother-In-Law Suite
Building a mother-in-law suite requires careful planning and design in order to maximize on your investment and meet your needs for as long as possible. Here’s what the process typically looks like when starting an in-law suite addition project:
1. Have an Idea of Your Budget and Your Needs
Start by having a clear understanding of your budget and what you want from your mother-in-law suite. Keep in mind that costs can vary widely depending on the type of addition, finishes, and location. Consider the features you need, such as a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, or accessibility elements, to meet the intended use of the space.
As many different types of in-law suites are possible, consider the different costs, design considerations, and impacts of each on your property’s layout. Having a general idea of the type of addition you’d like to add will help you communicate your vision clearly to your contractors.
2. Research Experienced Contractors
Finding the right builder to work with is a crucial step in building a mother-in-law suite. Start by looking for contractors who have specific experience in building the type of suite you need—whether it’s a detached unit, an attached addition, or a converted space like a basement. As experienced professionals, they will have a thorough understanding of your local municipality, which you’ll need to navigate local building codes, zoning regulations, and permitting processes.
As you get consultations, an experienced contractor will help determine what’s possible on your property, such as the maximum size and placement of the suite. They’ll also be familiar with any design considerations and utilities required for ADUs in your area.
Wondering about your first steps to get started? Working with a general contractor is great for projects like these because they are able to offer a full-service approach, covering design, structural engineering, budgeting, and construction. They’ll provide you a clearer picture of the costs involved and guide the project through every stage, from planning to completion.
3. Design, Site Evaluation, and Permitting
The pre-construction is like the “discovery” phase of your project—ensuring that due diligence is done before you start building. It includes a set of services that not only help you make decisions, but help the architects, engineers, and your contractors collaborate effectively on the work you need done. These services provide you with a formal approach to developing the cost, scope, and schedule to successfully execute your project on time and on budget.
These services cover:
- Working with an Architect — Visualize and refine the design of your construction project, ensuring it’s accurately represented and aligned with your vision before construction.
- Structural Engineering — Guarantee the integrity and safety of your particular project with a complete analysis and optimization of structural design.
- Soil Testing & Surveys — Understand your property’s soil composition, stability, load-bearing capacity, and other conditions that factor into the project.
At the end of this stage, you will have finalized plans and construction documents for your addition or in-law suite, as well as a detailed scope of work, budget, and construction schedule.
4. Construction
Then construction can begin! This phase involves turning your approved design into reality through careful execution by your builder and their team. Throughout the process, a project manager will be regularly on-site to oversee progress, address challenges, and ensure the work remains on schedule and meets quality standards. This hands-on approach will ensure that your in-law suite is built to the highest standards.
As you navigate the process, a general contractor can also help you with other projects you may decide to tackle along the way, such as adding a patio, a basement walkout entrance, or other features.
How much does it cost to add a mother-in-law suite or granny flat to your home?
The cost of adding a mother-in-law suite to your home depends on the type of addition, the size, the location, plumbing and electrical work, and the finishes you choose. Some projects, like basement finishing, will have a lower cost than a detached ADU, which requires separate utilities and foundation work. Included in these final costs will be design, permits, construction, and finishes.
For an accurate estimate, consult a local contractor familiar with your area and specific project type.
In-Law Suite Additions in Denver, Colorado
Planning to add space to your home for an in-law suite? We’ll help you find out what’s possible. No project you envision is too big or too complicated for us to find you the perfect solution!
PR Builders specializes in remodeling, basement finishing, crawl space to basement conversions, and home additions in Denver, Boulder, Wheat Ridge, Centennial, and throughout in Northern Colorado.
