Most commonly referred to as an ‘In-Law Suite’ for the practicality and privacy it provides to older relatives as longterm guests in a single family residence, an In-Law Suite can be simply defined as an additional full living space in a single-family home.  Typically, it includes a bedroom, full bathroom, small kitchen, and living space. However, it can be as simple as a bedroom and bathroom, or as extravagant as a separate guest house.  The definition ranges from home to home, as well as across geographical regions. In some areas of the country, they are known as accessory dwelling units, casitas, or secondary suites.

There are many benefits to having an In-Law Suite in your home, making it a great addition to any property. Below are just some of the ways you could utilize one in your own home:

Entertaining Guests

Whether staying for the weekend or long-term, your guests will feel right at home in a private, separate space. Also, you won’t have to be put on the couch or share your space when anyone spends the night. If you’re thinking about hosting an event, the second kitchen could make for a great entertaining space (where you can keep the mess separated from your actual kitchen).

Family Togetherness

If your aging parents or in-laws are in a situation where they can or should no longer live independently, you may be focused on the pragmatic logistics. While these are certainly important, don’t lose sight of the family bonding that can come from the new living situation. Spending each day together, while still maintaining a level of independence, could be a great opportunity to grow closer in your relationships.

On the opposite end, if you have an older child who is looking to stay with you for a period of time, having a secondary suite is a perfect solution. He or she will be appreciative of the independence and responsibility that comes from caring for his or her own space, all while being able to save money (and spend time with you).

Cost Savings

With an In-Law Suite already built into your home, you will be able to save money on multiple fronts. Firstly, if a situation arose where you needed the extra space, it would already be there for you to utilize. Additions to your home can range anywhere from $30,000-$150,000 or more, so having this secondary living space already in your home could save you in the long run.

Added Value

Because of the many benefits of In-Law Suites, they certainly add incremental value to any home. This additional living space could increase the value of your home by upwards of thousands of dollars, while also offering the potential to earn residential income by renting out the space to tenants.

Home Business

Maybe you already have your own business, or maybe you’ve always dreamed of working in your slippers… Regardless of the situation, a secondary suite can make the ideal setting for a home business. Here, you can separate your work from the rest of your home, allowing you to balance your professional space from your personal. This will also be great for your family, as they will know they are not interrupting you during the times you need to stay focused. As an added bonus, you will save money on renting an office space.

While full of rich history, natural beauty, and a vibrant community, Gloucester County is one of the most up and coming regions in the Northeast. With growth stemming from major institutions, such as Rowan University and Inspira Health Network, more and more people are discovering what makes this suburban hub so great.

Located ideally between Philadelphia, Trenton, Delaware, and Shore Points, Gloucester County is in the center of it all. Meanwhile, the towns within the county itself are each unique and full of many wonderful things to do. Some popular towns in Gloucester County include:

• Mullica Hill
• Mantua
• Sewell
• Swedesboro
• Washington Township

For more information on Homes with In Law Suites Near You, contact Nancy Kowalik Real Estate Group below: