Mother-in-law suites are a growing trend in home design. Have you thought about the advantages of adding a mother-in-law suite to your home?

What Are Mother-in-Law Suites?

The term “mother-in-law suite” (also known as MIL suite, or an in-law suite) is used to describe a set of private rooms for live-in family members or guests. Some other descriptive terms are secondary suites, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

A mother-in-law suite can range from a bedroom and private bathroom situated away from the rest of the home’s living spaces (commonly referred to as a “guest suite”) to an entirely separate structure built on the same property. These separate structures are often called “casitas,” “guest houses,” or, in real estate parlance, “accessory dwelling units” (ADUs).

Other options might be a “garage apartment” or “basement suite” configuration, which allows for more privacy than a main-level guest suite without requiring additional permitting and plumbing.

All of these options relate to the growing trend in home design or modification that allows for additional residents to live comfortably on the same homesite.

Why Are Mother-in-Law Suites So Popular?

Demand for homes with mother-in-law suites has steadily increased in recent years. With that demand, the value of homes that include the feature has also increased. The reasons for this growing popularity are complex and can vary by region, but these are a few of the factors that may be increasing the demand for mother-in-law suites in your area.

More Older Adults are Moving in with Their Adult Children

A Pew Research Center survey found that 14% of adults living in another person’s home are parents of the household head. That compares to just 7% in 1995, making the extra space and autonomy a valued addition in these arrangements.

It can be expensive and stressful for aging parents to adjust to senior living communities. A mother-in-law suite can allow a family to stay connected while saving money on housing and making it easier for senior family members to maintain a greater degree of independence.

A Mother-in-Law Suite Adds an Extra Room to Host Guests

Many Homeowners enjoy hosting friends and family for holidays and special celebrations. A mother-in-law suite provides extra space for out-of-town visitors and overnight guests.

A room set away from the resident’s bedrooms, especially one with a private bathroom, can be a major source of comfort for guests trying to decide between staying with you or booking a hotel. The more amenities and space a mother-in-law suite includes, such as a kitchenette and living room, the more welcome your guests will feel during their stay.

This kind of guest room is also popular because of the versatility it can provide. If you know you won’t have guests in the near future, the room can be temporarily converted with easy-to-move furniture into a home office, gym, or other special-purpose room best suited to your day-to-day life.

Multigenerational Living

Multigenerational living refers to households with more than two generations living under the same roof. According to another Pew Research Center study, multigenerational living has quadrupled in the last 50 years and now accounts for 18% of U.S. households.

Happy three generation white family sitting on a sofa at home looking at each other, front view

For some, multigenerational living is a reaction to financial issues. A mother-in-law suite can provide much-needed comfort and relief for family members in times of financial hardship.

For others, the choice comes down to comfort and family bonds. Whether it’s from cultural tradition or an individual decision, many find maintaining close day-to-day ties with their family to be rewarding. Families across the globe attest to the benefits raising children in the same home as their grandparents.

A Mother-in-Law Suite Adds Value to Your Home and Property

Apart from creating a comfortable haven and a private space for your elderly mom or dad or both, mother-in-law suite homes also increase the value of your home. It enhances the appeal of your property to prospective home buyers in the real estate market.

In fact, MIL suites and basements are the two most attractive aspects for which buyers are willing to spend several extra dollars when purchasing a home.

A Few Types of Mother-in-Law Suites

Mother-in-law suites come in a variety of designs, each suited to different circumstances and budgets. Here are some popular designs/arrangements being offered by many new home builders across the country. Most existing homes can be modified, or added onto for a similar arrangement, depending on your needs and vision.

The Front Mother-in-Law Suite

This bedroom and en suite bathroom arrangement is located at the front of the home, allowing ample privacy and access to the garage and front door without having to traverse the family gathering spaces. This design is particularly suitable when different schedules need to be accommodated without inconveniencing guests or family members.

The Kitchen Mother-in-Law Suite

This popular design features a mother-in-law suite tucked away behind the kitchen with an en suite bathroom. The typically low-profile placement makes the room less noticeable to guests and provides unique special-use possibilities. Multigenerational families with certain caregiving needs may find this style of mother-in-law suite floor plan particularly beneficial.

The Downstairs Mother-in-Law Suite

This type of space design often features the primary living areas on the second floor of a home, with the mother-in-law suite on the first level. This arrangement makes it easier for guests to come and go without disturbing family members on the upper levels of the home.

The Basement Mother-in-Law Suite

This type of mother-in-law suite arrangement is particularly popular with multigenerational families. Nestled in the basement area of the home, these suites often rest next to game rooms, offering personal living room space away from the main-level family areas.

The Casita or Detached Mother-in-Law Suite

A casita is its own structure on the same homesite as the primary residence. This detached mother-in-law suite often requires a larger homesite, additional plumbing installation, and special approval related to any relevant zoning or HOA restrictions. Despite these challenges, casitas have become a hit because of the added privacy, space, and versatility.

Here is a Good Punchlist of Features to Include in a Mother-in-Law Suite

Mother-in-law suites are practical, affordable co-living solutions that increase the area of multigenerational homes while still ensuring privacy. If you’re considering adding an in-law suite to your home, it’s important to design an effective floor plan with privacy and safety in mind. Check out these features to consider including in a mother-in-law suite!

• Separate Entrance
• Living Space
• Kitchen or Kitchenette
• Washer & Dryer
• Private Bathroom
• Outdoor Living Space
• Flex Space
• Closet Space
• Mini-Split A/C System
• Storage Space
• Parking Area
• Single-Level Suite
• Non-Slip Flooring
• Accessible Cabinetry
• Accessible Shower
• Cable & Internet
• Natural Light
• Calming Color Palette

Are You Interested in Adding a Mother-in-Law Suite to Your Living Situation?

If you like the idea of adding something like this to your existing home or considering a new home purchase that includes a mother-in-law suite arrangement, either for family members or guest-hosting, I can help you with that. 

If it involves modifying or adding on to your existing home, I can consult with you and evaluate your spaces in terms of what you’re looking to achieve, and show you the best path forward for adding a mother-in-law suite to your home setup. 

Whether attached or freestanding, if you decide you do want to add a mother-in-law suite, do let me know! I can handle everything for you, from the design to hiring the construction contractors, electricians, plumbers, painters – all the resources needed from start to finish! Be sure to talk to me if you’re considering this.

And if you’re looking for a new home that includes a mother-in-law suite – or the potential for one – as a realtor, I can easily hone in on what you’re looking for and show you what’s available along the lines you’re considering. Just let me know, and we can start the ball rolling.

Choose a contact method below this blog post, or you can message me using my website contact form. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.