3 Common Mistakes When Building an In-Law Suite in Southeastern PA and How to Avoid Them

Ready to add an in-law suite to your home in West Chester or anywhere in the Philly suburbs? An in-law suite typically includes everything needed to live comfortably and independently, like a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and living space. Your parents or in-laws will probably spend a lot of time in the space, so it’s important to get the details right.

At COCOON, we’ll always have your back. With our simple, 3-stage remodeling process, we can help you design an in-law suite that meets you and your loved ones’ needs, and then we’ll bring it to life.

First, it’s great to be aware of common mistakes homeowners make with in-law suite additions. That way, you know the “why” behind our recommendations as we guide you through our process!

Here are a few potential pitfalls, and how we’ll help you avoid them:

1. Overlooking the Importance of Ventilation and Natural Lighting

Good ventilation involves sending stale air out, bringing fresh air in and circulating it throughout a space. It will keep your in-law suite from feeling stuffy while also helping control humidity. Meanwhile, natural light makes a space brighter and a lot more cozy. Placing windows strategically to increase airflow and natural light is a key part of designing any home addition, including a comfortable in-law suite.

Still, homeowners don’t always prioritize strategic window placement, and they might think their existing HVAC system is enough to keep an in-law suite comfortable. It can be tricky to determine exactly what’s needed and where, but there’s no need to figure out those details on your own. At COCOON, we’ll help you design a space that’s comfortable, beautiful and functional with the right amount of ventilation and natural light; even if it takes thinking outside the box.

2. Underestimating the Impact of an Outdoor Space

Does your mother-in-law love to garden? Or maybe your dad is a grilling master? Why not connect their suite to an inviting outdoor space?

Homeowners tend to focus only on the interior when designing in-law suites and forget that the outdoors has a lot of potential, too. Adding a private outdoor living area with easy access from your in-law suite can give mom or dad some breathing room and help them keep a strong sense of independence. A well-designed outdoor space can also boost your home’s overall charm.

We love tailoring spaces to our clients’ needs, and we are happy to help you envision an in-law suite with a beautiful and accessible outdoor area. We’ll take care of all the permitting and zoning requirements, so you can enjoy a simple and exciting remodeling experience.

3. Neglecting Storage in the Design

Adding an in-law suite to your home is pretty exciting. So much so that you might forget about storage. Or maybe it’s hard to picture how to incorporate storage space into the suite’s square footage. Making sure you have enough storage is important to keeping your in-law suite — and other parts of your home — organized and clutter-free.

Whether your in-laws are avid knick-knack collectors or simply have a lot of stuff, we can make it work for everyone. We will thoughtfully integrate storage solutions into the three potential layouts we create based on your family’s unique needs and preferences.

Meet COCOON: A Different Kind of Home Remodeling Company Near You

Building an in-law suite is the beginning of a new chapter. It’s an exciting one for sure, but it also involves some decision-making. At COCOON, we work to simplify the experience and make it personal and uplifting, guiding you through every step of your remodel.

If you need an in-law suite or other type of home remodel in the Philadelphia suburbs, including West Chester, Phoenixville and Bucks County, we’re ready to serve you! For over a decade, we’ve been helping homeowners throughout the Philly suburbs transform their homes into spaces they truly love. Contact us to begin the conversation today.