Looking for a great dual-purpose space? 

Over the years, America has painted a picture of what we know to be a “traditional household family;” a two-parent household with a few kids, with maybe a dog or a cat or two in the mix. Nowadays, homes are being built to accommodate different family lifestyles, such as housing for in-laws with mother-in-law suite additions. These additions are great for not only more square footage and increasing value to homes, but also for providing comfort and convenience for parents and grandparents who want to be nearby or require living assistance.

However, it turns out mother-in-law suites are useful for a few more things than just keeping grandma comfortable! Perhaps you’re not sure about having your parents or in-laws live right in the backyard or above the garage, but you just might need an addition there anyway. 

While the intended purpose of multi-generational homes is, of course, to house more than one generation of relatives in your family, this doesn’t have to mean grandma or grandpa. Do you have a family member (or close friend) who doesn't necessarily want to be under the same roof as everybody else, but they still want to be on the premises or nearby without having to foot the bill and responsibilities of keeping up their own property?

In-law suites aren't just for Granny anymore!

More space for the whole family to use

Even if your family doesn’t have any relatives trying to crash at your home, you may have a need for a spacious addition. A mother-in-law suite, which includes its very own kitchen and a bathroom, is an amazing space for both entertaining guests or having a little room to breathe away from the main house. Seasonal backyard or pool parties often mean guests sleeping over, or even a book club or poker night would be ideal to host in a separate space from the house with both the bathroom and kitchen attached as well. (Think: spruced up she-shed!)

Need space for a "work-at-home-aholic?"

For all of the work-at-home-aholics out there, imagine a comfortable space where you can be productive and close to home. An in-law suite can double function as a place to accommodate clients with homey touches like snacks, beverages and a bathroom without having to walk all the way to the main house where your kids are doing homework, dogs are barking and spouse is doing laundry in their bathrobe. Any at-home workspace is even more professional for your clientele to come and spend time with you in their very own space separate from your household.

What about crashing college-aged kids?

How many parents can say they have a love-hate relationship with having a college-aged kid under their roof? More than likely, several. A mother-in-law suite would allow a growing young adult to still be at home so they can be looked after or assisted when needed, without pushing them to be totally independent before they are ready to be. Meanwhile, they could still enjoy the comfort of their own space away from Mom, Dad and little brother or sister. From a parent perspective, it’s also a good way to keep your growing child close and keep a distant eye without having to be directly in their business, allowing them to grow and become more independent at their own pace. Plus, who would say no to an extra pair of hands to help with the chores?

Do you have an aunt who never leaves?

You might not have college kids, but perhaps you have that really persistent sister (or sister-in-law) who insists on coming into town every other weekend to go out on the town and shop with you because your malls are better and your kids are too cute to stay away from! A mother-in-law suite with her very own kitchen and bathroom is very convenient for putting some space between you and the aunt that never leaves while providing her with the most comfortable stay, and keeping her just at arm's length so you can peacefully go about your daily routines.

Whether it’s a client space, man cave, college apartment, creative area, guest house or a home for grandma and grandpa you’re in need of, a mother-in-law suite addition is a simple, easy and affordable way to accommodate any needs for extra space while providing those you care about with comfort, independence and stability without breaking the bank or traveling too far from your home. Even if it’s not the in-laws moving in, who can say no to extra square footage, increased home value and a perfect entertaining and living space all in one?