For most of our lives, our parents took care of us. However, there may come a point when we are required to take care of our parents. If you are married, you may be obligated to help take care of your spouse’s parents as well. Let’s take a look at some strategies to finish your basement in time for the in-laws to move in with you.
Figure Out What the Space Needs To Be Functional
Depending on how the rest of the house is configured, it may be necessary to give the basement its own bathroom, bedroom and living space. It may also be necessary to make a kitchen space or some other area where they can eat or cook simple meals. If your in-laws have trouble walking or getting up and down stairs, they may also need their own private entrance at ground level. Alternatively, it may be possible to put in an electric chair lift to help them navigate.
Decide If You Will Do the Work Yourself
If your in-laws are coming in a short period of time, you may want to have a contractor do the work for you. Although it will cost more money, the job may be done in a matter of days, and you can feel good that it will be done right. If your in-laws aren’t planning on coming for a few weeks or months, you may be able to do the work yourself if you feel comfortable enough to take on the job.
In most situations, you will do some of the work while outsourcing the rest to a contractor. If you do decide to use a contractor, be sure to get multiple quotes and to ask about financing. You should also ask for testimonials or references before hiring a professional to make sure that you aren’t paying for substandard work as that could directly impact the health and safety of your loved ones.
One project that may be best left to a contractor is installing a tile floor. Companies, like Metro Tile that installs tile in Utah, may be able to come to your home, install the floor and then clean up any mess that is made. This may be preferable to having to take a day off of work to do the job yourself.
Make Sure That Each Side Has Privacy
It is important that your in-laws feel as if they have enough privacy while living in their basement apartment. Unless they need your help for something, the people living with you are adults who appreciate their ability to retain an independent life. To create barriers between the upstairs and downstairs of the house, it may be a good idea to add soundproof materials in the ceiling. This may allow your in-laws to sleep better at night even if your baby starts to cry or your teenager is playing video games at midnight.
It may also be a good idea to add locks on any doors that lead to and from the basement. This ensures that no one can get in without permission. If you have children, make sure that they understand that they aren’t allowed to just walk in on grandma or grandpa. Creating boundaries may allow everyone to live together peacefully without having to interrupt their lives or change their lifestyles in any way.
Having your in-laws move into your home may not be the horror story that some make it out to be. However, it may still take time to get everyone adjusted to the fact that there are multiple generations living up the same roof. By creating a basement apartment for your long-term guests, it can give everyone enough space to live comfortably.