3rd Floor Mother-in-Law Units (& Other Oxymorons)

“Location, Location, Location” (Again)

With assisted living costs soaring, more families are looking for homes that can accommodate one (or more) older parents.

Which is prompting at least some multi-generation Buyers to seek out homes with what Realtors call “Mother-in-law” units:  self-contained living quarters — under the same roof — that typically include a (nicer) Bedroom and full Bath, a 2nd Kitchen, and sometimes even a private entrance.

I’m working with such a client now, and unfortunately, the MLS listings touting such second units don’t measure up.

Stairway to Heaven

The biggest shortcoming?

A basement or 3rd floor location that requires the elderly relative(s) to navigate one (or more) sets of stairs.

Even when the second unit is on the first floor, it is often too far removed from the front door or garage — again exacerbating mobility issues.

Other problems:  less than state-of-the art Kitchens (more like glorified wet bars), and Baths that need (serious) updating.

None of which is to say that such spaces aren’t useful or don’t have potential.

But, they’re more suited to a home office or teenage kids than older parents.

P.S.:  I wouldn’t call it a trend — they’re still VERY expensive — but I’m seeing more (upper bracket) homes with elevators.

Suffice to say, it’s easier to include that in new construction than to retrofit an existing home.