Discover House Plans Tailored for Multigenerational Living: Embrace Comfort and Harmony with Mother-in-Law Suites

House Plans With A Mother In Law Suite are a type of home design that includes a separate living space, typically within the main house, designed to accommodate an elderly relative or family member who requires additional assistance or privacy. This suite usually consists of a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and a living area, providing a comfortable and independent living environment for the occupant.

Mother In Law Suites are often incorporated into house plans for multigenerational families who want to live together while maintaining their own spaces. They can also provide a practical solution for individuals who need occasional care or assistance but prefer not to live in a traditional nursing home or assisted living facility.

When considering house plans with a mother in law suite, there are several key points to keep in mind:

Separate entrance
Private living area
Kitchenette or small kitchen
Accessible bathroom
Universal design features
Proximity to main house
Privacy for both parties
Safety and security
Emergency call system
Resale value

By incorporating these elements into the design, homeowners can create a comfortable and functional living space for their loved ones while maintaining their own privacy and independence.

Separate entrance

A separate entrance for the mother in law suite is essential for maintaining privacy and independence for both the occupants of the suite and the main house. It allows the suite’s occupant to come and go as they please without having to go through the main house, and it also provides a sense of security and privacy.

Convenience: A separate entrance makes it easy for the suite’s occupant to enter and exit the home without having to go through the main house. This is especially convenient for errands, appointments, or social activities.
Privacy: A separate entrance gives the suite’s occupant their own private space, which is important for maintaining their independence and dignity. It also allows them to come and go without feeling like they are imposing on the main house’s occupants.
Security: A separate entrance can help to improve security for both the suite’s occupant and the main house’s occupants. It provides a controlled point of entry and exit, and it can be equipped with a security system to deter unauthorized access.
Resale value: A separate entrance can add to the resale value of the home, as it makes the suite more appealing to potential buyers who may be looking for a multigenerational living situation.

When designing a separate entrance for a mother in law suite, it is important to consider the following factors:

Location: The entrance should be located in a convenient location that is easy for the suite’s occupant to access, but it should also be private and secure.
Size: The entrance should be large enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker, if necessary.
Lighting: The entrance should be well-lit for safety and security.
Security features: The entrance should be equipped with a security system, such as a deadbolt lock and a security camera.

Private living area

A private living area is essential for any mother in law suite, as it provides the occupant with a space to relax, entertain guests, and pursue their own interests. This area should be separate from the main living area of the house, and it should include a comfortable seating area, a television, and other amenities that the occupant enjoys.

Privacy: A private living area gives the suite’s occupant their own space to relax and unwind without feeling like they are imposing on the main house’s occupants. It also allows them to entertain guests or pursue their own interests without disturbing the main house’s occupants.
Independence: A private living area helps the suite’s occupant to maintain their independence and dignity. It gives them a space where they can feel in control of their own environment and make their own decisions.
Comfort: A private living area should be comfortable and inviting, with furnishings and amenities that the occupant enjoys. This can help to improve their quality of life and make them feel more at home.
Resale value: A private living area can add to the resale value of the home, as it makes the suite more appealing to potential buyers who may be looking for a multigenerational living situation.

When designing a private living area for a mother in law suite, it is important to consider the following factors:

Size: The living area should be large enough to accommodate a comfortable seating area, a television, and other amenities that the occupant enjoys.
Layout: The living area should be laid out in a way that is easy for the occupant to navigate, especially if they have mobility issues.
Lighting: The living area should be well-lit for safety and security.
Privacy: The living area should be private and separate from the main living area of the house.

Kitchenette or small kitchen

A kitchenette or small kitchen is a great addition to any mother in law suite, as it allows the occupant to prepare their own meals and snacks without having to go into the main kitchen. This can be especially important for occupants who have mobility issues or who prefer to maintain their independence.

