Multi-generational living is gaining popularity in the United States. As a way of reducing the cost of retirement, many older Americans move in with their adult children and families. An in-law suite has become an increasingly popular addition to a custom home.

We have some tips for you if you are interested in an in-law apartment, a small cottage, or a “guest house” built on your South Carolina property.

How to Build an In-Law Suite In Your Custom Home

The first thing is to choose the right place.

It is obvious that the notion that location is everything is important when it comes down to buying real estate or purchasing a home. But that also applies to the space that you are adding for your mother-in-law or relative!

In-law suites should be designed to suit the lifestyle and comfort preferences of the person who will live there. An attached in-law suite may be the best option for an elderly parent who wants to be in the center of everything. A detached “in-law apartment” may be more appealing for someone who wants to live independently, but is still close enough to help in an emergency.

Talk to your loved ones about your home design. Be open to their ideas and preferences. It may be that the parent you thought would prefer to live in the house might actually prefer having their own space. You and your parents will both be happier if the in-law suite is located in a location that suits them.

You should ensure that the design is flexible enough to accommodate any changes in your health and well-being.

In-laws and “guest” suites most often result from a parent or relative becoming ill or aging. It is important to design and build an in-law suite so that any changes can be made easily as the relative’s health, or well-being, changes.

For separate, detached in-law apartments, you should think about building an entrance that would be handicapped-accessible or could be quickly changed to be so, even when your relative does not currently need it.

If an in-law suite is located inside your custom built home, we recommend adding it to the ground floor. This will allow your relative to access your shared living spaces without needing to climb or descend stairs that can be dangerous.

When designing an in-law suite, one of the most important aspects is to make it adaptable to changing lifestyles or health needs.

Consider using a separate heating and power source.

From 200-square-foot studio-style apartments to larger 500-700-square foot “apartments”, in-law suites come in a variety of sizes. We recommend that you have a separate source for heating/cooling, electricity, and power in your in-law suite.

In-law suites are semi-private spaces that allow relatives and loved ones to live with you. Your relative will feel completely in control of their space with a thermostat that can be controlled separately. A thermostat will allow an older relative to control the heat to the temperature that they desire.

If your loved one is only staying in the in-law suite for a short time, this is a great idea. You can turn off heating/cooling to reduce electricity usage and keep them away from the rest of the house. If you plan to rent your guest suite for AirBnB or any other “room-sharing” type service, this is a good idea.

Are you unsure how to build an in-law suite in your custom home in Myrtle Beach?

Hire a custom home builder. You must follow all local and state building regulations when you build an in-law suite or a guest apartment in your home.

Call Dawol Homes now if you’re looking for a reliable and reputable home builder in Myrtle Beach.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about new home construction.