Mother-in-Law Apartments: Their Benefits and Drawbacks

Mother-in-law apartments, also known as the granny flat or the guest house, are independent home additions located on the same property as the main house. Since it acts as a secondary home on the property, a mother-in-law apartment often includes a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living space. If you have a large family or you have several guests coming over to stay at your home soon, adding a mother-in-law apartment can be a blessing. However, while such an addition can be beneficial, it does come with a few drawbacks.

Pros

• Additional Housing

One of the main benefits of adding a mother-in-law suite to your home is the fact that it’s a less costly alternative to buying a new home. With how pricey housing is nowadays, a mother-in-law suite is a low-cost way of allowing an additional family member to live near you while maintaining a comfortable distance from one another.

• Guests

A mother-in-law suite can be a handy space to have in your home when it comes to hosting numerous guests. A guest house on the property will make things easier on both parties since it allows the guests to have their own space, and everyone gets some privacy for the duration of their stay.

• Storage Space

Do you have items in your home that you rarely use? Another advantage that a guest house can bring to your home is the additional storage space it affords you. If you don’t have a garage, you can use it as a storage unit for extra furniture, sports equipment and other knick-knacks you no longer use often. 

• Extra Income

The best benefit a mother-in-law apartment can give you is extra income. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to rent out these guest homes to help pay for their daily and miscellaneous expenses. Renting out your mother-in-law apartment is a good way of earning an additional passive income.

Cons

• Utility Costs

Your utility costs will rise since a home addition demands extra energy, heating, cooling and water. So, think wisely before buying a home with a mother-in-law apartment or having one built on your property.

• Insurance

Insurance is another drawback of a mother-in-law apartment, especially if your homeowner’s insurance policy doesn’t cover accessory dwelling units. Should you decide to rent it out, you may need to spend extra and purchase additional insurance to protect your home.

• Upkeep

A home addition like a guest house will require maintenance just like your actual home. There will be more daily upkeep, such as cleaning floors and replacing light bulbs. In the long run, it can be time-consuming and costly.

For the best results, turn to Design Build Remodeling Group of Maryland for your home addition needs. We are your number one provider of whole house renovations and kitchen remodeling services. Give us a call at (443) 230-4070, or fill out our contact form to request a consultation. We serve homeowners in Washington, DC.