Law Suite Additions: How to Get Started
Publication: PR Builders, Inc
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.
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.
Learn more about the process.
By converting unfinished crawl space area into a basement, you can add:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn more about the process.
By converting unfinished crawl space area into a basement, you can add:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Author: PR Builders Inc
Tags: Stay tuned.