Many homeowners are making space for their aging parents so that they can be close by at all times. Consider building an in-law suite in your home if you’re in a similar situation. Even if your parent doesn’t move in for another year, their suite will be ready and waiting if we start now. An in-law suite can be as simple as combining two bedrooms to create a larger space or building an addition onto your home for the extra space.
No matter what you decide to do for space, you may find a small problem when it comes to the kitchen. Are your parents going to want to eat dinner with you and your family every day? Are your parents going to want to prepare meals for themselves to maintain their independence? How are they going to do that if you are all in the same kitchen using the same stove at the same time?
All of these questions can be solved by simply adding a small accessible kitchen to the in-law suite. However, it is not always easy to add a kitchen in an odd area in the home. Many towns and cities have rules in place that state that homes with two kitchens are no longer a single-family residence and that can cause a problem. Kitchenettes are more code-friendly because they do not incorporate everything into the space like a regular kitchen does.
Here are 5 ways to add a kitchen to your in-law suite:
- Install a small section of cabinets to hold a few dishes and non-perishable foods.
- Install a small countertop on top of the cabinets to make meal prep easier.
- A sink is allowed in a kitchenette and this will allow your parents to wash their hands and their dishes in their own space.
- A small refrigerator is perfect for in-law suites and they can hold quite a bit. This type of refrigerator will not be able to hold all of their groceries for the week, but it can hold some drinks and fresh fruits and vegetables at the least.
- Stoves and ovens may not be allowed, but a microwave is. Your parents can use the microwave to heat up food that they want to eat.
By including a small kitchen space in the in-law suite that you are creating, you are ensuring that your parents can still be independent and have their own space when it comes to mealtimes. This does not mean that they cannot join you for meals or use the other kitchen space in the house. It does allow them to choose when they want to join the hustle and bustle of a busy family.
Give us a call at 505-991-0063 if you’re interested in remodeling some area of your home to create an in-law suite. We can also discuss the possibility of adding an entirely new area to your home or a small in-law cottage on the property so your aging parents are truly independent while nearby so you can check in more easily.