Convenience: A kitchenette or small kitchen allows the suite’s occupant to prepare their own meals and snacks without having to go into the main kitchen. This can be especially convenient for occupants who have mobility issues or who prefer to maintain their independence.
Privacy: A kitchenette or small kitchen gives the suite’s occupant their own private space to cook and eat, which can be important for maintaining their dignity and independence. It also allows them to cook and eat without disturbing the main house’s occupants.
Independence: A kitchenette or small kitchen helps the suite’s occupant to maintain their independence by allowing them to prepare their own meals and snacks. This can be especially important for occupants who are used to living independently.
Resale value: A kitchenette or small kitchen can add to the resale value of the home, as it makes the suite more appealing to potential buyers who may be looking for a multigenerational living situation.

When designing a kitchenette or small kitchen for a mother in law suite, it is important to consider the following factors:

Size: The kitchenette or small kitchen should be large enough to accommodate a sink, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a stovetop. It should also have enough counter space for food preparation.
Layout: The kitchenette or small kitchen should be laid out in a way that is easy for the occupant to navigate, especially if they have mobility issues.
Lighting: The kitchenette or small kitchen should be well-lit for safety and security.
Appliances: The kitchenette or small kitchen should be equipped with appliances that are easy to use for the occupant, such as a microwave, a stovetop, and a refrigerator with an ice maker.

Accessible bathroom

An accessible bathroom is an essential feature of any mother in law suite, as it allows the occupant to bathe and use the toilet safely and independently. This type of bathroom typically includes a roll-in shower, a raised toilet, and grab bars for support. It may also include other features, such as a handheld showerhead, a shower chair, and a non-slip floor.

Safety: An accessible bathroom can help to prevent falls and other accidents by providing a safe and stable environment for the occupant. This is especially important for occupants who have mobility issues or who are at risk of falling.
Independence: An accessible bathroom allows the occupant to bathe and use the toilet safely and independently, which can help them to maintain their dignity and self-esteem. It also gives them the freedom to use the bathroom whenever they need to, without having to rely on assistance from others.
Comfort: An accessible bathroom can be more comfortable for occupants who have mobility issues or who are using assistive devices, such as a wheelchair or walker. This is because the bathroom is designed to be easy to navigate and use, even for those with limited mobility.
Resale value: An accessible bathroom can add to the resale value of the home, as it makes the suite more appealing to potential buyers who may be looking for a multigenerational living situation or who have family members with mobility issues.

When designing an accessible bathroom for a mother in law suite, it is important to consider the following factors:

Size: The bathroom should be large enough to accommodate a roll-in shower, a raised toilet, and grab bars. It should also have enough space for the occupant to move around safely.
Layout: The bathroom should be laid out in a way that is easy for the occupant to navigate, especially if they have mobility issues. This means that the bathroom should have wide doorways, accessible fixtures, and non-slip flooring.
Lighting: The bathroom should be well-lit for safety and security. This means that the bathroom should have good natural light and artificial light.
Fixtures: The bathroom should be equipped with fixtures that are easy to use for the occupant, such as a roll-in shower, a raised toilet, and grab bars.

Universal design features

Universal design features are design elements that make a home accessible and usable for people of all ages and abilities. These features can be especially beneficial for occupants of mother in law suites, who may have mobility issues or other special needs.

No-step entry: A no-step entry allows the occupant to enter and exit the suite without having to step over a threshold. This can be especially important for occupants who use wheelchairs or walkers.
To create a no-step entry, the floor of the suite should be level with the floor of the main house. This can be achieved by using a ramp or a zero-threshold door.
Wide doorways: Wide doorways allow the occupant to easily enter and exit the suite, even if they are using a wheelchair or walker.
To create wide doorways, the doorways should be at least 36 inches wide. This will allow enough space for the occupant to pass through the doorway without having to turn sideways.
Accessible bathroom: An accessible bathroom is a bathroom that is designed to be safe and easy to use for people with disabilities. This type of bathroom typically includes a roll-in shower, a raised toilet, and grab bars for support.
To create an accessible bathroom, the bathroom should be large enough to accommodate a roll-in shower, a raised toilet, and grab bars. It should also have enough space for the occupant to move around safely.
Lever door handles: Lever door handles are easier to use for people with arthritis or other mobility issues than traditional doorknobs.
To install lever door handles, simply remove the existing doorknobs and replace them with lever door handles. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to make the suite more accessible.

