What are In-Law Apartments
They are complete apartments installed in extra space in
single-family homes. The baby boom has left behind an "empty nester" boom. They
can provide housing for the elderly or an income source for an elderly home owner.
Many older people's single-family homes are under-utilized. Surplus space, turned into an
in-law apartment, can provide older homeowners with added income, security, companionship,
and the opportunity to get help when needed.
Making a Single-Family Home Work Harder
The usual ideal for a single family home is one large enough for a
whole family, i.e., during the relatively short time between the birth of the last child
and the time the first child leaves home. This is a cultural difference we have with other
cultures and our own past where families crossing three or more generations lived under
one roof. In-law apartments take that two generation large house and make it work
for other stages of the life cycle, including old age. They can reduce the isolation of
elderly households from the simple services that family or close
Often of in-law apartments are occupied by relatives, but
sometimes, outside of what may be permitted by by-laws, they also
help young home buyers meet mortgage payments with rental income;
enable divorced older women and single parents to hang on to
family homes;
Serve students, young singles and anyone else who needs
affordable rental housing, and
provide for disabled people who need privacy and independence
in proximity to support.
Almost all of us are or will be in many of those groups during
our lives.
Having an in-law apartment may be a good idea, but be prepared
to adjust to privacy needs and the different habits of others.
Making an In-Law Apartment Happen
Zoning may be a question in your community. Most places
require that an in-law apartment be for relatives only. Contact the local municipal
offices and ask for the planning or building department. This by itself may be a
barrier to building and in-law apartment, however it is only part of the process.
The decisions that comes with building an in-law apartment-from hiring a contractor to
selecting a tenant to financing - often deter the older person from going through with it.
Professional help may be needed.
Contact a realtor for assistance in determining the impact this
will have on the market value of the home. It may be the wrong move for you home.
If it is a good move, the realtor may be able to assist you understanding local
by-laws and in connecting to a reputable contractor. |
