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In-law Suite ADU Design & Build

Transform an unused garage into a vibrant living area, morphing this space to suit your unique needs, whether a studio, home office, or extra bedroom.

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These calculations are derived from the 2023 Big Data Research, and provide a general approximation.
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The Path to Your ADU

Step 1: CONSULTATION
Choose between in-house or online free meeting with our ADU Consultants to discuss your project
Step 2: ESTIMATE
Our experienced team drafts a detailed estimate, which we then finalize together to align with your vision and budget
Step 3: CONTRACT
We sign a contract, finalize the designs, and our team kicks off the plans and permit process
Step 4: CONSTRUCTION
Relax as our efficient construction process unfolds, ensuring a stress-free experience

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If you face the problem of the lack of living space in your everyday life, you may want to resort to building an in-law suite on your land plot. Mother-in-law suite can be used as a synonym for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). These small structures are built on the same property where the main house is located. They allow homeowners with large families, including their grown-up children or aging parents to create a separate living space to accommodate their relatives there. This solution unites people and makes taking care of each other much easier.

If an in-law suite corresponds to all your wishes and needs in terms of housing, we recommend that you consider constructing one for yourself. However, when planning a project of your own in-law suite, you may come across numerous obstacles, such as the necessity of obtaining building permits, contacting local authorities, creating a design project that is thought out to the smallest detail, and purchasing high-quality building materials.

We do not want the building of a mother-in-law suite to turn into a nightmare for you. Thus, we advise you to find a trustworthy general contractor that provides various services for the construction of in-law suites (or accessory dwelling units), such as ADU Builders Bay Area. Keep reading this article to learn more about this type of housing and the construction process.

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Mother-In-Law Suite Definition

Nowadays, many homeowners run out of living space, which may be caused by the fact that their families are getting bigger or that they now need to accommodate their aging parents. Obviously, it is impossible to accommodate all the new family members in an already-existing home. What is more, buying or renting a new full-fledged house may sound like an attractive option, but for the majority of people, it is unavailable due to the lack of money. It is not surprising concerning the housing crisis and real estate prices that rise drastically every year. In such conditions, it seems much more profitable and rational to construct a new separate structure on the existing land plot.

A mother-in-law suite, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), and a granny flat all refer to a small building that has its own kitchen, bathroom, and separate entrance. It is usually not described as a full-fledged house since it does not come with a site and is considerably smaller than houses that we are used to seeing.

An in-law suite can be both a brand-new building and a converted garage (or another structure that you have on your property). Such a unit can be used as a space for extended family members or a guest house that is rented to strangers.

Mother-In-Law Suites: Things to Consider

You will eventually find out that the construction of any new building has some potential pitfalls. Do not worry, if you are attentive enough, you will definitely figure out all the subtleties. In addition, when contacting experienced professionals, you will get rid of this responsibility.

In the meantime, let us have a look at some features that should be taken into account when constructing in-laws:

  • Sometimes, it is challenging to create a fully functional living space for someone else. You may be used to a particular lifestyle, while other family members may need some special equipment that you have never thought of. Moreover, it is always better to think of any potential cases and make sure that an in-law suite has access for persons with disabilities. Hence, your main task is to make your guest quarters feel comfortable in their new residence.
  • A mother-in-law suite is a cost-effective housing solution that homeowners can resort to not only to provide living space for their loved ones but also to create so-called multigenerational homes. The idea is that people living both in the main residence and in-law suite are all members of one family who choose to reunite with their relatives without regard to the generational difference. The good news is that when it comes to in-law suits, every family member has more privacy than when living in a single-family home. However, you still need to be respectful of the habits and beliefs of your loved ones. Keep in mind that multigenerational living is based on trust and mutual understanding.
  • Another thing to be aware of is that mother-in-law suites provide homeowners with freedom of choice. When talking about the future structure, we may focus on a brand-new building that is created by a general contractor’s team or an existing one. For instance, you may take advantage of garage conversion. It means that some in-laws are created on the base of garages that are reconstructed to meet the standards of proper living space. Along with the garage conversion option, other popular solutions are an attic conversion or a basement being transformed into a living area. By the way, such conversion can be less expensive than creating a new building.

Mother-In-Law Suite Advantages

We have talked about the essence of in-law suites, but what are the advantages of building a small house for your parents?

