Adding In-Laws to Your Ottawa Home

One feature some couples look for when buying a home in Ottawa is what is called “An in-law suite”. They might want the suite so that their parents can move in with them as the parents age. Some couples who live far away from the rest of their families might seek out a suite so that their two (or more) sets parents have a private place to stay when they come to visit. In addition to giving parents a place to stay, in-law suites can also generate income for a homeowner.

What to Look for in a Suite

Ideally, the in-law suite will act as its own private space. The suite can have its own private entrance, so that whoever is staying in it can come and go as they wish without disturbing the rest of the household. Other features the suite should have include a full bath and a kitchen.  If the person who stays in the suite doesn’t like to cook or is incapable of cooking, a kitchenette or even just a refrigerator and single burner might suffice.

Location of the Suite

Most in-law suites are attached to the home, though some are in freestanding garage-like buildings. If the house doesn't come with a suite already, you might find that it's easiest to renovate the basement and convert it into a suite. Many basements already have a separate entrance, for one thing. It's also pretty easy to add plumbing in the basement.  However, based upon the mobility of the suite’s intended occupants, a main-floor or bungalow-style suite may be preferable.

Getting a Suite Early On

Purchasing an Ottawa home that already has an in-law suite can save you money down the road. You won't have to worry about renovating your home when it's time to have your parents move in. Plus, you can earn income from the suite by renting it out to a student or other young person in the mean time.

An in-law suite can also act as transitional living situation for an older child. If your child attends college but doesn't live on campus, you can let him or her live in the suite. In that way, they'll be close by, but still be able to have a sense of privacy and independence.

Benefits of Having Your Parents Live With You

As your parents get older, they become less able to care for themselves. If they are still in good health, having them live with you rather than in a retirement community, can save you both a lot of money. Plus, having your parents live with you means that your children get to see their grandparents on a regular basis and you get to spend a lot of quality time with your parents in the latter stages of their lives.

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In-law suites: Purchasing a new home with rental potential

I’ve always found the rise and fall of housing trends inOttawa incredibly interesting. Of course, staying on top of these patterns is also a vital aspect of our career. One surging trend in the Ottawa housing market is the in-law suite – and I believe this one has real staying power

“In-law suite” is the name most commonly given to self-contained apartments within a larger home, whether or not the occupants happen to be in-laws. Family custom is, however, one of the main reasons for the growing popularity of these secondary suites. While there have always been Ottawans who value multi-generational living, their number is steadily increasing as Ottawa continues to receive the most family-related immigration in Canada. For many of our newcomers, living in close proximity to grandparents or extended family is the cultural norm.

The other significant group interested in secondary suites are those who have realized the terrific income potential of such spaces. With its many contract workers and post-secondary students, Ottawa has no shortage of renters. While zoning by-laws make secondary suites a no-no in some jurisdictions, the City of Ottawa (excepting the former Village of Rockcliffe Park) has no such restrictions, as long as by-law conditions are followed.

More often than not, in-law suites are basement apartments, although they’re occasionally located on the second or third floors. They possess private entrances, bathrooms, kitchens and sometimes laundry facilities.

Renovating an existing Ottawa home to accommodate a separate suite can be expensive, and unforeseen complications may arise. The beautiful thing about including a secondary suite when purchasing a new home is that you can have everything built to your specifications, rather than being limited by the existing structure. Some builders make a specialty of in-law suite homes, with a portfolio of available plans, but others are happy to alter standard plans for a fee.

A few things to consider:

•             Basement apartments aren’t noted for their great natural light. Invest in great lighting, making good use of pot lights. Where possible, install larger-than-typical windows.

•             Include a bathtub in the bathroom to appeal to as many tenants as possible.

•             Features such as a double driveway, soundproofing panels and separate gas and electrical meters can make everyone’s lives easier.

With a thoughtfully designed suite, the income – or the in-laws – will be sure to roll in to your Ottawa Home!

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