Realty Times: Should You Add That Mother-In-Law Suite? Questions to Ask Before Hammering a Nail

May 26, 2000

Should You Add That Mother-In-Law Suite? Questions to Ask Before Hammering a Nail
by Julie Garton-Good

Mother-in-laws may not be "the rage" but adding their suites to Americans' homes is! Remodeling contractors tout that a growing number of home owners want that large, spacious extra area added to their existing home. It's used to accommodate house guests, house kids returning from college, or parents who need to be close to family in their golden years.

But before you start knocking out walls, make sure that this type of improvement is not only in your best (read "comfortable") interest, but that it fits well with your home's structure, design, and lot size.

Be sure to evaluate:

Cost-effectiveness: Would this addition be cost-effective, given the size of your home and the neighborhood? Adding an entirely new wing to a modest two-bedroom home in an equally modest neighborhood might not allow you to recoup your costs when you sell. Just as you would with any major home improvement, get feedback first from a real estate agent and/or appraiser.

A professional can tell you approximately how much the addition will add to the value of your home. Done in advance of obtaining a contractor and/or a construction permit, this initial step can save you an expensive financial misstep.

Design of house: Is your home's design suitable for adding on considerable square footage? Additions that aren't carefully researched as to design can end up looking like out-of-place afterthoughts, actually decreasing the value of the home.

Lot size and physical restrictions: Before choosing which rooms to place where, make sure that you have carefully researched the setback requirements for structures on your lot. These typically include required minimum areas from lot lines, sidewalks, streets and alley ways. Your local planning and zoning department or county government office is your best source for current information.

To charge or not to charge? Be careful here. Yes, it might be nice to have Aunt Tillie compensate you a little something for living with the family, but once you venture into the rental property arena, you may be violating an entirely new set of laws if your area is not zoned for multi-family.

As you can see, there are lots of questions to ask and information to gather before putting hammer to nail on that mother-in-law suite addition. Unfortunately, there's no substitute for being aware, prepared, and working methodically through the options when making additions to your family's home --- and financial nestegg.

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