Multigenerational Living is a Booming Home Trend
In-law suites are a desirable home renovation in many ways for you, your family, and potential future buyers; if you keep a few things in mind.
Adding an in-law suite can add value to your home, as long as you do not alter the home so much that it only works for you and your family. One of the most popular ways to add an in-law suite is by closing in the garage, but can also hurt the resale value of your home.
So how do you add an in-law suite and add value to your home at the same time?
The “SHE SHED”
My favorite is the “She Shed” or the “Granny Pod”! Made popular by the State Farm Insurance Company can also be a great way to add an in-law suite. I’ve seen some really nice ones that not only offer a separate living quarters, but they add value to the home, too. Check out a few of the “She Sheds” from The Spruce or take a tour through this “Granny Pod”. Also, remember to check with your county or city’s planning and zoning to verify your property will allow a guesthouse shed.
Bathroom Addition
Adding a bathroom to an already existing bedroom could be one option. Especially if you don’t have the space to add a full bedroom addition. Using the existing closet to add a small kitchenette area while adding closet space in the bathroom addition is a good way to keep things under budget while adding value to your home at the same time.
Two Homes are Better than One
Ok. So this one might take more luck, but it could happen. If you live in an area where you have neighbors nearby, it might be worth asking them if they are considering moving. It’s a long shot, but it did work out for us. My parents bought our home and we moved across the street to a bigger home with a pool. It gives everyone their space, I can check on them periodically, and they are close by if they need anything. A total win, win!
Closing in the Garage
If there is no way around it and the only way you can create an in-law suite is to close in the garage, keep a few things in mind. First, when renovating the space keep it simple, so the space can be returned to a full garage easily and with minimal cost. Also, I recommend keeping the garage door in tact to maintain your home’s curb appeal. Plus, you can keep some space near the door for storage space. I cannot tell you how many buyers I have worked with who listed a garage as an absolute must. No garage was a complete deal breaker.
Additional Tips
- Add a private entrance if you can. It will definitely help the person occupying the space feel like it’s their own.
- Check with your city or county’s planning and zoning department. You may need to get zoning and variance permission from your township for any in-law suite addition.
- Try making the new addition look like it’s always been there. Adding an addition that sticks out like a sore thumb could cost you more in the end by hurting your home’s resale value.
- Prevent problems before they begin. Established ground rules for everything like big issues (such as finances or boundaries) to small ones (such as paint colors or who gets keys to which doors).
- Keep your eye on ROI or Return on Investment. Additions can get pricey, but if you focus on the long term you can reap the benefits. Especially, if you decide to sell someday. Your house will be more attractive to buyers because of the added square footage, whether the buyer makes use of the space as part of the house, as an in-law suite, or even as a rental property.
