In-Law Suite Additions
Add a mother-in-law suite to your basement, home, garage, or backyard.
In-law suites are self-contained 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 often include a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and sometimes a living area, making them ideal for multigenerational living. 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, building a mother-in-law suite is easier than you might think. As specialists in home additions in the Denver, Boulder, and Northern Colorado areas, we’ll help you find out what’s possible, whether you’re converting a basement into a mother-in-law suite, adding on to your home, or building a detached backyard unit.
IN-LAW SUITE IDEAS
Types of Mother-In-Law Suite Additions
Basement In-Law Suites
Finishing your basement with a kitchen area, private bedroom and bathroom, and a walk-out entrance is one of the most popular options for a mother-in-law suite or granny flat. Where you have a partial basement or a crawl space, you can convert your crawl space into a basement in order to accommodate family members or aging parents.
Attached Mother-In-Law Suites
A home addition off the back or side of your home can provide the extra space you need as your family members age in place. As mobility becomes a concern, these ground level additions are ideal as they are accessible without stairways.
Detached In-Law Suites (Backyard In-Law Suites)
Where zoning allows on your property, you can build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for a backyard mother-in-law suite. These detached are separate from your home and can provide extra privacy for your family members.
Garage/Above Garage In-Law Suites
Building a mother-in-law suite above your garage or converting your unused garage into a living area is another popular option. Adding a level above your garage, adding utilities, and remodeling the space can give you an apartment-like living area that’s secluded but still accessible from your home.
IN-LAW SUITE DESIGN & FLOOR PLANS
Designing & Building an In-Law Suite Addition
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. Our comprehensive approach to design covers all the bases, taking into consideration those who will be living in the space. In general, the design for your in-law suite should include:
Private Bedroom & Bathroom
Wherever you have in mind to add your suite, there should be enough room to accommodate a full bedroom and full bath in order to ensure comfort, functionality, and privacy for your loved ones. Your basement is a great option for this extra room, offering plenty of square footage to create a private retreat without the need for a home addition.
Kitchen Area
A small kitchen or kitchenette is key to making your in-law suite a self-sufficient living space. Including amenities like a fridge, stovetop, and storage allows your guests to prepare meals independently.
Private Entry
A separate entrance is key to providing an independent living space. When adding an in-law suite to your basement, this can include converting your basement to a walk-out in order to maximize privacy and convenience.
Living Area
A comfortable living area is an important part of any in-law suite, providing space to relax, entertain, and unwind. This can include room for seating, a TV, and other amenities. Whether you’re converting your basement, garage, or building an addition, integrating a cozy living space makes your suite feel complete while accommodating your family members’ daily needs.
Discover Your Options with PR Builders
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, Inc. is a remodeling contractor specializing in custom homes, remodeling, basement finishing, and home additions in Denver, Boulder, and throughout Northern Colorado.
In-Law Suite Additions: FAQ
The best size for an in-law suite typically ranges between 300 and 1,000 square feet, depending on your occupants’ needs and the available space you can get out of your property. For a single person, 300 to 500 sq. ft. is sufficient for a studio setup with a kitchenette and bathroom, while a couple might prefer 500 to 700 sq. ft. with a separate bedroom and living area. Larger in-law suites around 700 to 1,000 sq. ft. are ideal for multi-room layouts with added amenities like a full kitchen or laundry area. To find the best fit for your exact situation, consider your guests’ privacy preferences, accessibility needs, and your local zoning regulations.
If you’re thinking of building an in-law suite, we’ll provide you with the design, structural, and construction expertise you’ll need to start your project! Send us a message.
In many Colorado areas, you can build a mother-in-law suite on your property, but it will depend on your local zoning laws, property size, and design requirements. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are generally allowed in residential areas with specific regulations on size, occupancy, and parking. To get a full understanding of your options, get an in-home consultation with us. Our structural engineers, architects, and designers will help you develop a full plan for your project, including surveys, architectural renderings, construction plans, budget development, and more.
First, you should have a rough budget in mind for your project, and a general idea for what would be needed for your occupants. Then comes the pre-construction phase of your addition, which includes structural engineering, design, creating a formal budget, finalizing construction documents, and acquiring permits.
Working with a general contractor like PR Builders is great for projects like these, because all of these services are offered under one roof, eliminating the hassle of communicating with and hiring all of the necessary contractors on your own. To start your addition, reach out to us online or call 970-692-3122. We will then provide an in-home consultation and preliminary range-of-cost estimate for your work, and discuss with you the pre-construction process.
Rather than adding on to your home or building a separate detached suite, many times it is possible to convert your crawl space into a basement and use the additional space to have a larger finished space to house family members. Then, a walk-out entrance can be added to give the basement area a private, independent feel.
From experience, we know that adding to your home can be a daunting thought. Whether or not you have plans already, we’re here to give you options and clarity on your next steps forward. If you’re looking to build in Denver, Boulder, or Northern Colorado, feel free to get a consultation from us.
Our Other Services
Whole Home Remodeling
Maximize your investment and future-proof your home with our full custom remodeling services.
Home Additions
Get the space you need without relocating. We specialize in ground-level additions and second-story additions (pop tops).
Basement Finishing
Turn unused basement space into valuable square footage with custom design and amenities.
New Construction
Build a new home that’s unique to your needs with no compromises. We specialize in custom homes.
