In-laws are a second set of parents who you adore you. Breakfasts with them are fun and chatty, and the dinners are a big spread. What more could you ask for?!
Now imagine these in-laws want to move into your home. Yes, that’s right your in-laws are moving in!!! But do you have any arrangements in place? Is this happening for real?!
Other than making your spouse happy, you get the job of creating space for your in-laws to reside comfortably. How do you get that space? Does your home have that much scope for change or do you just up and move?
The master bedroom is your sanctuary, and the other two rooms are divided between your kids. Your three-bedroom home suddenly seems small, doesn’t it? So, where will your in-laws go?
Research, Architect, Action
Through some miracle, if you have extra space for your in-laws, then you’re all set. But, if you’re in for some struggle then better suit up. To create a new, decent, and homely cove for your in-laws, you need professional assistance.
And who better than a residential architect? The man with the literal plan! And some decent ideas for you to earn brownie points with your in-laws.
With assistance from an architect for the renovation, you’ll understand how much space is available for your in-laws to move and settle and how much you need to and can create. And the best part, you get on with the renovation that you always put off for next month!
So, let’s get going.
The What, Where, and How of the Space
This part seems tricky at first, but it isn’t. Once you understand in which part of your home, you’ll put up your in-laws, that’s half the work done.
How big is your house, is there space inside or outside? Is there any space at all? Once you sort out these parameters, moving in could become so easy.
What’s the process?
For the entire process to be convenient, designate some stages. For the first stage understand that your in-laws aren’t in the prime of their age. So, a room on the ground floor with easy access to the washroom could be a preference.
For this to work, is their space on the ground floor? Do you need to extend out? Can you alter an existing room?
If your in-laws are able enough, then a first-floor room could work as well. But do you have enough space? Locating a zone for creating that space could help you fasten the process and save time.
At times, it even works to utilize the outside space if you have the opportunity. One of the best examples of this could be converting your garage or building on top of it.
Convert the Garage
Converting your garage into a living space seems to work best if your in-laws are looking for some privacy. You already have a structure built and the cars can easily be parked on the driveway. The option appears to be practical yet convenient.
A garage conversion could cost less and allow your in-laws to have an enjoyable stay without having to compromise on their privacy. You could install an attached washroom, a small kitchen, and even a cozy living area for them to have their total package of comfort, personal space, and family time.
Converting your garage into a living space could work as a long-term investment as well. If your in-laws decide to move to a community or assisted living space in the future, you could rent out the renovated garage.
Some other future alternatives also include an office, studio, or even a living space to rent out on Airbnb!
Building over the Garage
An additional living space over the garage could be a decent way to create a room for your in-laws. It promotes individuality and privacy for those inhabiting them.
Before you go ahead with this choice, consult an architect for renovation and test the foundations of the garage. These foundations need to be strong enough to take the extra load. If not, you might need to demolish the existing garage and start from scratch, increasing the construction costs (which is probably something you want to avoid).
Another aspect concerning building over the garage is that you need to think about whether an attached washroom can be constructed in that space. How are the water and drainage lines going to be installed?
But, most of all, are your in-laws healthy enough to climb up the stairs to the top level? If that’s not the case, the option isn’t potent at all.
Mezzanine Level
A mezzanine level could work wonders if your house has enough space for a double-height. For more privacy, an architect for renovation might suggest enclosing the mezzanine space.
Mezzanine levels are also supposed to meet building regulations and a residential architect could be an asset in this process. If your mezzanine is encompassing a bedroom that results in extensive renovations or another floor, then you must cater to the fire safety regulations as well.
Additional Internal Wall
The cheapest way to come up with a new bedroom for your in-laws is to divide a double bedroom into two smaller rooms by adding an internal wall (if the room has that much space). The job requires erecting a stud wall in between the larger room.
The primary aspect for this option is to check is if the window alignment allows for the division. After the division, both the bedrooms need to have at least one window or the option of adding a new one.
Another factor to consider is that each room will require separate access, which means part of a structural wall will have to be cut and transformed into a door. So, you might need to consult an architect for the renovation to find out the feasibility of this option.
Convert the Basement
Not all houses come equipped with a basement that can be transformed into a living space. If your house has a basement, then your in-laws are in for new living space and you’re simply lucky.
However, excavating a basement for a new extension can be quite expensive as it requires extensive structural work. But several pros make it worth the money and effort. A basement conversion won’t alter the appearance of your house and there’s more room to work with.
But do remember to invest in waterproofing your basement as water percolation is quite common and you don’t want to give any more reasons to your in-laws to hate you, do you? Yeah, that’s what we thought!
Convert the Loft
A residential architect could tell you if your loft can be converted into a living space for your in-laws. However, there are critical aspects that you must consider before you take the plunge.
Does your loft have enough headroom or is the space big enough? How will you cater to the existing staircase or is there any ancillary equipment such as water tanks or chimney lines that need to be removed for safe access?
A well-constructed loft could also add to the overall value of your property, which means that the investment is worth it.
Add an Extension
Extending part of your house into a bedroom and an attached washroom is another way to create extra space for your in-laws, but you might lose out on valuable outdoor space.
To add to it, the appearance of your home will change extensively, and get ready to empty your pockets. If you’re looking for more financially viable options to create extra space for your in-laws, then this isn’t one of them.
But a benefit to choosing this option is the extra space that you’re getting. If you decide to sell your home the extension might add to the value of it and get you easy money. So, it works on the principle of sacrificing outdoor space in the present for higher returns for your property in the future.
That’s the way to go
These are some of the most promising options for you to create extra space for your in-laws to live comfortably and feel at home. There’s no need for you to purchase a bigger and costlier house when there are choices right there.
A little thought could go a long way for your in-laws to live in comfort in their new home. A residential architect might suggest providing a room for them on the main floor of your house where the kitchen and living areas are in the vicinity (preferably the ground floor).
Their age and physical fitness must be factored in when deciding on a new living space for them.
Contacting a residential architect could be the best approach for your in-laws’ new and fresh living space. After all, switching from Uh Oh, My In-Laws want to move in to Oh Yes, My In-Laws want to move doesn’t look so difficult now, does it?!