10 Tips for Building an In Law Cottage

When the needs of a family change and the current home is no longer sufficient, some people will opt to find another home. This is particularly common when an outside member of the family, especially an older parent, is about to move in. However, a more practical solution is building an in law cottage or suite. In this instance, you want to ensure that you are keeping older parents close but still giving them some bit of independence and privacy. The guide below explains how you can go about building an in law cottage and what you will need to include.

Start With the Local Building Codes

Before you start planning how the cottage will look, check the building codes, as that will influence the features you can add to the suite. If it is a home addition, you will likely be limited to a small sitting area and kitchen, one bedroom, and one bathroom. Plus, if the unit is separate from the main house, you will need separate permits. Also, note that some areas restrict building additional units within a property.

Before you start laying out a foundation, first ensure you will not be breaking any laws. You might also need to separate sewer and water connections, although most local laws allow for three plumbing connections with one septic permit. If your family is already huge, then your septic tank may not be enough. Most septic tanks can accommodate three bathrooms. And if you are planning to add another bathroom, you may need a bigger size than your current system. Another requirement when building an in law cottage is to ensure the suite will have a separate entrance.

Set a Budget and Stick to it

Building an in law cottage, even when it is only a small unit, can be costly. The price adds up so fast, and if you are not careful, you will find you have used all the money before completing the project. Set a budget and decide how that amount will be used. Note that sticking to a budget is not always easy. There are always construction emergencies, and expenses you have not accounted for will come up. So it is best to have a contingency budget. This should be about 10-20% of the main budget.

It is wise to discuss your budget with the main contractor. This ensures that all decisions that are made during construction are made with the budget in mind. You can also find ways to lower your construction cost. For instance, instead of buying certain equipment used in construction, consider equipment rentals as it is cheaper. You should also make a list of jobs that you can DIY. Labor costs contribute hugely to the cost of building anything. And if there are jobs you can do, you should.

Hire a Professional Team

Even if you are skilled in DIY projects, building an in law cottage is not something you should do on your own. This is not a task for one weekend that you will be done with. It is a lengthy project. Plus, there are many aspects involved, such as plumbing, wiring, installing an HVAC, and laying the foundation. All these are things that a skilled contractor should do. To be safe, you can hire a general contractor who will be in charge of the whole project and ensure everything is done well. However, if you want to save on labor costs, you can wait until the construction is done and then do tasks like painting, designing, and finishing the floors. Also, if you are upgrading an already existing space, figure out what you can DIY.

Choose a Proper Location

Building an in law cottage requires you to choose a good location that will make the addition look like part of the overall house. Depending on your zoning laws, you can convert a basement, garage, or even the porch into a suite. However, home additions are much trickier than that because not only do you factor in how the addition will affect the main house but the current landscape as well. For instance, a good location is a space near a room you do not use as much, like the bathroom. Even if you block sunlight, this is not a living space, meaning you will not be affected as much. If you have a tree where you plan to build an addition, you will have to schedule tree removal services first.

Separate the Utilities

As much as the main reason you are building an in law cottage is for family members, the unit can also serve other functions later on. You can rent it out to other people, hence earning an extra income. In such cases, it is good to separate the utilities. This will help you avoid the hassle of arguing with a future tenant about splitting utility bills. Even if you are not planning to rent it out, it is still a good idea, as it allows you to plan for the family budget accordingly. So, when it comes to wiring the unit, ensure that your local electrician has this information.

If possible, the HVAC unit for the in-law cottage should have separate control from the main house. The people living in that unit will want to control their own temperature to levels they find comfortable, which may not be the same as the main house. As you start building, talk to the HVAC technician about separate options.

Design an Accessible Kitchen or Kitchenette

Even if you do not have a large space for a large kitchen, a kitchenette will do. Just ensure there is one installed to promote some independence for the person staying in the cottage. If it is your in-laws or elderly parents, they will want a place they feel is their own. Here are some tips for kitchen design to keep in mind.

