How to Create the Perfect in Law Space

It seems like more and more of us are starting to take on watching out for our aging parents. Although, we have seen this in the past, it is starting to be come much more of a common discussion among our clients and in my networking groups.


Here at Almar we are just finishing an in-law addition project in Scituate, and talking to a couple of other potential clients about how we can help them with their project. So I thought this might be a great time to look back at this project and list out some tips and suggestions on what to consider when you are trying to decide if home is the right place for you or your parents, or if moving in with your adult children is a better fit.

When designing a safe and healthy space for yourself or aging parents you should always consult with a Remodeler who has earned the National Home Builders Association designation of Certified in Aging in Place Specialist. These contractors have achieved this recognition within the industry through coursework that teaches about design and accessibility for the aging adult. They are best suited to make you home, safe, functional and attractive.

Right now we (Almar) are in the process of doing the final punch-list on an in-law addition in Scituate that we started in the fall when it became apparent to the homeowners that it was probably time to make a change with mom’s living situation.

Mom is in her early 80’s, still drives, and is active, and living in the house where she raised her kids. Some of those kids still live on the South Shore and others are in different parts of the country. The kids on the South Shore have been driving back and forth to the Cape several times a week to check on mom, help her with the house, shopping, etc... Mom doesn’t need a nursing home and she doesn’t want to be in assisted living but it’s getting a little harder for her to be on her own, especially in the winter.

The solution...Mom will sell her house and Almar Building and Remodeling will design and build an in-law addition on her son/daughters home so that Mom and still be on her own but have people around all the time incase she needs something.

Here’s where the fun part started. We met with Mom and kids and talked about the basic size, structure and budget. We talked about what she likes and doesn’t like about her existing home. What her lifestyle is like now, and what she would like it to be after the move. What items does she defiantly want to bring with her from the old house. What medical or physical restrictions does she have now, and do we foresee in the future.

Then we designed the base addition and customized it based on the budget and lifestyle requirements, all while keeping the design matching the integrity of the existing house.

Here are just a few items for you to consider that we always suggest when creating a separate in-law space:

1. Functional kitchen space.

Mom/Dad will want to cook and be independent. This also helps the resale factor later.

a. Pull out shelves for the most commonly used items.
b. Closet organizers
c. Cook top with easy to reach controls
d. Lazy Susans for deep or corner units.
e. Rounded edge countertops.
f. Cabinet pulls with D-shaped handles.

2. Grab bars. Even if they don’t need or want them now they will. So we always plan for blocking the walls for later installation even if we don’t install the bars right now.

3. Separate entrance from the main house.

4. Make sure the style and quality level matches the main house.

5. Doors and hallways should be wide enough to accommodate walkers or wheel chairs if they need them at some later date.

6. Stairs and boundaries should be kept to a minimum.

7. Lighting is extremely important, both natural light and extra task lighting.

8. Smooth floors (example hardwood)

9. Take special consideration in planning the bathroom.

a. Tubs/showers with seats in them
b. Rounded edges on counters
c. Grab bars near bath and toilet
d. Handheld showerhead.
e. Elevated toilet seat


Above all it is important that parent and child have an open and honest dialogue with what wants, needs and expectations. Transition can be an exciting thing. And Almar is pleased to have helped many families over the years work together to keep people at home as long as possible whether is was through an addition, basement renovation, or just making basic changes in the main house.


Almar is a full service remodeling company that has been serving the SouthShore since 1959. Almar's office is located at 1130 Washington St on Rt. 53 in Hanover. For more information please call 781-826-2577 or email us at mailto:atAlmar@AlmarBuilding.com or visit the Almar website at http://www.almarbuilding.com/