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Mother in Law Suite Homes: Multigenerational Living in NC
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.
What is a Mother in Law Suite?
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.
What Types of In Law Suite Homes Are Common?
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.
Why Own a Mother in-law Suite Home?
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.
Must-Have Considerations for Mother in Law Suite Homes
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.
Mother in Law Suite Homes for Sale in the Triangle
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.
Homes for Sale with In Law Suites
Huge renovation potential! Basement ceiling is 6'10" so is listed as unfinished. Complete home with kitchen in basement. The heat works great but home will likely need ne...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2461563 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Close to conveniences & Pittsboro Schools- Ready to move in 3/2 Ranch AND Apartment on 1 Acre just outside of town. Tastefully RENOVATED: new appliances, tile backsplash,...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2488288 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Uniquely modern, gorgeous new build located in the heart of Durham! Minutes to Downtown Durham, Duke U., RTP & Southpoint. Within 20 minutes of Eno River State Park & UNC...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2497259 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Uniquely modern, gorgeous new build located in the heart of Durham! Minutes to Downtown Durham, Duke U., RTP & Southpoint. Within 20 minutes of Eno River State Park & UNC...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2498195 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful 3 story home in Falls River Neighborhood! Wrap around porch invites you in to this 5 bedroom/3.5 bath home! Kitchen w/granite, tile backsplash & SS appliances. ...
- 5 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2501500 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Amazing Opportunity close to Duke. 1101 Norwood Ave offers so much flexibility. Option 1: Single Family Home w/4BR & 3 Bath, Option 2:Duplex – Unit 1 3BR/2Baths Unit 2 Ef...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2499493 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Charming home situated on 5 acres. First floor features entry foyer, master suite with fireplace and two large 2 walk in closets. Master bath includes walk in shower and ...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2496911 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Where do I begin? So much to offer on 7.85 acres with LOTS of road frontage and TOTALLY fenced! 3000 sq ft home with LARGE OPEN area downstairs, MASSIVE stacked stone FP ...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2499217 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Just imagine the perfect home within walking distance to a park that backs to a major lake with fishing, boating and Bald Eagles. Now it can become a reality with this ho...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2500916 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Modernist Private Rural Compound - Escape city life at the "Artist's Palette," an art inspired home designed by architect Rhonda Angerio. It was built in 2005 as a multi-...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2501138 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Breathtaking modernist home on 10+ acre, extremely private setting in Orange County.Includes detached living space (covered breezeway leading to) equipped w/ 2 flex space...
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2490399 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Dramatic SUNSETS & captivating VIEWS from all levels of this waterfront home on Holt Lake. Thoughtfully designed for easy lakefront living & gracious entertaining. Mesmer...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2494913 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
The most spectacular new construction in Chapel Hill - and only 1.5 miles from UNC's campus! Take a stroll on the winding, tree-covered Morgan Creek Trail to arrive at t...
- 5 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2452426 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Ready in Summer 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car deta...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2473651 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Ready in Summer 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car deta...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2473657 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Ready in Summer 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car deta...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2473653 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Ready in Summer 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car deta...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2473656 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Ready in Summer 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome END UNIT by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2473659 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Magnificent Executive Estate situated on almost 2-acres in Wakefield Estates w/ 3 car garage! Updates galore w/ amazing appointments such a sprawling Great room w/ Stone ...
- 4 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 2494467 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful, spacious custom brick home on private 1.45 acre lot conveniently located between Raleigh & Cary. This home truly has endless features including a finished, wal...
- 4 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 2493658 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
GORGEOUS Main House (4127 sq ft) & Detached 2 car GARAGE w/an ADDITIONAL Guest House Living (832 sq ft) for a total 4959 sq ft . Large Flat lot. Covered Front Porch, Dou...
- 5 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 2470031 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This luxurious estate home is tucked away in nature’s sanctuary in Wake County, bordering West Cary and Apex, and backing up to the Corps of Engineer Land for Jordan Lake...
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 2478796 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This magnificent property is truly remarkable! This French Country style home with a Mediterranean vibe has 5 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms, and 8,593 hea...
- 5 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 2484608 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
The ultimate modern lifestyle home in coveted Governors Club. Casual elegance with seamless flow, exquisite details and sought-after amenities. Strategically positioned o...
- 5 Beds
- 8 Baths
- 2496117 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Tucked inside over 3 acres resplendent with magnolias and cherry blossoms, lies a home where craftsmanship, quality and execution come together to create the ideal balanc...
- 5 Beds
- 8 Baths
- 2499811 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Unquestionably one of the finest estates in all of NC, this exquisite property, with its nearly 11,000 sq. ft. home resting on over seven acres of beautiful grounds, is i...
- 5 Beds
- 9 Baths
- 2473018 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Exclusive, Private, Gated Estate on almost 4 acres. Exceptional property was featured in Parade of Homes and is located in the Back Nine. Master Craftsmanship displayed t...
- 5 Beds
- 9 Baths
- 2489349 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Nearly 13,000 SF of custom luxury in Cary’s exclusive Renaissance @ Regency Estates. Created by a dream team of esteemed architect, builder, interior designer & craftspeo...
- 6 Beds
- 9 Baths
- 2433250 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
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 .