Thriving in Place: What to Consider Before Adding an In-Law Suite

by | Feb 14, 2025 | Blog

As more families embrace multigenerational living, adding an in-law suite has become an essential way to support aging parents while ensuring comfort, safety, and independence. At Sun Design Remodeling, we specialize in creating spaces that allow loved ones to thrive in place, offering long-term solutions for aging with dignity. Here’s what to consider before embarking on this meaningful home addition.

1. Prioritizing Accessibility for Aging in Place

Designing an in-law suite using holistic design solutions ensures a safe and functional space for aging family members. Features such as step-free entrances, wider doorways, lever-style door handles, and zero-threshold showers with grab bars provide ease of movement and reduce fall risks. Planning for mobility needs helps ensure long-term comfort and independence.

2. Creating a Comfortable & Functional Living Space

The in-law suite should be designed with both privacy and connectivity in mind. Consider features like a separate entrance, a private kitchenette, and a dedicated bathroom to foster independence while remaining connected to the main home. Soundproofing and climate control options, such as individual heating and cooling systems, further enhance comfort for aging residents.

Primary Bathroom Remodel, Fairfax Station, VA - NOTE: the curbless shower entrance, the grab bars lining the shower walls, two shower nozzles (one inside and one at the entrance), and adjustable height options for the hand-held shower head.

3. Thoughtful Design for Safety and Well-Being

Safety is a top priority when designing an in-law suite to thrive in place. Good lighting, non-slip flooring, and easy-to-reach storage solutions contribute to a safer and more accessible living environment. Additionally, integrating smart home technology, such as voice-activated controls and emergency alert systems, can offer peace of mind to both residents and caregivers.

4. Navigating Zoning and Legal Considerations

Before moving forward with an in-law suite, research local zoning laws and permit requirements

Some jurisdictions have restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or require specific approvals. Working with an experienced design-build firm like Sun Design ensures compliance with all legal considerations and streamlines the process.

Main Level & Kitchen Remodel, Arlington, VA - NOTE: the wide walkways in the kitchen to accommodate a wheelchair, walker, etc., as well as the low set appliances for ease of use, and creative storage solutions that make everyone’s lives easier.

5. Boosting Home Value and Long-Term Flexibility

A well-designed in-law suite is a valuable investment in both home functionality and resale potential. Beyond accommodating aging parents, these spaces can serve as guest suites, rental units, or home offices in the future. By incorporating creative design features now, homeowners can create a space that remains useful for years to come.

Partner with Sun Design for Aging-in-Place Solutions

At Sun Design Remodeling, we believe in designing homes that evolve with your family’s needs. Our expert team specializes in creating safe, stylish, and adaptable in-law suites that support thriving in place. If you’re considering an in-law suite as part of an aging-in-place strategy, contact us today to start planning a home that grows with you!

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10/10 would highly recommend Sun Design. We found our kitchen layout was too small and wasn't working for us. We told Sun Design what our issues were and what was important to us, and their amazing design team created the kitchen of our dreams. It turned into a whole first floor transformation, moving kitchen, dining room, and living room around to a configuration that worked best for us.

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We had a fairly big project to build out part of our house. Sun Design has done a phenomenal job so far. We are getting close to complete. The design process was very collaborative and the execution of the build has gone well so far. Every part of the experience has been top quality and the team we are working with is amazing. The team is expensive but they are able to walk you through where every cent goes and why and they will look at different options to try to help reduce cost. They are well worth every penny. I would want to use Sun Design for any future projects and I highly recommend them.

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