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Add separate living quarters to your home

A guide to planning and installing separate living quarters in your existing home

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Additions to your home can help you organize your life and add value to your house. This is especially true for adding separate living spaces and guest quarters to a home. You can rent out a separate living space to bring in extra income every month, or you can create space for friends and family to use when they visit. Regardless of why you want a separate living space in your home, there are some things to consider before you start your residential remodeling project.

separate living quartersSeparate-entrance living quarters are best for those who want to rent out the extra space. Detached and semi-detached additions provide your tenants the privacy they need while keeping the property close to your home so you can easily manage it. Even if you don't want to rent the property, a detached suite can be convenient if you want to invite friends and family to stay with you for extended periods of time.

If you want to add mother-in-law quarters to your home, you can utilize the existing extra space you already have inside your house, such as an already finished basement or attic. In certain homes, you may still be able to add a separate entrance to living quarters in a basement or attic, but it may not be cost effective. If the basement or attic is not yet finished, you will have to add insulation, ventilation, drywall and other living quarter necessities in addition to the other renovations you have planned.

Another option for adding separate living space to your home is to renovate a room over your garage. Since the garage is already separate from the rest of the house, you won't have to worry about the privacy of your guests, family members or tenants. This still may require extensive renovations, including adding insulation and ventilation. However, it is more convenient than building a completely new structure.

Regardless of what type of separate living quarters you want to add, you should check with the building codes in your area to make sure the type of arrangement you have planned is permitted on your property. You may have to obtain certain permits or alter your renovations according to the codes. Obtain the necessary permits before you begin construction to prevent last-minute alterations to your plans.

Adding separate living quarters to your home can be lucrative and enjoyable. Your home's resale value will go up, you will be able to make extra income through renting the space, and you will be able to invite relatives and friends to stay with you for an extended period of time.

Check out Reply! to get more advice on how to go about renovating separate living spaces in your home or to learn how to hire a contractor to help you with remodeling. Manage your home life better and add worth to your house with home additions.

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