Top Mistakes to Avoid When Building an In-Law Suite (And How to Get It Right the First Time)

Multi-generational households are more common than ever. Living together saves money, builds community, spreads the work around, and creates a feeling of family togetherness that benefits everyone. 

Building an in-law suite is a big project that can take months of planning and construction. Before you jump into this process, it's important to know where projects typically go wrong. 

From overlooking local zoning rules to underestimating privacy needs, this article will walk you through the most common pitfalls homeowners face—and how to avoid them—so you can create a beautiful, functional space your family will love for years.

Mistake #1: No Discussion of Expectations

What are your expectations for your new living arrangement? Have you discussed your expectations - in detail - with the new resident of your in-law suite? If not, you may be in for a difficult transition when the construction is over and move-in time begins. This oversight could even impact your construction project before it's finished. 

Here are some examples of conversations to have before planning the suite. 

• Will you eat meals together? How often? Which meals? Who will cook? Where will meals take place?
• Will you share bills and living costs?
• Will the new resident need their own parking space? How many? Where?
• Are pets involved? Who will care for the pets, and where will they live?
• Will the new resident handle the cleaning and maintenance of their space?
• Will you help each other with day-to-day chores, and if so, who will do what?

Having these conversations will help ensure that everyone living in your household has similar expectations for their living arrangement. 

Mistake #2: Forgetting to Check Zoning Laws

Zoning laws will affect how your in-law suite is constructed, where it is constructed, and whether it can be built at all. Before getting far into your project, check zoning laws in your area. 

Many communities in Connecticut allow in-law suites but require family members to live there. Commonly, in-law suites are allowed to have a separate entrance, a kitchenette, a bathroom, a living area, and a bedroom. Many communities prevent homeowners from renting their in-law suites to people outside their family. Knowing the laws early will help you design a project that works for all parties.

Mistake #3: No Clear Budget

Building an addition is expensive. Before you contact a contractor for a quote, know how much you can afford to spend. If you're paying in cash, this part is easy. If you require financing, shop around for a loan. Know the payment terms. Work with the future resident of your in-law suite to ensure that each person involved can afford to repay the loan. 

You may need to enter into a contract with your family member to ensure that all parties agree. This may seem harsh, but putting the arrangement into writing helps prevent miscommunications and arguments. If necessary, consult with a lawyer. 

Mistake #4: Hiring the Wrong Contractor

Not every contractor is a good choice for building a home addition. Hire a contractor with experience and a reputation you can trust. Some tips for finding the right contractor include:

• Meet with multiple contractors before choosing the right one. Ask questions during your meetings and take notes. 
• Don't automatically choose the lowest bid. Choose the best bid from a quality contractor. 
• Read the contract from beginning to end before signing. 
• Check licensure on the state of Connecticut license lookup feature. Contractors in Connecticut are required to have a license for performing work in the state. 
• Get references or a referral from someone you trust who has had similar work done on their house. 
• Discuss permits and who will pull them during your meetings with contractors. 

Include each decision-making adult in your household in the conversations with contractors (including the new resident of your home) to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the contractor you select. 

Mistake #5: Not Enough Privacy

You might be surprised how important it is to have privacy in your home. Build an in-law suite that provides your new resident with personal space beyond a bedroom. They may need their own space for dining, meeting with friends, and engaging in hobbies. Incorporate this into the in-law suite design. 

Mistake #6: Accessibility Problems

Mobility changes as people age. The new resident of your in-law suite might be very mobile now, but they may develop challenges over the years. Avoid building an in-law suite that requires the resident to go upstairs or downstairs. 

Consider building a suite with ADA accessibility, including wider doors, a wider hallway, and a large bathroom that would be easy to use even with a walker or wheelchair. Your design-build contractor can help you incorporate these details into the design of your addition. 

Mistake #7: Making Plans or Changes Without All Parties Involved 

Don't make any executive decisions during project construction: involve everyone in the process. From finish selections to room layout, everyone should have a say.

Work With a Contractor That Knows What to Do

Building an in-law suite is a challenge, and not all contractors have sufficient experience. When you start looking for a contractor to build your in-law suite, begin by finding one that understands the many considerations and steps in the process. It's helpful to work with a contractor that knows the pitfalls and can help you avoid them by guiding you, step-by-step, through the process. 

Litchfield Builders offers a free download to help homeowners find the right Connecticut contractor for their project. You can also contact us - we've built a lot of in-law suites over the years, and we're happy to help.