Adding an In-Law Suite to Your Home
As our parents age, we often find that we need to find the most effective way to care for them. Sometimes that means making room in our homes for them to move in. Adding an in-law suite to your home gives you the extra space for your aging parents, along with privacy for both of you.
An in-law addition can increase the value of your home and make it even more attractive to buyers when you choose to sell.
All In the Family
These days, it is common for multiple generations of families to live together in one home. This saves money for elderly family members and keeps them close. An in-law suite allows aging parents to maintain their independence and privacy, but it also gives both of you the peace of mind that they are close if they should need help.
Another advantage of an in-law suite for parents is that it allows you to delay or entirely forego an assisted living facility’s cost.
Added Value
Adding square footage to your home increases the value. Finished basements and in-law apartments are two of the most desired upgrades to home buyers. Your addition’s resale value will depend upon how well it meshes with the home’s design, the construction quality, and how well it is maintained.
Considerations
Keep in mind that while you may be building the addition for your parents’ needs now, eventually, you may be using the space for another purpose. Make sure you’ve created a space that is useful and attractive to buyers.
Other considerations:
- Do you need wheelchair accessibility?
- Do you need a handicap-accessible bathroom?
- Is a full kitchen necessary, or will a kitchenette suffice?
- How much space is needed?
Think these things through before you begin construction to ensure that the new addition is usable and fits the needs of those who will live in it.
Supplement Your Income
Some homeowners have added these types of additions and used them as rental units. You could rent the addition and use the supplemental income towards your mortgage or to pay for the addition itself. A studio apartment in Rochester, NY, could provide you with an additional $800-$1500/month, depending on the location.
Whether you are adding an in-law suite to accommodate the needs of aging parents or as a rental unit or simply to upgrade your property, Quality Homes of Rochester is here for you. Contact us today to find out more.
Your bathroom can be more than a space for personal care—it can be a refreshing mini-retreat.
Spa-Like Touches
Introduce design elements like river rock tiles in the shower, a teak bathmat, or a freestanding tub with a window view. Add an outdoors element by choosing a rainwater showerhead and allowing the water to feel like soft rainfall.
Natural Ventilation
Add an operable window or solar-powered skylight to naturally promote airflow and reduce humidity. A ventilation system or fan is essential for reducing moisture. Clean your vent of dust or buildup to ensure moisture is not trapped in your bathroom, which can lead to mildew or mold buildup.
Soothing Scents
Essential oil diffusers or lavender bundles in the shower smell incredible, mirroring nature’s sensory experiences. Try tying eucalyptus in your shower, releasing a minty, relaxing scent once the steam and humidity rise.
Styling with Biophilic Design in Mind
You don’t need a significant renovation to bring the benefits of biophilic interior design into your home. Wise styling choices can go a long way.
Incorporate Natural Forms
Curved lines, imperfect shapes, or patterns inspired by leaves, waves, or tree bark all show nature’s organic beauty. Look for these shapes in furniture, rugs, and light fixtures.
For example, a naturalistic style can be achieved by pairing an L-shaped couch or sectional in natural colors with a dark wooden coffee table and an earth-toned rug beneath.
Declutter and Let Spaces Breathe
Nature has rhythm and flow, and your space should, too. Avoid crowding surfaces and leave space around or between key features to create a sense of calm and openness.
Drawers or closets that blend in with the features of your room can be great places to put away essential items while keeping them close at hand.
Naturalistic Home Additions for Outdoor Access
A sunroom could be the perfect solution if you have a growing family or have always wanted a special place to retreat. This type of addition fits right in with naturalistic design principles, allowing access to sunlight, the breeze, and the outdoors while inside.
A sunroom or screened-in porch is the perfect combination of indoor coziness and the natural world’s beauty. Additionally, it can be a great place to host friends and family as the evening goes on without the annoyance of bugs.
At Quality Homes, our expert team has the knowledge and experience to handle all home additions and configurations. Whether you need an office, another bedroom, garage, screened-in porch, sunroom, or something different entirely, we can help!
Learn more about home additions in Rochester, NY.
