In-Law Suites (Asheville: apartments, how much, house)

[EDBMom]

Since most homes in NC don't have basements, what do most people do if they'd like an in-law suite? Do they build an addition to the house or put up a small or modular house in the backyard (if you have a lot that's large enough)?

[Asheville Native]

They don't? Then what the heck is that under my house?

[Bethanytedder]

I have seen both attached and detached arrangements like that. The detached one look like they are small apartments with maybe a bedroom, kitchen and dining nook, a living room and a bathroom. The others that are attached are on the same size level, probably no more that 1000 square feet, but are either on the back of the house or the side with a separate entrance. I don't recall the last time I saw a true to life basement around here. Personally if this was an issue for me I would like the in-law suite attached with a separate entrance but possibly an entrance into the separate suite from the main house incase of an emergency. There are probably some builders that can help you with this. As the US life expectancy increases, this is surely going to be an issue for a lot of baby boomers like myself. My mother is nearing 88 but she lives about 1/2 mile from me. My sister stays with her a lot and then the rest of time we cook and check in on here. But I don't know how much longer we are going to be able to leave her there alone although right now she is completely able to take care of herself and still drives. Good luck finding what you are looking for.

[Desdemona123]

Originally Posted by EDBMom

Since most homes in NC don't have basements, what do most people do if they'd like an in-law suite? Do they build an addition to the house or put up a small or modular house in the backyard (if you have a lot that's large enough)?

You won't find full basements much (especially around the Triangle) but you do find daylight or walk-out basements. Neighbors of mine have turned theirs into an in-law suite.

I've also seen a detached garage converted into one.

[Desdemona123]

Originally Posted by Asheville Native

They don't? Then what the heck is that under my house?

Maybe the Asheville area is different...but in my area, it's rare to have a true basement....and even daylight basements aren't all that common either.