Typically, these take on the form of an apartment over the garage, a tiny house on a foundation in the backyard, or a basement apartment. The rules vary by jurisdiction, but usually, these buildings are required to be less than 800 square feet or a percentage of the existing home's area.
Full Answer
Can you have an in-law suite above a garage?
For those who want to maximize the potential of their garage, having an in-law suite or workshop is a viable option. A mother-in-law suite, also known as an inlaw apartment, is an accessory apartment added to an existing residence. Oftentimes, mother-in-law suites are built above a garage.
Can you convert a garage into an inlaw apartment?
In-Laws, children, nannies, or caregivers may be your reason for expansion. There can be several ways to expand your home either within the footprint or to incorporate an addition to the existing home. Still, another way to create space for your family’s needs is to convert a garage into an inlaw apartment.
Can you have a mother in law apartment above a garage?
For those who want to maximize the potential of their garage, having a mother in law suite or workshop is a viable option. A mother-in-law suite, also known as an inlaw apartment, is an accessory apartment added to an existing residence. Oftentimes, mother in law suites are built above a garage.
What are the rules for building an apartment in a garage?
Typically, these take on the form of an apartment over the garage, a tiny house on a foundation in the backyard, or a basement apartment. The rules vary by jurisdiction, but usually, these buildings are required to be less than 800 square feet or a percentage of the existing home's area.
Is Adding a Room Above The Garage Right For You?
Adding a second story to a garage is no easy task. The difficulties stem from creating a stable, expansive living space over an accessory building that was never intended to have an extra living space on top. Before you start fantasizing about an extra bedroom over the garage, here are some pros and cons to consider.
How Much Does it Cost to Add a Room Above a Garage?
To build a room over a garage is a massive project. Despite the advantages, most homeowners find a project of this magnitude to be too complex and too costly. The latter issue is the main stumbling block homeowners face. After all, the average cost of building a room above a garage is $200,000.
Alternatives to Garage ADUs
Most people look into second-story addition over garage costs because they need extra living space. If the costs are far too prohibitive, as they are for most homeowners, there are alternatives. Relaxed laws on ADUs across California provide more affordable options for enhancing your existing available living space.
How to Finance an ADU
ADUs more than repay their investment in terms of personal comfort, extra living space, and the prospect of generating a second income. Initial financing is a question many homeowners have on their minds. Obviously, cash savings are the simplest way of obtaining the outlay needed to get your project off the ground.
Conclusion
Adding a room above a garage costs an excessive amount of money, which is why many people choose more affordable, simpler ADUs. At United Dwelling, we don’t add living space above garages, but we do specialize in building beautiful backyard homes.
What is an in-law apartment?
What are In-Law Apartments? An “in-law apartment” is a small living space attached to a larger, primary residence. These secondary dwellings may also be called “mother-in-law” or “accessory apartments” as the space is added onto housing that is normally one unit.
What is the construction of an in-law apartment?
As a homeowner, you'll need to give a lot of thought to your project and plan it properly to ensure that your in-law apartment will be built to your specifications. At Litchfield Builders, we help homeowners build functional, stylish in-law apartments.
Why do people live on the same property?
By living on the same property, it is easier for families to ensure their loved one's well-being and ease financial burdens. In some communities, in-law apartments may also be used as rental properties. While the zoning regulations of the city will determine the requirements for a rental, this use can provide extra income to ...
What to consider when moving in with your parents?
Privacy. When you and your parent or in-law move in together, you may find that your privacy is of great concern. Having a separate space for your family member will help make your in-law addition a success. Give thought to privacy matters as you design your in-law apartment.
Can you add a cottage to your existing home?
Homeowners with sufficient land space can have the necessary addition built onto their existing home. Ideally, a separate cottage-style unit will provide the most privacy for all residents, but depending on the location of the electrical supply and plumbing, a traditional addition may be less expensive.
Do you need additional parking for an in-law apartment?
Parking. If your in-law apartment is being built to house an additional family member, your home may need additional parking . A driveway widening project may be necessary to accommodate any new cars, vans, or vehicles that will be parked on your property.
Is a home addition covered by insurance in Connecticut?
For your own safety, all home additions should be completed according to local building codes, laws, and regulations. Improper work can be extremely dangerous and will not be covered by homeowner’s insurance.
What is a mother in law suite?
A mother-in-law suite, also known as an inlaw apartment, is an accessory apartment added to an existing residence. Oftentimes, mother-in-law suites are built above a garage. Many of our plans for garages feature in-law suites as part of the design, transforming a boring space into a glamorous apartment.
