Turning a garage into an in-law unit as empty nest alternative

Stacy Lince’s family of four and her widowed mother, Lee Reich, were paying a collective $4,000 per month (and rising) to rent their separate homes in Santa Rosa, California. Deciding to pool their resources, they bought a modest home with a detached garage that they could convert into a home for grandma.
When they started the project, the city fees were nearly a dealbreaker at $25,000, but a local tragedy intervened. When the Tubbs fire destroyed 5,000 homes in the area, the city radically cut fees for secondary units and the Stacy and her mom were now looking at only about $5,000 in fees.
The 380-square-foot converted home is less than a fifth the size of the home Reich had shared with her husband, but she loves the cozy space, likening it to “a hug”. She managed to carve out a bedroom and spacious bathroom, separated by a sliding door from the living room and kitchen.
After significantly downsizing her possessions (largely by giving away books and her king-sized bed), Reich says she now fits easily into her custom-designed space. The home lacks only a dishwasher (Reich says she is happy hand-washing the same bowl and cup every day) and a washing machine (there is a shared washer/dried unit in a shed behind the main house).

[@prabhjotkaur7129]

This lady is a mother in law of dreams. As an Asian, I've never in my entire existence seen a MIL this respectful of boundaries. I so wish someday I'll get a similar MIL and if not, then at least I can become like her when the time comes.

[@judymckee5992]

Fairy7 princess, I have been telling my friends to do just that. I bought in the auction, a house with a huge garage. Turned the garage into a 2 + 2 , furnished it and rent out. Many people are looking for fully furnished space. Initially, I wanted to stay in the garage and let my son and daughter in law stays in the main home. Never know , perhaps in the future.

[@2011liya]

Also as a Asian, I would say if I let my MIL live inside the garage( regardless how well it has been renovated), she and her whole family are going to accuse me abusing her and might try to snap on my face.

[@Deemce]

You can be a respectful and kind mother in law if that’s your goal. My mother is love by all her daughters/sons in law and they have great relationships. Unfortunately I don’t have a nice MIL 😞 but I forgive her as she didn’t have a nice upbringing so she’s bitter and not very helpful. I promise to myself to be nice, kind and respectful to my future son/daughter in-laws and I know it’s possible.

[@prabhjotkaur7129]

@@2011liya Oh yes, so true. I can't imagine the direct and indirect taunts I'll receive if I dared do something like that. But the double standard is, no one cares or will care about my parent's well being, they should survive on their own in old age (because having something between your legs equals to important parents in my culture).

[@2011liya]

princess But world are changed right? If a man can't do the same thing for my parents that he expected me do for his, then I should have the right to refuse! Anyways, personally I use one and only one standard to deal this situation. I do what you can do, and I refuse what you refuse!

[@menufrog]

The builder/contractor really went the extra mile! What a thoughtful man 😄

[@signalfire6]

All housing should be planned with 'aging in place' or injuries/recovering from surgery considered. All pathways should be wide enough for a walker and wheelchair. Showers should be low or no threshold. Sooner or later, you'll be glad you planned ahead.

[@pngo1818]

It sound like they had a great contractor💜

[@sakinabivins9415]

Exactly. I would like the contractor's contact information!

[@laken1804]

I agree.

[@ecclairmayo4153]

I want one like that!

[@ecclairmayo4153]

@Vincent T. - Americans used to do this. But builders stopped building homes with an in law suite. That's why the only houses you see now with one are older

[@opalfishsparklequasar8663]

@Vincent T. Not true

[@CindymeCindy]

Not to be morbid, but when grandma is gone someday, that apartment becomes a retirement income for Stacy as an AirBnB. Incredible investment. I also love that grandma is being revered, respected and taken care of, and grandma is even helping her kids by having helped to pay for the apartment.

[@rneustel388]

Cindy Maybe by that time one of the kids is old enough and wants to pay some rent for space of their own.

[@mikeelek9713]

I would just get a renter rather than have your "loser of the week" show up and trash the place. Or one of the kids could move in.

[@angelajim428]

It's exactly what I thought jejejej

[@Saturn57]

@darlingUSA1 I don't think it's morbid either. The mother in law said this way she could see what she would've left for them (i,e money) working out for them. She's very practical. I want to be her when I'm older 😊

[@sabrinan4792]

Airbnb more work than having a good renter. More income with a renter in the long run.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Very creative and family friendly. Love the respect they have for each other.

[@handymack5324]

This is what we should do for our aged parents instead of dumping them in nursing homes.

[@TourPace]

I wish, but not feasible for many of us. People only go to nursing homes or assisted living when they need that level of care. My dad needs an attendant all the time & we both work. Trust me, we'd rather not spend $100k per year to keep him in assisted living.

[@handymack5324]

TourPace64 your choice is fully comprehensible. May god bless you and your dad to live the best of your life

[@saureah]

Let everyone decide for themselves

[@shawnwales696]

They do this quite a lot in the Northwest, not necessarily with a garage conversion, more usually with a shed to house conversion. They call them granny flats up in Washington state.