• Wall-mounted appliances: There is a possibility that you will be dealing with limited space when building an in law cottage. That means you have to use your space well. Therefore, consider built-in appliances for ovens and microwaves to save counter space. Just ensure they are placed at a convenient height.
• Practical countertops: You will need quality countertops that are durable, easy to clean, and appealing. Natural stone, such as marble features such qualities. Therefore, start making an order for natural stone supplies once the construction starts.
• Bright lights: A kitchen that is well-lit is a safe kitchen. Combine artificial and natural light to allow the house occupants to see items clearly. Also, ensure that switches are placed in convenient areas.
• Avoid sweat cabinetry: Smart cabinets are useful because one will not have to stretch too much or try to grope around items to get things. Install trays and pull-out drawers to ensure easy access. Also, go with open shelves at the top for storage of items that are frequently used, such as cooking vessels and spices.

Create a Spacious Living Room

This is the space for relaxation. You want to design it in a way that your in-laws will feel at home and safe. A living does not have to be large. In fact, a great tip to keep in mind when building an in law cottage is using an open floor plan that combines the kitchen and living room. This will make the cottage feel spacious. When it comes to decor, it is wise to minimize clutter. Just place the basics. The entryways need to be wide, particularly if you are building the unit with a senior adult in mind. If possible. Ensure they are wheelchair friendly.

Natural light is important, and this will apply to all rooms. Adequate light can make a room feel spacious, so ensure you have large windows. The good thing is that if the light is too much, you can find the best window coverings to filter the light. Great window treatments to consider are plantation shutters. They allow you to control the amount of light you want in a room. In addition, they also have a timeless design that makes a space more appealing. Do not forget to choose the right furniture that is comfortable and supportive. The furniture should be strategically placed so that there is enough space for the occupants to get through without the risk of injuring themselves.

Add Universal Designs

This is a very important principle when building an in law cottage. It will make the space accessible to anyone, despite their age. Universal designs are all about ease of movement, safety, and attractive designs both inside and outside the house. Such designs are ideal for anyone, despite physical abilities and age. A good example is non-slip flooring. When you go to the flooring store, you will find several types of slip-resistant flooring. This is a necessity, especially for the bathroom, which is a wet room. However, to be safe, install this type of flooring all over the house. Instead of using the throw rugs, place one big rug that covers an entire space. Small throw rugs can be tripping hazards. Or better yet, install carpet flooring. You will not need a carpet, and the cottage will still look great and cozy.

Limit the steps in the house, even if they are leading to the exterior spaces. You want to reduce the risk of tripping. Just keep in mind that a universal design is not just about functionality. It also incorporates aesthetics. Despite physical limitations, people still want to live in regular-looking houses.

Go for Curbless Showers for Easy Access

For the bathrooms, go with curbless showers. They have many advantages, with the first one being that they are accessible. Anyone can use them, whether it is a senior adult, a small child, or a person in a wheelchair. Since they do not have barriers, they are functional and appropriate for everyone. The design is also flexible because you do not attach a bathtub. That means a plumber can install it in any space. Whether you only have a corner spot for the bathroom or a large wall unit, a curbless shower design is more flexible than a traditional bathroom. And you can even throw in there some spa-like features like benches and heated floors.

Another reason you should consider this type of shower when building an in law cottage is that it is easy to clean. Cleaning the bathroom is one of the less enjoyable tasks in a home. Curbless showers are usually made with ceramic tiles, which are good at resisting mildew and bacteria. And because you have no barrier, you can easily move around when cleaning, making your work easier. You will not need curtains and doors for this type of shower. That makes the bathroom feel larger even if it is installed in a small space.

Ensure the Exterior Blends With the Main House

You have the choice to design the exterior of the in law cottage as you please. However, keep in mind that you do not want this unit to look like it is out of place but rather as part of the main dwelling. Even if it is not attached to the house, try and ensure it blends with your house. For instance, you can ensure the unit shares the same design elements as the main house. Do this by using similar materials and color schemes.

Most homeowners go with smart designs that give the in-law suite a facade that resembles the main house. Next comes designing an attractive outdoor space for the future occupants. Hire an expert for the patio installation. It does not have to be something grand. Even a small space with two or three seats, a table, and a few plants will do. Remember that you want the future occupant of this space to have some privacy. So even if the main house has a large patio, it is still good to consider a small patio for the in law cottage.

Building an in law cottage requires proper planning and skills. If possible, instead of hiring individual contractors for every single job, work with a design-build team. This way, you will only have one point of contact: the general contractor. Also, remember to combine functionality, privacy, and aesthetics in the unit. An in-law cottage should have all the necessary features that a normal home does.