“At some point, you look around your house and say as much as I love it here, it’s not where I need to be any more,” Stephen said. “I’d been considering going into the senior apartment complex several of my friends live in – but now, having seen the experience they’ve had during this pandemic, I’m having second thoughts.”
COVID-19 has radically altered our society. It’s very hard for people to see the heart-wrenching images of families kept apart by pandemic-prevention protocols. Imagining being in that situation – unable to be with your aging parent, or for the parent, being unable to be with your children and grandchildren – has prompted many to consider alternative housing plans. One of the most popular, at least here in Massachusetts? Building a mother-in-law suite on a child’s home.
What is a mother-in-law suite? Typically, a mother in law suite is a small addition that includes a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living space, and a separate entrance. Sometimes mother in law suites are known as in law suites, guest rooms, or, when built as a free-standing structure, as a tiny house.
Locally, we’ve seen a number of senior homeowners using the proceeds from the sale of their home to fund the creation of their in-law suite. This helps minimize the financial impact of this situation on their adult children, who are also currently facing the financial pressures associated with the pandemic.
The most cost-effective route to a great mother in law suite is working with a design/build contractor. This eliminates the need for pricey architectural services while providing a single point of contact which makes communication faster and easier. The best Massachusetts design builders for building a mother in law suite will work with you to maximize your budget. That’s why it’s important to bring your builders onto the job during the planning stage – to eliminate cost-savings opportunities.