What is a plan 1075?
Plan #108-1075 is a two-story plan that offers something for everyone. Not only does it have a workshop and covered storage on the first floor, but the second floor is home to a 37’ x 10’8” loft, an office, bathroom, and even a balcony.
Does a studio apartment above a garage increase the value of a house?
Last but not the least, a studio apartment above your garage is going to increase the valuation of your house. Irrespective of the reason you had in mind when you built it.
Is Garage Made Simple an Amazon affiliate?
Garage Made Simple is an Amazon Affiliate and may earn a small commission from your purchases when you click on links on this post, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support .
Is a garage quiet?
A garage is not a quiet place. Apart from the noise from the cars, there may be a lot of noise from tools and equipment such as drills & saws.
Is proximity to a transport hub a good thing?
Proximity to a transport hub, especially an international airport will be a huge bonus. Alternatively, proximity to the most popular tourist spots in town, will be equally attractive to potential customers.
Gary Shoemaker Architects
This Seattle ADU makes a modern statement that's clad in copper and cedar. The backyard "garden pavilion" connects to the main house by way of an expansive slate courtyard.
Steven Routon Architect
A wood trellis offers coverage and marks the entry to this 700-square-foot cottage ADU.
Buckenmeyer Architecture
This 460-square-foot addition to a Cape Cod home adds much needed space for additional family members. The building's siding coordinates with the existing home, while the deep cedar overhang provides privacy from adjacent neighbors.
Webster Wilson Architect
Taking its cues from the traditional homes in the neighborhood, this Portland, Oregon, ADU features a deep entry that faces the street and serves as a modern interpretation of a front porch.
PATH Architecture
This ADU serves as a guest house/yoga studio and sits over an existing garage. Fusion Landscape Design worked with PATH to remake the backyard into a grown-up playground. Under the stairwell sits a tiny custom cedar sauna and an outdoor shower—just a literal hop, skip, and jump away from the sprawling in-ground eight-by-ten-foot hot tub.
What is a mother in law suite?
A mother-in-law suite is a secondary dwelling that is either attached to the central home or is detached but still on the same property. They are sometimes referred to as granny flats, granny suites, multigenerational houses, accessory apartments, or guest houses. Seamar Construction.
What are the benefits of having a mother in law suite?
Benefits of having Mother-in-law suites 1 The most obvious benefit of having a mother-in-law suite is that they provide the option of housing an additional person. We think of this mostly in a relation of needed space for mom or dad to transition into as they age. 2 However, other benefits come with having a M-I-L suite. Namely, it can increase the value of your home. Since it is such a desirable feature for real estate, having a fully functioning in-law space can bring in a nice chunk of change when you sell. 3 It can often be used for rental income. While you wait for the day when you need to use this space, you may be able to put it to good use as a rental property. 4 If the space isn’t functional as a rental space, you may still be able to use it as a home office, crafting space, guest bedroom, or some other type of secondary room. 5 It can provide private quarters for an adult child. Many children are opting to live at home while seeking a secondary education. A suite can offer them a sense of having that life but without the expense. 6 There also seems to be a rise in adult children return home after college for a while. A semi-independent space can help maintain a sense of normalcy.
How high should a bed be for elderly people?
Beds that are about 30” high are the easiest for the elderly to get in and out of without incident. Stairs are usually a hazard for the elderly. Keep in mind that rooms requiring access via stairs may need further renovations such as installing an elevator, installing lifts, or adding a second ground level entrance.
Is plumbing and electrical already present?
Electrical and plumbing are already present, and the area is already finished out. All that is left to do is to create an appealing layout.#N#Interior spaces keep live-in guests close to other family members, which is a good idea when situations require constant monitoring.
Can you change out a garage door for a window?
Garage doors can easily be changed out for windows or door/window combinations. If the garage is attached to the home, the residents will have privacy plus the joined connection to the main house. This can come in handy if frequent checking in is needed.
Can a garage be turned into a studio?
The unused space above the garage can be turned into a studio apartment. Not only will this create a good rental potential, but it is also often sought after by home buyers as a separate office space.
Can you use a basement for an in-law's room?
If you are like most people, you may not have a basement or garage space that can be utilized for an in-law living quarters. In that case, looking at converting a portion of the main living quarters may be necessary. This is usually done by turning an extra bedroom or an office space into an extra living space.