In addition to the features listed above, there are many other universal design features that can be incorporated into a mother in law suite. These features can help to make the suite more comfortable and accessible for occupants of all ages and abilities.

Proximity to main house

The proximity of the mother in law suite to the main house is an important consideration, as it can affect the level of privacy and independence for both the occupants of the suite and the main house. There are several factors to consider when determining the ideal proximity for the suite:

Privacy: If the suite is too close to the main house, it may not provide enough privacy for the occupants of the suite. They may feel like they are constantly under the watchful eye of the main house’s occupants, and they may not be able to enjoy their own space without feeling like they are intruding.
Independence: If the suite is too far from the main house, it may not provide enough independence for the occupants of the suite. They may feel isolated and alone, and they may not be able to easily access the main house for meals, laundry, or other assistance.
Safety and security: If the suite is too far from the main house, it may not be safe and secure for the occupants of the suite. They may be more vulnerable to crime or other dangers, and they may not be able to easily access help in an emergency.
Convenience: If the suite is too far from the main house, it may not be convenient for the occupants of the suite to access the main house for meals, laundry, or other assistance.

The ideal proximity for the suite will vary depending on the specific needs of the occupants. However, it is important to carefully consider all of these factors when determining the best location for the suite.

In general, it is best to locate the suite close enough to the main house to provide convenience and safety, but far enough away to provide privacy and independence. This can be achieved by placing the suite in a separate wing of the house, or by building it as a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

If the suite is located in a separate wing of the house, it is important to ensure that the suite has its own private entrance and outdoor space. This will help to provide privacy and independence for the occupants of the suite.

If the suite is built as a detached ADU, it is important to ensure that the ADU is connected to the main house by a safe and accessible walkway. This will allow the occupants of the suite to easily access the main house for meals, laundry, or other assistance.

Privacy for both parties

Privacy is an important consideration for both the occupants of the mother in law suite and the main house. The suite should be designed to provide privacy for the occupants of the suite, without compromising the privacy of the main house’s occupants.

Separate entrance: A separate entrance for the mother in law suite is essential for maintaining privacy for both parties. It allows the occupants of the suite to come and go as they please without having to go through the main house, and it also provides a sense of security and privacy.
Private living area: A private living area is essential for any mother in law suite, as it provides the occupant with a space to relax, entertain guests, and pursue their own interests. This area should be separate from the main living area of the house, and it should include a comfortable seating area, a television, and other amenities that the occupant enjoys.
Private bathroom: A private bathroom is essential for any mother in law suite, as it provides the occupant with a space to bathe and use the toilet in privacy. This bathroom should be located within the suite, and it should include a toilet, a sink, and a shower or bathtub.
Soundproofing: Soundproofing is an important consideration for any mother in law suite, as it can help to ensure privacy for both parties. The suite should be soundproofed to minimize noise from the main house, and the main house should be soundproofed to minimize noise from the suite.

By incorporating these elements into the design of the mother in law suite, homeowners can create a comfortable and private living space for their loved ones while maintaining their own privacy.

Safety and security

Emergency call system

An emergency call system is an important safety feature for any home, but it is especially important for homes with a mother in law suite. This system allows the occupants of the suite to call for help in case of an emergency, even if they are unable to reach a phone.There are a variety of different emergency call systems available, but they all typically include a base unit that is installed in the suite and a wearable pendant or wristband that the occupant wears. The pendant or wristband has a button that the occupant can press to call for help. When the button is pressed, the base unit will emit a loud alarm and dial a pre-programmed phone number, such as the number of a family member, friend, or neighbor.Emergency call systems can provide peace of mind for both the occupants of the suite and their loved ones. They can help to ensure that the occupants of the suite can get help quickly in case of an emergency, even if they are unable to reach a phone.

Security system

A security system is another important safety feature for any home, but it is especially important for homes with a mother in law suite. This system can help to deter crime and protect the occupants of the suite from intruders.There are a variety of different security systems available, but they all typically include a control panel, door and window sensors, and motion detectors. The control panel is the brains of the system, and it monitors the sensors and detectors. When a sensor or detector is triggered, the control panel will emit a loud alarm and dial a pre-programmed phone number, such as the number of a security company or the police.Security systems can provide peace of mind for both the occupants of the suite and their loved ones. They can help to deter crime and protect the occupants of the suite from intruders.

