8 Necessities Every In-Law Suite Should Have
December 22, 2017An In-law suite, or secondary suite, is essentially a small home within your own for your parents or other relatives. It can be located over garages, in basements, and even on their own, as a slightly separate building from the primary household.
In-law suites have been rising in popularity over the years due to their convenience and practicality. Keeping family nearby means you’re saving the money that would otherwise be going into caretaking costs. In addition, you’re simultaneously ensuring that your parents receive all the attention they need. Ultimately, in-law suites are a mutually beneficial solution.
These are the necessities every in-law suite should have:
1. Separate Entrance
A secondary suite should have its own entrance, separate from the primary household. This allows inhabitants to maintain a sense of independence and normalcy that comes with living in their own space.
2. Kitchen/Kitchenette
A great addition to an in-law suite is a kitchen or kitchenette. This allows whoever is staying there to maintain some privacy, have their own space for preparing meals, and maintain independence. A fully-equipped kitchen may not be right for you and your area. In some areas, a residence with two complete kitchens violates zoning laws. However, a kitchenette is usually okay. You will want to work with your builder to determine what is best for you and the area in which you live.
3. Bathroom
In-law suites should have their own bathroom. This is essentially a complete second living space, so it should have all the amenities one would need to be comfortable. This includes their own bathroom.
4. Living Space
Because these are secondary suites, they should have their own living space. This usually takes the form of a living room or a room for relaxation aside from a bedroom.
5. Washer/Dryer
Separate laundry room access or an additional washer and dryer within the suite are great additions. This allows inhabitants to maintain privacy and independence, while still remaining close.
6. Accessibility
Privacy is a great thing to have. Going to a care facility means losing a significant portion of that privacy. An in-law suite helps parents maintain independence, but when designing your home for multigenerational living, it’s still important to make the home accessible.
It helps parents so they can still access other important rooms such as the laundry room, pantry, or anything else that they may not have in their own space.
Just as important is ensuring the health and safety of your parents. You need to be able to check up on them and tend to their needs as easily and quickly as possible, which is why it’s highly suggested that you have something that adjoins both homes such as a corridor or stairs.
7. Safe Design
The drawback of these secondary homes is also one of its benefits. Independence is a great thing to have, especially for parents that don’t require extensive care. The fact of the matter remains, however, that the elderly require more care and are more prone to accidents. Something as simple as falling or bumping against sharp furniture can cause injury.
That’s why it’s important to pick the right furniture. Senior living furniture is its own category and you will find all kinds of furniture, tools, and home extensions to make independent living for parents significantly safer.
8. Emergency Buttons
Having several emergency buttons in all areas of the suite are a must-have. Seconds can make a big difference if your loved ones get injured. Knowing right away when they’re in trouble is of utmost importance.
There are many benefits of an in-law suite and these are some of the necessities every in-law suite should have. When it comes down to it, simply think of what you would want in a home, and then consider how you can make it safer. We do, after all, want the best for our loved ones.