More families are having their in-laws live with them than ever before, and an in-law suite offers a great way to provide them with their own accommodations.

If you’re thinking of building a mother-in-law suite, it’s important to know how much money this project will cost you.

Read on to learn more about the cost breakdown if you want to have a house with a mother-in-law suite, so you can be prepared.

In-Law Suite vs. Assisted Living

The total cost to build your new in-law suite will vary depending on how large it is, where you live, and how much work is required to complete it. In most cases, it should at least include a separate bedroom and bathroom.

The goal s to be able to provide your in-law with independent living, while still being close enough to check on their well-being. Overall, the cost could run anywhere from approximately $40,000 to as much as $125,000.

Keep in mind that having your loved one live in an assisted living facility will likely cost much more. In fact, most of these facilities can cost you as much as $105,000 per year for a private room.

When you weigh the cost of a one-time addition versus assisted living for many years, building the suite will cost much less. Keep this in mind as you decide whether or not this is the right choice for you.

The Planning Stage

Before you start working on your new addition, you’ll want to do some advanced planning. Talk to your local jurisdiction to find out what type of building codes will need to be met, and how much permits will cost you.

Building permit costs vary by location, and many contractors include them in the price of the job. On average, building permits will cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars at most.

Aside from the permits, you’ll want to look closely at a few different in-law suite floor plans. Determine whether you want the addition above a garage, on a second floor, or as an addition to the side of your home if you have the space.

Examine these plans carefully, and make sure that they can be done according to code. Architectural plans will be an additional charge, so keep this in mind during the planning stage.

Utilities

You’ll also want to factor in the cost to install new utilities for your mother-in-law suite. An experienced electrician will be needed to install new wiring for lighting, heating and air conditioning, and more.

A plumber is also a must if you’re planning to add a bathroom to the new in-law suite. The best mother-in-law suites should provide your family member with a comfortable space that includes a separate and private bathroom whenever possible.

The price to install these new utilities will vary depending on the complexity and whether or not they’re included in the construction contract. Aside from the initial installation cost, you’ll also want to consider the increase in your monthly water and electric bill.

Total Cost Expectations

Once you have your mother-in-law suite plans in place, you’ll want to get several estimates from experienced contractors in your area. If structural changes need to be made, you’re going to pay much more than you would if you simply need to update an existing space.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the average overall costs for in-law suite plans:

• If you’re adding the in-law suite to a garage, it may cost between $20,000 and $50,000. Add an additional $15,000 to $20,000 to this cost if you’re also adding a bathroom.
• Basement in-law suites are less expensive, coming in at between $10,000 to $27,000, on average. The plumbing and electrical should already be there, but you’ll need to add insulation, flooring, and drywall to make it comfortable.
• For an attic conversion, you’ll likely pay more, coming in at between $41,000 to $90,000, The attic will need heating and cooling, sturdy flooring, and insulation as well as a new bathroom.
• The most economical way to build an in-law suite is to convert an unused room that’s already in your home. This should cost between $2 and $4 per square foot, but you’ll also need to add another $3,000 to $25,000 if you’re adding a new bathroom.

Detached Options

If you have a large yard and plenty of outdoor space, a separate casita or guest home could also be a viable option. Keep in mind that this will cost much more since it will be its own separate structure apart from your house.

A “granny pod” is a separate, portable home that provides your loved one with privacy, yet they’re still close to the family. These charming bungalows can range from $85,000 to $125,000 to complete. They hook up to your home’s main sewer system and should include a variety of safety features as well as proper lighting.

If you’d rather build a completely attached addition, plan to pay between $15,000 and $25,000. This is a smaller unit, but it’s a great option if you happen to have an extra room that simply needs some updating. You can also create a shed-like room with amenities, which should run approximately $15,000 to complete.

Make Life Great for Your In-Laws

Keep these costs in mind when you’re planning an in-law suite, and you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way. It’s a wonderful way to show your family member that you care while keeping them close to the family.

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