Inviting a senior relative to live in your home is a complicated process, and part of that process is creating comfortable accommodations. Preparing a space for someone to live with you can be overwhelming. In this article, we've suggested changes that can turn unused rooms in your home into a comfortable and functional in-law suite.
Hire a good contractor for this project. Working with professionals who understand the needs of seniors can make the process simpler. To help with this, Litchfield Builders has created a free guide for hiring a contractor in Connecticut.
Install a Kitchenette
Make their living space more comfortable by installing a kitchenette where they can prepare snacks and small meals. Most kitchenettes include a sink, some cabinets, counter space, a hot plate, a countertop oven, a small refrigerator and microwave.
Your community's permitting and zoning office will likely have specific requirements that prevent you from installing a full kitchen. Find out what your community zoning office will allow before planning your upcoming remodel.
Repaint
Give your new in-law suite a fresh new look with new paint on the walls. Work together to choose a paint palette that you can all appreciate.
Repainting isn't complicated, but choosing the right color can be tricky. Don't rely on paint swatches alone to choose the color and shade for your home. Instead, paint samples (ideally, a 2-foot square) on the walls. View the samples at various times of day and in different qualities of light to get a good sense of how the paint really looks. You can also try using an online color visualizer to sample colors on your home's walls.
Add Age In Place Features
Aging at home can be a challenge, but installing age in place features makes it easier to live in your home and stay safe. There are many age-in-place features you can consider for your in-law suite renovation, but we've listed some of the most common changes people make below.
1. Swap Out Your Bathtub for a Curbless Shower
Hopefully your in-law suite has a full bathroom that your relative can use. Bathtubs can be dangerous for seniors, who often struggle to get into and out of the bath safely. Curbless showers are much safer because they have nothing to step over when getting in and out. Swapping out an existing bathtub for a curbless shower can help prevent accidents.
Install Grab Bars
Over 70% of falls happen in the home, but grab bars can help prevent falls from happening. There are many places in the home where grab bars can make a difference. The bathroom, of course, is one of those locations. Install grab bars in your in-law suite bathroom, in the shower and near the toilet. Other locations where you can install grab bars include near the bed, near entrances and exits, and at the top of the stairs.
Update Lighting for Safety
Proper lighting is important for avoiding falls and other accidents around the house. Older homes often feature only one overhead light fixture per room, leaving some corners dark and shadowy. Installing extra can lights and connecting outlets to light switches for lamps gives your senior relative more lighting options that can prevent accidents from occurring. This is especially helpful in dark hallways and in bathrooms.
You can also get creative by installing a variety of other types of light fixtures. For example, installing pendant lighting over the sink and wall sconces in the living area give you an opportunity to dress up your interior spaces with interesting fixtures.
Change to Non-Slip Floors
One of the ways you can prevent accidents at home is by switching to non-slip flooring. Non-slip luxury vinyl tile (LVT) in the bathroom and kitchenette area is sensible because LVT is resistant to moisture. In the bedroom, carpeting is warmer and softer, which makes it more comfortable for bare feet.
Install a Window
Looking for something you can do to make your space more attractive? Consider installing a new window to add more natural light and value to your home at the same time. Installing a window makes dark spaces brighter, adds more visual interest to your indoor spaces and creates a welcoming, cheerful atmosphere to your home.
Casement windows open outward to provide good air circulation, while bay and bow windows create a shelf-like surface that your relative can use for little decorations or plants. Installing a window is a nice thing you can do to surprise your relative and make your space more homey and inviting at the same time.
Tips for Planning Your Upcoming Remodel
The following tips can help make your remodel a success.
Work together to make a plan. Don't assume that you and your relative are on the same page: talk to them about their preferences and priorities as you're planning your upcoming remodel.
Consider health and mobility when prioritizing updates. Know your relative's health status before making plans for your upcoming remodel. Knowing their needs can help you make changes that will positively impact their quality of life and make life together easier for both of you. If your relative is having mobility problems, for example, you may need to install ramps to make your home more accessible. If your relative is having many falls, prioritize changes that will help protect them and keep them safe (like grab bars, non-slip floors, and so on).
Hire An Experienced Contractor for Your In-Law Suite Renovation
Hiring an experienced Connecticut contractor is important for ensuring that your remodel will be done right. Working with a good contractor also helps reduce stress, as the right professional will know how to keep your project on track. Check references and license status. Vet several contractors before making your final decision. Download Litchfield Builder's free guide and call today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your in-law suite renovation at length.
