For multigenerational living in North Carolina, many families are turning to the concept of a mother in law suite home. These spaces can be created from within the house, an addition, or a stand-alone unit. Still, the goal is the same: allow an elderly parent to maintain a level of independence while living close to family. And as an added bonus, mother in law suites can also serve as an Airbnb, home office, or guest suite for visitors.
Mother in law suites, whether integrated into a larger home or a standalone dwelling unit, feature all the amenities of a separate house, including a sleeping/living space, kitchen or kitchenette, and bathroom. Some are similar to a studio apartment, one large area that includes both the living, sleeping, and kitchen areas. Others have a private bedroom separated from the rest of the suite.
The space size will dictate some design choices, so where there is generous square footage, you may find a full-size kitchen with lots of prep and storage space. Smaller spaces may dictate a kitchenette with a fridge, sink, oven (or toaster oven), microwave, and cooktop (or hot plate).
Mother in law suites created from an existing basement may have a walk-out area onto a porch or deck, along with a private entrance.
Thankfully we have a lot of homes with mother in law suites already set up in the Raleigh-Durham area. Here are the three most common options if you're wondering how to configure your home to accommodate an in-law suite.
1 - At its simplest, a first-floor bedroom and private bath can be considered an in-law suite. In fact, many homes market this scenario as designed for multigenerational living. For more privacy, a separate wing of the house (previous children’s wing perhaps) can be reimagined to fit the needs of an older parent(s).
2 - A new addition attached to the main house is a second option. In this scenario, there is good separation and privacy but still a direct connection to the main house. There may also be a private entrance from the outside to the suite.
3 - A third option is a separate unit detached from the main house but located on the property. These can be as small as a tiny home or as large as your property can accommodate. Sometimes called “granny flats,” there is a new trend called “granny pods,” which incorporate some innovative tech features for monitoring inhabitants remotely.
In Hawaii, in-law suites are known as “ohana” (family) units, and indeed, the main purpose of these dwellings is to accommodate the family’s needs.
These in-law suites were initially designed to accommodate elderly or disabled relatives, but they can also be used for young adult children saving for their own homes.
They can act as both a short- or long-term solution to allowing multigenerational families to occupy the same space while each family maintains a degree of privacy.
In-law suites often add to property value in both the additional square footage created and the utility of the space.
The flexibility inherent in these suites is also a benefit. It may start off in the family as an office, man cave, or she shed and then later become a place for an older parent. Some are rentals, either long-term or an Airbnb.
If you think an in-law suite will work for your family, here are some factors to consider as you plan.
Balancing privacy with access
Think of access to the main house and the outside world. Within the family, you may need to set guidelines for moving back and forth between the main house and the in-law unit.
Number of people living in the space
If you're unsure exactly how you will utilize the space - aging parents, adult children, rental - design to give yourself the maximum flexibility
HOA or regional restrictions
Your HOA may have restrictions either for the size of an in-law suite or whether you can rent the space at all, and if so, for how long. In addition, there may be zoning restrictions at the city or county level that you need to consider.
Many types of in-law suites are considered Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). There are often restrictions on these units, so check your city guidelines.
Are you looking for a property that is a mother in law suite home in Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill?
The North Carolina Triangle area is very popular with older adults and retirees. An in-law suite is an excellent option for multigenerational families who want to live close to each other.
We’re happy to help you with your search for the right property. View the listings below or contact us today and let’s get started.
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Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2023 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .