House Plans with In-Law Suites

What are the mother-in-law's house plans?

A mother-in-law house plan typically includes a bedroom, bathroom, and living/kitchen area separate from the rest of the home, whether on its floor or an independent property structure.

House plans with in-law suites are larger than single-family houses because there is square footage involved and more individuals live in them. In addition, because there are a variety of ages and interests, these family members may have different housing/floor plan requirements, so it's best for all involved to have a say in what type of floor plan would work best.

Another consideration is the length of time these homes may house multiple generations or different family members and the importance of choosing the right floor plan so the home/floor plan doesn't become obsolete. These homes must be versatile, feature private living and sleeping quarters, and still be aesthetically pleasing and functional. While your parents/in-laws may be healthy and not need assistance now, the future may hold something entirely different, and, at some point, your grown child/children may move out.

Other situations may call for an in-law suite close to other family members for those who aren't quite as able to navigate complete care of themselves or their surroundings (you may want to consider looking at house plans with elevators for this reason). As the population ages, more families will become caregivers to their elderly parents or in-laws. Hence, the importance of independent or semi-independent living becomes a reality for generations of family members. These house plans with in-law suites offer various options that can be customized to each family's needs and personal preferences.

Is a mother-in-law suit a good idea?

Most people who choose to build a mother-in-law suite agree it's a good idea primarily because it's a great way to share expenses/burdens placed on the family. Families in multi-generational homes are less likely to live in poverty than single-family homes within their nuclear family. This is because shared costs across the board; mortgage, utilities, groceries, and the like are significantly lowered when two distinct families live together.

Childcare expenses can be astronomical and strain anyone's budget. Still, the family's financial burden is lifted if Grandma and Grandpa can assist with daycare or even after-school care.

Additionally, mother-in-law suite plans accommodating aging parents are considerably less expensive than placing Mom, Dad, or both in an assisted living facility. Multiple generations with many family members living under one roof can mean significant cost savings and shared family duties for a more manageable and rewarding life.

What is a good size for a mother-in-law suite?

Mother-in-law suites can be found in all types of home styles and sizes, and America's Best House Plans offers plans from 948 square feet of living space to more than 11,000 square feet: something for everyone.

What's another word for mother-in-law suite?

If you'd instead not refer to the extra living quarters in your home as the "mother-in-law suite," there are many other terms used for that, and they include granny flat, coach house, granny suite, accessory dwelling unit (ADU), laneway house, Ohana dwelling unit, or another apartment.

What do you put in a mother-in-law suite?

Floor plans that include mother-in-law suites can accommodate large or multiple-generation families under one roof, and there are endless options when designing them. For example, House plans with in-law suites can be first-floor in-law suites near private garages, perfect for active adults. Some even have personal entry/exit points with kitchens and laundry facilities making it almost entirely independent of the remainder of the home. If able to navigate stairs, some in-law suites could be located on the second floor or, perhaps, even on the lower level for aging parents, and indeed, this option would be ideal for a returning adult child.

Ultimately, the level of access is up to every family and is unique to each one, but most choose to put the mother-in-law suit in an area that somehow separates the generations. Whether that's by simply a single wall or it requires exiting and entering an entirely new section of the home is up to the family.