If you want your new home to accommodate in-laws or other long term guests, consider these basic options.
1. Build a plan that includes a separate guest suite that can double as an in-law unit. For example:
Courtyard Plan 935-5, shown here and below, puts the guest suite near the garage entry and across the pool courtyard from the master suite.
The guest room helps shape the outdoor space while providing privacy.
Plan 479-8 also puts the in-law/guest suite between the garage and the rest of the house, so there is a feeling of independence and the
potential for a separate entry.
Pan 56-565 makes the in-law or guest suite accessible from the hall off the kitchen and the mud room off the garage.
2. Build a duplex plan where the separate unit has a full kitchen and living area. For example:
Plan 23-2195 is a traditional design with an in-law unit that is a smaller version of the main house.
Plan 935-5, below, offers a long narrow duplex arrangement with two 2-car garages sharing
the same driveway for a very efficient use of a slender lot. Each unit has its own entry
separated from the other by a garden wall.
3. Put the guest suite over the garage, as shown here in Plan 928-13 and
at the top of this post.
4. Build a separate backyard cottage or in-law unit. For example:
Plan 507-1 is designed specifically for aging in place, all on one level with built-in grab rails and no steps.
The deck by the front door is only one step above grade and includes a gently sloping ramp for easy accessibility.
Browse a collection of flexible guest suite plans.
1. Build a plan that includes a separate guest suite that can double as an in-law unit. For example:
Courtyard Plan 935-5, shown here and below, puts the guest suite near the garage entry and across the pool courtyard from the master suite.
The guest room helps shape the outdoor space while providing privacy.
Plan 479-8 also puts the in-law/guest suite between the garage and the rest of the house, so there is a feeling of independence and the
potential for a separate entry.
Pan 56-565 makes the in-law or guest suite accessible from the hall off the kitchen and the mud room off the garage.
2. Build a duplex plan where the separate unit has a full kitchen and living area. For example:
Plan 23-2195 is a traditional design with an in-law unit that is a smaller version of the main house.
Plan 935-5, below, offers a long narrow duplex arrangement with two 2-car garages sharing
the same driveway for a very efficient use of a slender lot. Each unit has its own entry
separated from the other by a garden wall.
3. Put the guest suite over the garage, as shown here in Plan 928-13 and
at the top of this post.
4. Build a separate backyard cottage or in-law unit. For example:
Plan 507-1 is designed specifically for aging in place, all on one level with built-in grab rails and no steps.
The deck by the front door is only one step above grade and includes a gently sloping ramp for easy accessibility.
Browse a collection of flexible guest suite plans.