After considering the following options, you will be convinced that it does make sense to plan your own ADU project instead of spending a fortune on purchasing another house:

  • Some extra space. The most obvious benefit of an in-law suite is that it adds more space to your house and serves as a separate apartment for your parents, children, or other relatives who may want to come over every now and then.
  • Increased resale value. You may be bothered by all the costs in the first place, but in the long run, building an in-law suite turns out to be a great investment. For example, you can earn extra income when selling your property in the future. When the square footage of the main home is increased by adding an ADU to the property, the resale value rises.
  • Potential rental income. There are always people looking for some extra bedroom spaces and a roomy lofty basement, and the rising cost of real estate does not really help the situation. Thus, young professionals or students will be happy to rent your mother-in-law’s suite.
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Mother-In-Law Suite Planning and Building

If you want to ensure the construction process is easy and fast and results fascinate you and your family members, you should definitely contact the best general contractor in the market. The ADU Builders Bay Area team has an impeccable reputation and hundreds of completed projects in their portfolio.

Do you want to know what your cooperation with the ADU Builders Bay Area team will look like? Check out this list:

  1. After contacting the ADU Builders Bay Area representatives for the first time, they will offer you to schedule a meeting. You can meet with the company’s managers online or come to the office.
  2. During the initial consultation, you will discuss your current situation, as well as your needs and preferences. Managers will pass all the essential details to designers and architects, who will provide you with a design project.
  3. You will be able to discuss the project and make any adjustments needed. Moreover, at this stage, it is time to take into account various aspects of further construction such as proper insulation.
  4. The best part of any ADU building is that you do not have to leave your own home during the construction process. While the ADU Builders Bay Area builders work on your site, you can sit back and control the progress from time to time.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

Why is it called an in-law suite?

Generally speaking, an in-law suite is a small space located on your property that belongs to the living area. It may be a new construction created specifically for accommodating parents living far away from you or a detached garage converted into a house.

What is another name for an in-law suite?

An in-law suite is a separate structure that is built in close proximity to an existing house. Another name for such small houses is accessory dwelling units or ADUs. They both include all the essential amenities like a bathroom and kitchen.

What is the definition of an in-law apartment?

An in-law apartment is usually a one-bedroom house with a kitchen, bathroom, and its own entrance. It is especially popular for accommodating senior citizens, partly due to the small cost of building and other investments needed for its creation and maintenance.

How can I use my in-law suit?

Whether you reconstruct your attic or basement space, your in-law suit tiny home designed properly can bring about a lot of benefits to you. First, it gives some extra room. Second of all, it will reduce the living costs. Another possible advantage is having an extra bedroom (or even extra bedrooms) or a nursing home you can have just in case. One more option is to have your suite rented out and make up for some utilitarian cost. And your kids will totally like having their own secret room to have fun and all! Thus, we definitely recommend that you use your basement as an additional dwelling suite. You may not even rent it out; instead, get yourself a room for your hobbies or let your friends enjoy staying at your place, all at a not-so-great cost.

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At ADU Builders Bay Area, we bring your construction visions to life. Our expertise lies in crafting ADUs, complete home renovations, and initiating new builds for both residential and commercial spaces. Our dedicated team prioritizes swift, accurate solutions customized to your requirements.

Our commitment to dependable craftsmanship, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail is highly valued by our clients. Leveraging our deep industry experience, we efficiently address and resolve potential obstacles for seamless project completion. Proudly displaying our certifications and recognitions, we eagerly await the opportunity to collaborate with you on your next project.

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Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

What is an ADU?

ADU is an abbreviation for an accessory dwelling unit representing an additional secondary dwelling structure located close to the primary residence at the residential lot usually owned by one family. There are two main types of such structures, attached ADUs (resulting in the reconstruction of the existing inhouse space) and detached ADUs, which are the separate structures located on the premises territory. If you plan to build an ADU, you should find out the ADUs construction regulations established in your area. If the design of your attached or the detached ADUs conflicts with the design guidelines applicable for that of the primary residence, you won't be able to get the approval to perform the ADU building.

Can I cope with ADU construction myself?

ADU construction implies a lot of preparatory work. First of all, you should carefully learn the ADU building regulations established in your state. Secondly, the project design and all the cost calculations should be carried out. Thirdly, you must carry out the purchase of all the construction and decoration materials according to your cost estimate. Finally, the erection or reconstruction (in the case of the attached ADU) works should be performed. So, if you have enough expertise and experience in some areas of activity, you will be able to carry out the ADU all by yourself.

What is the price of ADU Construction?

The ADU construction costs are influenced by numerous factors, such as the type of your ADU (attached or detached), how many square feet your residential lot is, what size your potential ADU is planned to be, whether it will be a one-story or a two-story ADU, and many others. Generally, the ADU price tag can vary from 30 thousand to more than 300 thousand US dollars.

How long does it take to have the ADU built?

The average period of the new ADUs construction depends on whether you are going to erect a completely separated new accessory dwelling unit or reconstruct the already existing primary residential structure. As a rule, obtaining the building and reconstruction permits takes two weeks (the term may be increased in some cases), whereas the construction works themselves can take up to 4-To 6 months, depending on your ADU project
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