There’s nothing like spending quality time with loved ones. But when friends and family come to stay at your place, do you find yourself wishing for a little extra space? If the answer is yes, it’s time to consider adding a guest house!
Unlike traditional home additions, these buildings stand separately from your main house. They’re typically fully-functional residences with bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, living spaces, and even extra storage.
A guest house can expand your living space and make your family’s home a place guests love to visit. Hamilton Homes specializes in custom homebuilding and additions, and we love working with clients to add these flexible spaces to their property.
Still not sure if your family could really use a guest house? Here are some of the biggest reasons we recommend them to our clients:
A place for friends and family to stay
As the name implies, one of the best benefits of having a guest house is the ability to give your guests a comfortable place to stay when they visit. Guests have privacy and their own space to relax, whether they’re staying one night or several.
These secondary houses are sometimes nicknamed “in-law suites” or “granny flats,” because they’re a great solution for multi-generational living. Families with elderly relatives or those with in-home help, like nannies, find the extra space makes it easier for everyone to live comfortably long-term.
An extension of your main house
When family and friends aren’t visiting, the space becomes an extension of your main house. Use it for family movie nights, kids’ parties, or even off-season storage.
A guest house can be a perfect hobby space, too. Lots of pastimes, whether it’s painting or working out, require equipment and a place to keep everything. Don’t be afraid to turn it into a place you go to escape and unwind.
An opportunity for extra income
A guest house can make a great short- or long-term rental unit. Consider listing the space on sites like Airbnb or VRBO for some extra income when you’re not using it yourself. Even if you don’t live in a vacation hotspot, rentals are popular for people traveling for work, medical care, and more.
When the secondary house is on the same property as your primary home, turning it into a short-term rental is simple. It’s easy to access when it’s time to prepare it for new guests, and you’re available if issues arise during a guest’s stay. At the same time, it’s separate from your house so your daily routine isn’t disrupted.
A way to increase property value
Finally, don’t overlook the increased value that a finished guest house can add. Now more than ever, buyers are seeking flexible spaces for their work, hobbies, and diverse families. Future owners may enjoy using a guest house for many of the same reasons you do.
Adding a guest house: where to start
A guest house might be significantly smaller than your main house, but it’s still a big project that requires careful planning. At Hamilton Homes, we specialize in custom solutions for homes of all sizes and we’re here to make your idea a reality.
Every municipality has its own building codes and real estate laws for secondary structures. If you’re curious about building a guest house on your property, we can help you access relevant building codes in your city and collect the necessary documentation for permitting.
We work closely with you to capture your vision and create a guest house that meets your family’s needs — now and in the future. Throughout the design-build process, we’re with you every step of the way.
Contact us to start your guest house project today.
