My post last week, “3 Varieties of In-Law Houses in Glen Ellyn” caught the attention of a couple of gentlemen interested in in-law homes. As a result, on Saturday I started looking for a home in Chicago or adjacent suburbs for a gentleman named Atif, his wife and both sets of parents. They’re looking for a 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with 3 of the bedrooms on separate floors each with its own bathroom.
Another gentleman, Dan, emailed me just today with the following questions. For simplicity I’m going to refer to both families with an in-law(s) and families with an adult child(ren) as extended families.
“Can you tell me if you come across many properties that can truly accommodate an elderly parent or adult child and provide enough privacy and independence so it does not seem like they are living in the same home?” That’s tough to answer since what may be enough privacy and independence for one extended family may not be nearly enough for another extended family. Some extended families may be content being on opposite sides of a home, while others need to be on separate floors such as the gentleman’s family mentioned above. Others may require separate entrances or separate cooking facilities. The more privacy and independence desired, the fewer the choices, but there are such homes. Currrently, I’m looking for a house with an in-law arrangement that includes a second kitchen and private entrance for a family in the northwest suburbs. There are a number of such homes. The challenge is finding a house that meets all of their other requirements.
“Do any have a separate entrance?” Yes. Some have another door at the other end of the house or a walkout basement that provides another entrance.
“Are they normally rented out to a family member?” Some extended families buy homes together. In other cases, one family member buys the home. I’ve never asked such clients about their private financial arrangements.
“Also, do you know if any builders are building new construction like this?” Many new large homes in the $1M+ price range come with in-law quarters. In the under $1M price range the only one I’m currently aware of is S&S Home Builders which has a new townhouse development in West Rogers Park with an option to convert the family room in the lower level to an in-law suite.
“If I were to build a new home like this, are there any city ordinances in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Naperville that govern this type of construction?” I’m not an expert on building codes. I recommend you contact the building department of each town.
Great questions, Dan! If you have real estate questions or need help finding an in-law home or any other kind of home, contact me!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fran Bailey shows, previews and tracks downtown Chicago homes for sale giving her the insights needed to help her clients negotiate the best price and terms. Fran has been quoted in numerous Chicago and national publications. To schedule showings of listings regardless of broker or to contact Fran email her at fran.bailey@bairdwarner.com or call 773.793.4516. Learn More
Fran Bailey, Realtor
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I live in a home that was custom built my me and my father in 1996. It’s a beautiful home located in Montgomery, IL, just outside of Aurora and in Oswego School Districts. It was built with a complete 2 bedroom apartment above the 3rd car garage, full bath, living room, laundry room and full eat-in kitchen with a walk out deck that has steps leading down to the back yard. Privacy was the main consideration when building this property. Seperate hot water and furnace. From outside the house appears as just one big house. No indications of having in-law living space. Property sits on about 3/4 acre. Main home is approx. 2200 sq. ft. with complete finished basement. 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath. My father passed away 2 years ago and now it is just my mother living in the apartment. We are looking to downsize as this is more house than we need, plus my mother doesn’t like being alone up there anymore. If interested, please contact me and I’ll be happy to provide more detail and images. This home is not on the market yet.