Multigenerational housing is only one of many trends that have been brought to America from other cultures. Grandparents, parents, and children are now living together here.
A Pew Research Center study found that 18% of Americans are living in multi-generational housing. That number has quadrupled from 1971 to 2021.
Setting it up in an existing home isn’t always easy. One of the best ways to allow for multigenerational housing is to add on a mother-in-law unit or granny flat. They’re a special type of accessory dwelling unit meant to house a family member.
They can also add so much more to your home. Read on to learn about eight major benefits of a mother-in-law unit.
1. Convenience
A mother-in-law unit is unique among home additions in that it can save you time. It’s a convenient home addition that makes it easier to take care of your entire family.
It provides easy access to anyone who may need extra attention. Perhaps a young adult is disabled or facing financial hardship and can’t yet go out on their own. Perhaps an elderly family member needs personal care closer to home.
Having them live in a nearby unit is the most convenient option to deal with these issues. You can check in on them regularly without leaving home.
2. Family Support and Togetherness
Mother-in-law units allow for the best part of multi-generational living; help is always close by. You’ll have more hands on deck for:
- Childcare
- Housework
- Emotional support
It alleviates the pressure of daily living, and not just for the person in the unit. It can be a godsend for working parents and others with too much to manage on their own.
It also creates a sense of closeness among the family. You’ll deepen your relationships thanks to shared experiences.
3. Privacy and Independence
One of the difficulties of living near family is finding time for yourself. Multigenerational living is wonderful until your family members make you want to scream and there’s nowhere to go.
The design of a mother-in-law unit allows the one living in it to get support and closeness without sacrificing independence. The occupants can retain their privacy. They’re living in a separate dwelling from the rest of the family. The average in-law suite design includes a separate:
- Entrance
- Bathroom
- Kitchenette
- Living area
The resident can decorate it however they like. This gives them a sense of ownership over the area. It’s a place they can run to that also feels truly their own.
4. Cost-Effective Care
Building an in-law unit is a cost-effective method of providing personalized care. It’s more economical than other solutions such as assisted living. Indiana is the 10th least-expensive state for this type of care. It still averages an often overwhelming $3,695 per month.
Building a unit saves you from paying for a room with more features than you need. Instead, you can choose the necessary accessibility features to add. These may include:
- Wide doorways
- Walk-in showers
- Grab bars
These additions will also be more cost-effective because they won’t require you to modify the rest of the house.
5. Quality of Life
Loneliness is a rampant epidemic. A 2024 American Psychiatric Association survey found 30% of Americans 18-34 said they were lonely several times a week. It can also hit the most vulnerable among us. A 2023 University Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging poll found that 37% of adults 50-80 said they lacked companionship in the last year.
Being alone increases the risk of developing mental health conditions. It also has proven negative effects on both cognitive and cardiovascular health.
A mother-in-law unit allows everyone to stay together to provide each other with companionship. The family can also engage in physical activities together. It’ll improve the physical well-being of everyone involved. They can help create mentally fulfilling memories together.
6. Flexible Use of Space
A mother-in-law unit is primarily meant for a family member to stay in. That alone has many benefits, but the best part is it’s not the only option.
You can turn it into a different type of accessory dwelling unit and let it serve as:
- Guest accommodations
- Home offices
- Rental units
- Pool houses
- Workout rooms
- Housing for nannies or caretakers
- Backyard spaces
This flexibility allows you to adapt the space to changing family or personal dynamics. You can change the purpose and design of the unit as your needs change.
7. Potential Rental Income
The number of potential granny flat concepts is almost infinite, and you can create them to rent them out. Your attached guest house ideas may start to get dollar signs attached to them. If you live in an area with a high enough demand for such an experience, it can pay out well.
The income could be used to offset the mortgage or fund upgrades to the main property. It can even increase the overall property value of the home.
8. Potential Boost in Home Value
Accessory dwellings enhance property value. A mother-in-law unit even increases the property’s square footage.
It makes your property more attractive in the eyes of buyers. They’ll see the potential benefits of the flexible, additional space. Perhaps they’ll immediately start coming up with backyard cottage plans or other ways to use it.
You’ll get higher bids when it comes time to settle on a price. Buyers don’t always just look at a property for what it is. They want one with the potential to become better in the future. A mother-in-law unit builds that potential into the property.
Who Should Build My Mother-in-Law Unit?
A mother-in-law unit is a special type of accessory dwelling unit. It’s a convenient, cost-effective way to keep family members who need extra help close. It also lets them maintain their privacy and independence. It has many other potential uses and can provide rental income or even boost your home value.
Cliffs Construction is a father-and-son team that’s been serving Indianapolis since 1995. We create high-quality kitchens, bathrooms, accessory dwelling units, and more.
Our goal is to create a space that lets you finally feel at home in your house. Get a quote for your project today.