Fire safety

Fire safety is another important consideration for any home, but it is especially important for homes with a mother in law suite. The occupants of the suite may be more vulnerable to fire than the occupants of the main house, due to their age or mobility issues.There are a number of things that homeowners can do to improve fire safety in their homes, including:* Installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the suite and throughout the house* Keeping fire extinguishers in the suite and throughout the house* Developing a fire escape plan and practicing it with the occupants of the suite* Ensuring that the suite has a clear and unobstructed path to the nearest exitBy taking these precautions, homeowners can help to reduce the risk of fire and protect the occupants of the suite in the event of a fire.

Other safety considerations

In addition to the safety features discussed above, there are a number of other safety considerations that homeowners should keep in mind when designing a mother in law suite. These considerations include:* **Lighting:** The suite should be well-lit, both inside and outside. This will help to deter crime and make it easier for the occupants of the suite to see and navigate their surroundings.* **Flooring:** The flooring in the suite should be slip-resistant to help prevent falls.* **Grab bars:** Grab bars should be installed in the bathroom and other areas of the suite where there is a risk of falling.* **Ramps:** Ramps should be installed to provide access to the suite for occupants who use wheelchairs or walkers.By incorporating these safety features into the design of the mother in law suite, homeowners can create a safe and secure living environment for their loved ones.

Safety and security are important considerations for any home, but they are especially important for homes with a mother in law suite. By incorporating the safety features discussed above into the design of the suite, homeowners can create a safe and secure living environment for their loved ones.

Emergency call system

There are a variety of different emergency call systems available, but they all typically include a base unit that is installed in the suite and a wearable pendant or wristband that the occupant wears. The pendant or wristband has a button that the occupant can press to call for help. When the button is pressed, the base unit will emit a loud alarm and dial a pre-programmed phone number, such as the number of a family member, friend, or neighbor.

Some emergency call systems also include additional features, such as GPS tracking and fall detection. GPS tracking can be helpful if the occupant of the suite wanders away from home and becomes lost. Fall detection can be helpful if the occupant of the suite falls and is unable to get up.

Emergency call systems can provide peace of mind for both the occupants of the suite and their loved ones. They can help to ensure that the occupants of the suite can get help quickly in case of an emergency, even if they are unable to reach a phone.

There are a few things to consider when choosing an emergency call system for a mother in law suite. First, consider the needs of the occupant. If the occupant has mobility issues or is at risk of falling, a system with fall detection may be a good option. Second, consider the cost of the system. Emergency call systems can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Third, consider the ease of use of the system. The system should be easy for the occupant to use, even in an emergency situation.

Once you have considered these factors, you can choose an emergency call system that is right for you and your loved one.

Resale value

The resale value of a home is an important consideration for any homeowner. When it comes to homes with a mother in law suite, there are a number of factors that can affect the resale value. These factors include the size of the suite, the location of the suite, and the amenities that are included in the suite.

Size of the suite: The size of the mother in law suite can have a significant impact on the resale value of the home. A larger suite will typically add more value to the home than a smaller suite. This is because a larger suite can accommodate more people and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a guest room, a home office, or a playroom.
Location of the suite: The location of the mother in law suite can also affect the resale value of the home. A suite that is located in a private area of the home, such as the basement or the backyard, will typically add more value to the home than a suite that is located in a more public area of the home, such as the living room or the kitchen.
Amenities included in the suite: The amenities that are included in the mother in law suite can also affect the resale value of the home. A suite that includes a full bathroom, a kitchenette, and a separate entrance will typically add more value to the home than a suite that does not include these amenities.
Overall condition of the suite: The overall condition of the mother in law suite can also affect the resale value of the home. A suite that is in good condition will typically add more value to the home than a suite that is in poor condition.

In general, a well-designed and well-maintained mother in law suite can add significant value to a home. However, it is important to remember that the resale value of a home is also affected by other factors, such as the location of the home, the size of the home, and the condition of the home.