4 Mistakes to Avoid When Building an In-Law Suite

It takes time and planning to build a personable in-law suite onto your property. With a little help, you can avoid mistakes that may ruin your efforts. In this article, trusted home remodeling company Owens Construction shares four common mistakes to avoid when building an in-law suite.

In-Law Suite

An In-law suite is also referred to as a mother-in-law suite or secondary suite. It is a small apartment-like space situated in the same property or attached to a single-family home. In-law suites are for long visits or live-in houseguests. They are called in-law suites as they are often used by young people to take care of aging family members.

4 Mistakes to Look Out For

1. The first common mistake is proceeding to the construction phase without proper planning. You may have the right intentions but spontaneity could lead to costly mistakes. Make sure that your plan will be consistent with you and your aging family member’s lifestyle. It is best to be critical of your long and short-term goals with the design and construction. Remodeling contractors can help in planning and building a suitable in-law suite for your family.

2. Before starting any home renovations, always check with the area building codes. These will serve as a guide to your limitations when building an in-law suite. In most areas, you will be needing a permit. Usually, an in-law suite is limited to a bath, a bedroom, a kitchenette, and a sitting area.

3. Spending too much or too little money is a costly mistake. Make it a habit to check the progress throughout the construction process. Building an in-law suite is not the same as a small kitchen renovation project. It’s not ideal to DIY just to save on expenses. Look for a trusted contractor that offers quality service and insurance.

4. The safety and security of the occupants are important. Consider larger hallways and assisted baths with handles. The in-law suite should have no slip-flooring not only in the showers but in the entire suite.

Trust Owens Construction with your in-law suite. Call us at (614) 846-1149 or fill out our contact form to book an appointment.