Should I Build a Mother-in-Law Suite in East Atlanta?

If you've been thinking about adding more space to your East Atlanta home, you've probably heard the term mother-in-law suite pop up once or twice. But what exactly is it, and is it really worth building one in your own backyard? 

At SmartSpaces ADUs, we think the answer is often a big, resounding yes, and in today's blog, we're going to explain why by detailing the benefits of a mother-in-law suite. We've also discussed a few mother-in-law suite design ideas, including a look at some popular floor plans. 

1. What Is a Mother-in-Law Suite?
2. Benefits for East Atlanta Homeowners
3. Popular Floor Plans
4. FAQs
5. Why Choose SmartSpaces ADUs

What Is a Mother-in-Law Suite?

Should I build a mother-in-law suite? If this is a question that has been on your mind lately, it might be time to sit down with the idea and decide. However, before you can do that, you may want to learn more about what this type of ADU represents. 

Basically, a mother-in-law suite is a self-contained living space that you build on your property to give your mother-in-law – or another tenant – an independent living space. Most people considering this type of East Atlanta home expansion for in-laws are doing it to provide a relative with a safe, private, comfortable space. 

These mother-in-law suite amenities typically include a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette, and some even feature a living room and a separate entrance. You can think of these ADUs as a "tiny home" with all the essentials, right in your backyard.

Why East Atlanta Homeowners Are Considering Them

In recent years, an increasing number of East Atlanta families have been drawn to the idea of building a mother-in-law suite, but why? Below, we've shared a few of the benefits to show you why these ADUs are gaining popularity. 

Multi-generational Living, Simplified

Multi-generational living in East Atlanta is becoming more common than you might think. A driving force behind this move is that having parents, in-laws, or even grown children nearby makes life easier. Everyone gets privacy while staying close enough for Sunday dinners, grandkids' soccer games, or just peace of mind knowing help is right there if needed.

A Flexible Space That Grows With You

Today, it might be for your mom. In five years, it could be your college student's crash pad. Down the line, it might become a rental apartment that helps offset your mortgage. When you invest in a mother-in-law suite, you're creating a safe, flexible space that can easily adapt to meet your changing needs. 

Adding Property Value

Take it from us, a leader in the space: ADUs, like mother-in-law suites, are in high demand in Atlanta, GA. With the market continuing to grow in East Atlanta, adding onto your property is one of the smartest moves you can make for resale. 

If you ever decide to sell your property, buyers appreciate the flexibility and ADU provides and are more likely to consider your home seriously. Additionally, appraisers are beginning to reflect the value these buildings bring in a property's valuation.

Income Potential

Your mother-in-law suite might not always serve this purpose. With this type of ADU, both short-term and long-term rentals are possibilities. With East Atlanta's rental demand, an in-law suite can quickly become an income-producing asset while still being separate from your main home.

Popular Floor Plans for Mother-in-Law Suites

The best floor plan ultimately depends on your property, your family's needs, and how you intend to utilize the space in the long term. At SmartSpaces ADUs, we design a range of layouts that hit the sweet spot between cozy and complete. 

Below are a few mother-in-law suite options in East Atlanta that may suit your family's needs. You can have a look and then speak to us about our mother-in-law suite construction process and how we can help you:

The Compact One-Bedroom

A compact one-bedroom ADU is often perfect for aging parents or short-term rental guests. This layout usually features a combined living and dining area, a kitchenette, and a private bedroom with an attached bath. It might be small, but it is mighty and big enough to meet a single person's living needs.

The Open Studio

A studio-style in-law suite can feel surprisingly spacious. With an open floor plan, lots of natural light, and smart storage, it's ideal for a single occupant who values independence without needing much space or clear-cut room divisions.

The Full Two-Bedroom

For larger families or those requiring longer-term use, a two-bedroom in-law suite will give you more flexibility. This setup typically includes a larger kitchen, a living area, two bedrooms, a spacious bathroom, and sometimes a small outdoor patio. When we design and build it, it's like a mini-house in your backyard. 

Accessible Flexible Designs

We understand that if your suite is for aging parents, accessibility matters. We're talking wider doorways, no-step entries, and walk-in showers, which keep the space safe while still maintaining a stylish look. We can help you design a mother-in-law suite that will allow your aging parent the safety, comfort, privacy, and dignity they deserve to age in place.

Why SmartSpaces ADUs for Your Mother-in-Law Suite Build?

Building a mother-in-law suite is a big decision, but it doesn't have to feel overwhelming. At SmartSpaces ADUs, we're a team of East Atlanta ADU builders who specialize in creating ADUs that solve real problems for homeowners. 

Our experienced and skillful team handles everything from design and permits to construction so that you can focus on the fun part: imagining how you'll use your new space. So contact us here and let's discuss home additions for in-laws. 

FAQs