In-law suites, secondary suites, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are practical, affordable co-living solutions that increase the area of multigenerational homes while still ensuring privacy. If you’re considering adding an in-law suite to your home, it’s important to design an effective floor plan with privacy and safety in mind. Check out these 18 features to include in an in-law suite!
Separate Entrance
Photo via @aduconstruction
An in-law suite is still considered a part of your home’s overall square footage, but it’s important to treat it as its own individual dwelling. Creating a private entrance allows those who live in the secondary suite to enter and exit as they please, without having to worry about disrupting other residents of the home. Making sure your ADU has an accessible entrance with features like a ramp can increase their sense of independence.
Living Space
Photo via @newhomesflorida
While your main living area may seem like enough room for one household, in-law suites need to have a separate living area. This space should be private and secluded so the residents of your mother-in-law suite have a place to be alone. Furnish this space with a couch or chairs, television set, or built-in bookshelves to encourage relaxation and entertainment.
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Photo via @kinsmangroup
Including a small kitchen or kitchenette in your in-law suite floor plan increases independence and encourages privacy in a multigenerational household. Incorporate important kitchen appliances like a refrigerator, microwave, and stovetop so your in-law suite occupants have space to cook meals and store food. Be sure to research your area’s zoning laws if you’re planning to build a full kitchen in your attached or detached accessory dwelling unit since this could possibly turn your home into a multi-family unit, which isn’t allowed in single-family zoning areas.
Washer & Dryer
Photo via @makinghomematter
A side-by-side or stackable washer and dryer set is the perfect addition to your accessory dwelling unit! If there’s enough space, separate the washer and dryer from the main living area into a launderette or laundry room where your in-law suite residents can wash, dry, fold, and hang their personal belongings. If you’re more limited on space, you can still give occupants laundry convenience by incorporating a washer and dryer set or an all-in-one washer/dryer into your kitchen, bathroom, closet, or main living space.
Private Bathroom
Photo via @waynehymerinc
A private bathroom is a necessity for any in-law suite, whether it be near the main living space or accessible directly from the bedroom. This space should be a full bathroom with a sink, toilet, and shower area. While not crucial, consider incorporating a bathtub to offer the occupants more options. Bathtubs may also help maintain the resale value of your home or the rent value of the secondary suite, as well!
Outdoor Living Space
Photo via @a.dabbled.dwelling
Creating a separate outdoor living space for your in-law suite is a great way to give the occupants additional privacy and comfort. Including a home garden and furnishing a porch, patio, or balcony with outdoor seating gives your secondary suite residents an outside area to relax or entertain. A small outdoor living space has the benefits of increasing the useable space in your mother-in-law suite’s floor plan while also adding additional value to your home!
Flex Space
Photo via @leclairdecor
An in-law suite may be small, but that doesn’t mean your secondary suite occupants need to sacrifice flex space! While you may not be able to dedicate an entire room as a multi-use area, devoting a nook, extra closet, or corner of the living space is perfect for creating flexibility in your accessory dwelling unit. Set aside an area in your suite that can transition into a home office, home gym, or even a breakfast nook and give your residents the opportunity to make it into what’s best for their needs.
Closet Space
Photo via @mamaandhertribe
An in-law suite acts as a private residence, so it’s important to include closet space with storage for coats, clothes, and other items. Think about adding a walk-in closet in the bedroom that can hold clothing and even appliances like a washer and dryer, and put a reach-in closet near the entrance for coats, jackets, shoes, and other outdoor or indoor supplies like snow shovels or brooms!
Mini-Split System
Photo via @brandonheatingac
Installing a mini-split system in your in-law suite will increase independence and comfort for your residents! Mini-splits allow for more control over heating and cooling systems. Granting your secondary suite its own system can save your household from arguments about the temperature while also lowering heating and cooling costs if the space is not in use. As an added perk, mini-split systems are ductless, making them quieter and more energy efficient!
Storage Space
Photo via @kenneshepherd
Convenient and accessible storage areas make it easier to downsize or relocate to an accessory dwelling unit! While the residents of your in-law suite may have decluttered some of their belongings, including extra storage space will create a welcoming, organized atmosphere. Bookshelves, large cabinets, and pantries will help guests feel at home in their ADU. Consider adding hidden features like a pull-out cutting board in the kitchen, as well as storage benches, toe-kick drawers, and pull-out cabinets for the living room, bedroom, and bathroom.
Parking Area
Photo via @tdscustomconstruction
When designing your in-law suite, you may want to set aside garage space or create a parking area for residents of this secondary living space. Having a designated parking space can allow household members to come and go as they please without needing to unblock vehicles or circle the block for street parking.
Single-Level Suite
Photo via @smallworksstudios
Consider designing your accessory dwelling unit as a single-level for additional accessibility and peace of mind. A one-story in-law suite floor plan reduces the risk of falling and provides easy access for those in a wheelchair or who have difficulty maneuvering stairs. Additionally, a single-level unit can regain almost 100 square feet of space that’s usually reserved for a staircase, giving your area more useable living space!
Non-Slip Flooring
Photo via @fireclaytile
Safety precautions are an important factor to keep in mind when designing an accessory dwelling unit, and installing non-slip flooring increases safety throughout the space. Non-slip vinyl flooring is ideal for living areas like the bedroom, living room, and kitchen, while non-slip tile should be installed in the bathroom. Anti-slip flooring is also available for outdoor spaces like patios and decks, so residents can feel safer both indoors and out! And if your in-law suite is located in a pool house, you can increase their safety by installing anti-slip tile, too.
Accessible Cabinetry
Photo via @cucina_handcraftedkitchens
While it’s not necessary to replace every kitchen cabinet with accessible cabinetry, installing some adjustable cabinets or lowering their height on the wall can make your in-law suite usable for a larger variety of residents, whether it be your in-laws or tenants you’re leasing to. Lazy Susan turntables and pull-down kitchen cabinets can also help create a more accessible kitchen, simplifying restocking and cooking from both a standing or sitting position.
Accessible Shower
Photo via @cucina_handcraftedkitchens
Installing a user-friendly and accessible shower in the private bathroom of your in-law suite will increase the space’s usability. Make sure to place all shower controls and shelving in positions that are accessible from both a seated or standing position. If your guest has severe mobility issues, you can eliminate the tub or shower lip and expand the space to create a wheelchair-accessible shower.
Cable & Internet
Photo via @home.sneakpeeks
Giving the residents of your in-law suite the option to sign up for cable TV or access streaming services gives them more entertainment options and independence. Plus, outfitting your home and its accompanying units with fiber-optic internet can boost home value! It’s also possible to install multiple wiring options at a single residence, so the occupants of your ADU can pick and choose their own cable and internet providers or whether they want the service at all.
Natural Light
Photo via @truformtiny
Incorporating large windows in the home design of your accessory dwelling unit will open up your space and allow natural light to fill the area, creating a more welcoming environment. Additionally, natural light can help make a small living space feel larger by eliminating shadows.
Calming Color Palette
Photo via @ourhallgreenhome
When choosing paint colors for your in-law suite, consider a cool and calm color palette that includes shades of blue, green, or beige. These colors help create a comfortable and inviting space. Consider using a feng shui color guide to help you paint your in-law suite with relaxation in mind.
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Need to store belongings or supplies while building an in-law suite? Extra Space Storage has storage facilities conveniently located across the nation to help. Find a storage unit near you!
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