There are many more choices available today than in the past. In fact, some home builders are building new homes which contain a private apartment with a separate entrance for other additional relatives. I have a friend who moved into her own separate apartment in her adult daughter's home, and it has worked out well. She loves having a separate life, while being close to her daughter and grandchildren. However, if you do not want to sell your current home and move to a new location, how can you make the best use of the home and property you currently own? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Many cities have now altered their zoning laws to allow people to build an accessory dwelling unit on a single family lot. This has resulted in a new industry of "tiny homes" which even be purchased on sites like Amazon or from companies like Home Depot, although you have to arrange to have someone pour a slab or build a foundation, in advance, and then finish out the interior.
Some people who are skilled at do-it-yourself work, can finish out the structures on their own. However, most of us will need to hire a contractor to finish these buildings, including hooking up the plumbing and electricity.
These small, backyard homes, sometimes called "granny flats" can be the perfect solution for a young adult who has returned home, or for an older family member who wants to live close to the family, but cannot afford to buy a home in the same neighborhood. Depending on the size and amenities, they can be built and finished for about $60,000 to $250,000.
Creating a Guest Suite Inside Your Current Home
If you do not have a backyard large enough to accommodate an additional housing unit, you may be able to carve out an apartment inside your existing home. For example, do you have an unused bedroom, dining room or formal living room next to a bedroom with a bath? With a little redesigning, you could convert this combination into a nice little private apartment inside your current home. Add a separate entrance and a little kitchenette, and everyone could have both the independence and the privacy they want, at an affordable price. Many such conversions can be done for under $25,000 to $30,000, depending on how elaborate they are.
Garage Conversions into Housing Units
If your zoning laws permit it, you may be able to convert a garage into a secondary housing unit. This is more likely to be allowed if the garage is detached. However, in some circumstances, even an attached garage might be converted into a cozy 300 sq. foot apartment for a family member. Since a garage already has easy access to electricity, and plumbing is probably not too far away, the conversion could be less complicated than building an entirely new building. The amount you spend depends on the current condition of the garage, and how fancy you wish to make it. However, it can be a convenient way to accommodate additional family members.
Basement Conversions
Even when I was a young woman living in the Midwest in the 1960s and 1970s, many parents set up space in their finished basement for an adult child to have their own space. This choice is better suited to young adults, because of the stairs. However, a healthy older person might also be able to navigate a staircase. If the basement has an outdoor entrance, this can be particularly appealing, since it will allow for them to come and go, or entertain friends, without the need to walk through the main living area upstairs. This is a great solution for a young adult who is just starting out and trying to save money for their own place. In addition, many families have already finished out at least part of their basement, plus the electricity and plumbing is already available, and it may take very little effort to turn the space into a cozy apartment.
Get Professional Design and Construction Help
Once you realize that it is possible to carve out some unused space within your home, garage, basement, or backyard for a separate apartment or housing unit, it is smart to get some professional help. You will want to maximize the space, give everyone a sense of privacy, and make sure the new housing unit has safety features, especially if it is going to accommodate someone who is aging. Ask about things like grab bars in the shower, or a walk-in bathtub. You may want to have an intercom system between the two housing units, or a fall alert system. The safer the new housing unit is, the more comfortable everyone will be.
Include Study Area or Workspace
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