Are you thinking about expanding your home to include a guest house, and maybe ditching the guest bedroom? You’ll have an extra room in your house to use for whatever you want. You’ll also get your privacy when guests are over and be able to use that guest house as an extra home office or hobby space when they aren’t. For the most part, a luxurious guest house project has the potential to add both value and versatility to your property.
Before getting started, there are some things that you’re going to want to keep in mind.
Why choose a guest house instead of a guest bedroom?
Let’s explore why having a guest house is often a better choice than adding a guest bedroom.
So, for starters, a guest house offers your visitors (and you) a higher degree of privacy and independence. They can come and go as they please without feeling like they’re intruding on your family’s routine. This setup also works well for long-term stays, where guests might appreciate having their own kitchen, bathroom, and living space (and can be ideal for aging parents or grown children who visit frequently, too).
A guest house can serve multiple purposes. When you don’t have visitors, it can function as a home office, an art studio, or even an AirBnB rental property to generate some extra income. (Yes, this one depends heavily on where you live). But overall, this flexibility makes a guest house a more versatile investment than a simple guest bedroom.
But isn’t a guest house going to be expensive?
One common misconception is that guest houses are a luxury that only the wealthy can afford. While luxurious guest houses are more common on expensive properties, it doesn’t necessarily mean that only the rich can build them. Now, it’s totally understandable why you might think this is the case, as a guest house isn’t inexpensive.
For some, building a guest house may be less expensive and more convenient than moving to a property that has enough space for guests or finding a property that has a guest suite with privacy built-in as its own wing or section of a home. And by renting the guest home to vacationers, you will have a faster return on the investment than if you waited to sell the property.
There are options for creating a guest house.
Many cost-effective ways exist to create a functional and luxurious guest house without breaking the bank. Two great examples are buying a small prefab garden house or log cabin. Neither are a shed but could be used as one.
Now, most people think of prefab or modular homes as teeny-tiny homes or trailers, but in reality, they come in a variety of different styles and sizes. The same can be said for small garden log cabins—there’s just a big variety. But overall, it’s about choosing what you like, looks good, and, of course, is affordable.
Navigate zoning laws and permits.
Before you start building or even putting a pre-fab guest house onto your property, it’s crucial to check your local zoning laws and regulations. Some areas have restrictions on the size, placement, and use of guest houses, while others may require specific permits for phases of construction. It can be tricky the first time you build something, so it’s best to just consult with your local planning department to understand what is allowed and what approvals you need to obtain before you start to make plans. This step can save you time and money by ensuring your project’s design is compliant.
Plan for long-term maintenance.
When planning your guest house, consider the long-term maintenance and upkeep that will be required. It’s best to choose durable materials that will stand up to wear and tear. For example, when it comes to flooring, options like tile, vinyl plank, or laminate are easy to clean and maintain. In the bathroom and kitchen, opt for fixtures and appliances that are known for their reliability and ease of maintenance.
But is that all? Well, you need to establish a regular cleaning routine to keep the guest house in top shape. Even if no one is going in there, it’s still going to get dirty (mostly due to dust). It’s best to have a periodic check and cleaning to prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
Don’t forget about the design.
While yes, technically, just having a guest house is luxurious. Still, you still need to design it in order to achieve the goal luxurious appearance. So, what does this mean? Well, it’s just about the exterior and interior design. If you already have a guest bedroom, chances are high that you can still plan to use that furniture and decor for your guest house. (It’s a good idea as this is more eco-friendly, and this saves some money).
When it comes to designing your guest house, start by considering the layout. Think about what your guests will need during their stay. A comfortable bedroom and a clean, functional bathroom are must-haves. A cozy robe, slippers, and a plush blanket can elevate any guest space. Adding a few plants and dimmable lighting also helps create a luxe vibe. It’s like a hotel room (in a way).
Depending on the space, you might even want to consider adding a small kitchenette with a coffee maker, which can make a huge difference. A tiny countertop with a sink and a small oven or cooktop is all most guests need so they can prepare their own meals and snacks. If space allows, maybe add a couch or an oversized chair. Usually, the couch and bed are the two biggest pieces of furniture, so you might want to plan around those items when you consider the overall floorplan for your luxurious guest house, too.
