When you're considering whether to add on to your home, it's important to understand the difference between a secondary suite and an in-law suite. Get all the details in this article.
What is a Secondary Suite?
A secondary suite is a self-contained living area within a dwelling unit that has its own entrance and is not connected to the main dwelling unit.
Secondary suites can be an affordable way to upgrade your home and can provide you with more space and privacy or to generate passive income.
What is an In-Law Suite?
An in-law suite is a separate living area within a home that is designed for elderly parents or other relatives. This type of suite typically contains its own bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. In-law suites are not allowed to rent as they usually do not have a separate entrance.
Difference Between a Secondary Suite and In-law Suite.
Self-contained living space within a house or other structure is called a secondary suite, typically with its own entrance. While an in-law suite is a smaller, separate living area within a house or other structure that has been adapted or built for use by an elderly parent or other relatives.
Here are some key differences between these two.
A secondary suite typically has its own entrance, while an in-law suite does not.
A secondary suite often has more than one room, while an in-law suite typically has only one room.
A secondary suite is generally used as permanent living quarters, while an in-law Suite may be used only temporarily (such as when caring for an elderly parent.
The occupants of a secondary Suite are usually not related to the homeowners, while the occupants of an In-Law Suite are typically relatives of the homeowners.
The main difference is that with an in-law suite, you do not need a separate entrance, soundproofing, and independent heating.
Secondary suites are often used as rental units to generate income, while in-law suites are typically reserved for family members.
There may be zoning regulations that dictate whether a secondary suite can be added to a home, whereas an in-law suite generally does not require any special permits.
Secondary suites and in-law suites both can increase the value of a home.
The cost of building a secondary suite can range from $35000 to $50,000+, while the cost of building an in-law suite is usually $25000 to $45000+ since it doesn't require soundproofing, separate furnace and laundry.
Secondary suites are often found in larger homes where there is extra space to convert into an additional living area. In-law suites are more common in smaller homes where there is not as much room to spare.
A secondary suite must meet all local zoning and building code requirements, while an in-law suite have less stringent process to follow.
Alternate uses for separate suites
There are many alternate uses for separate suites other than just housing additional family members.
For example,
A separate suite could also be used as a home gym or studio.
A separate suite could also be used as a guest bedroom.
A separate suite could also be used as Guest quarters.
A separate suite could also be used as a home cinema.
A separate suite could also be used as a home office.
Which Suite Is Right for Me?
There are numerous factors to consider when deciding which type of suite is right for you and your family. If you have an in-law or extended family member who needs a place to live, an in-law suite may be the best option.
As we mentioned above, a Secondary suite is a self-contained unit within a larger home with its own private entrance and kitchen facilities. On the other hand, an in-law suite is typically located within the main living area of a home and shares at least one common wall with the rest of the house. In-law suites are often smaller than secondary suites and usually don't have their own private entrance.
So, when deciding which type of unit is right for you, keep in mind all the above-mentioned factors. If you're looking to rent out a unit for income purposes, a secondary suite is your best option, as it will provide more privacy for tenants and generate higher rental rates. However, if you're simply looking to provide housing for extended family members or friends, an in-law suite may be more suitable.
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