[@cazpk6840]

or leaving them homeless

[@KungFuChess]

This is a very normal living arrangement in many parts of the world.

[@cathhl2440]

True true... but also being eroded and threatened. Sigh...

[@ausboy2281]

JRRnotTolkien that recession started before Obama even took office what are you on about 😂

[@maggiemae7749]

It was in the usa until ww2

[@wendyweaver8749]

JRRnotTolkien - Jobs were lost and businesses closed due to the Great Recession that began in 2007 under Bush. It was the Obama administration that pushed laws that helped people save their homes, it was the Obama administration that subsidized COBRA health insurance premiums and it was the Obama administration that jump-started the exit from the recession for businesses and individuals. We are still living with the increased trajectory (employment, stock market, business growth) begun under Obama.

[@cheatahmame6663]

JRRnotTolkien Did you just make that up?? You really need to change the news channel. Fox has you in la la land, not America.

[@elizabethtrainer9732]

I own 2 homes, but would give them both up in a heartbeat if my daughter would agree to do this in either direction...family is everything.

[@suesheification]

You don't need two homes. Sell one significantly under market for someone who needs it

[@gloriahanes6490]

My daughter is realizing how important family is now Covid-19 pandemic has kept us (all) shut-ins.

[@elizabethtrainer9732]

@@gloriahanes6490 So very true.

[@elizabethtrainer9732]

@@suesheification I worked very hard for my second home, in order to be closer to my family, and you think I should essentially purchase another home for someone else? I would wager a lot of money that you would NOT do the same.

[@pamellasmith2503]

So true , I have 3 children, my son was only one that wanted to be there for me , unfortunately I lost him , the 2 daughters have no intention of being there

[@tesscot]

This is how it should be. And as it gets worse in our country, more people will need to do this. This video tour may inspire others to save themselves this way.

[@nmikloiche]

In the 1960s when my parents married they decided to buy a 2 family home with my Grandparents. I can’t tell you how much my life was enriched having my Grandmother/Grandfather and my Great Grandmother just a few steps away from me, for my entire growing up life. I think multi-generational shared living space is really under estimated. I found that all parties wanted the same things - privacy and boundaries but also community and the comfort of knowing that nobody was left to struggle or fend for themselves.

[@anitafebo4552]

Sounds like my childhood

[@strawberrytart321]

THAT'S HOW IT SHOULD BE...........THE GOVT TOLD FEMALES IN THE 70S THEY WANTED T O GO TO WORK..............

[@michellehunter2993]

This is the way I was raised as well. Never went to day care. My grandmother walked me to school every morning. When I came home from school I had baked bread and cookies on the table that my grandma made. Those were the days and We had it made. .

[@yellowstonekv959]

You are very blessed to have a loving family. ❣

[@estherstrategicadvisor749]

@@strawberrytart321 Women CAN STILL WORK! Read Proverbs 31. In the Old Testament, read up on Deborah the Judge or Lidia the Married Businesswoman in the New Testament, who was a Cloth Merchant. BALANCE is the key. With today's technology it is even easier for WOMEN to work from home and have their gifts utilized, while making a financial contribution.

[@MSKPELLEGRINO]

Love the mom. She seems like a lovely person. And it's a charming home.

[@deliisha123]

That's so sweet of you to do this for your mother in law. I can tell she absolutely loves it, and is very proud of her new digs ! It's also a peace of mind to know you can keep an eye on her more easily, as she grows older and she feels secure in knowing family is close by. Very nice reno!

[@kbdefay]

Sounds like you had a contractor with great, problem solving ideas.

[@JonathanAhrensIsAwesome]

This is a considerate mother-in-law who texts before visiting. Give her a medal

[@yeshuahamashiach1645]

H.. texting 3 times a day 😂

[@CindymeCindy]

I'm not sure, though, why she can't be considered a friend and member of the family who can just enter at will. Neighborhood kids likely can come in and yell "Hi, Mrs L!" but everyone here is so enamored with the fact that the grandmother "knows her place and doesn't disturb". My grandmothers, if they hadn't died in the 60's and 80's would have free reign of my house just like my kids, my kid's friends, my best friends, etc. If there WERE a fight or sex going on on the kitchen sink, she could always bow out gracefully ;) And don't get me started on how men traditionally see the mother-in-law as a problem. They aren't. But men have proven through time to be "bad boys" who do bad things, and so the MIL's attack in defense of their daughters and then men think that MIL's are "bad".

[@JazzymineA]

@@CindymeCindy Everyone has different boundaries. And those boundaries should be respected.

[@aslscott78]

Jonathan Ahrens I wanna marry u!

[@sarahstrong7174]

Very sensible to keep good, polite boundaries. No-one wants to feel others are interfering. Everyone knows that they have to call or text me first, not just turn up. It is only sensible, polite & considerate. That way they do not have a wasted journey & I do not have people turning up when I am just about to wash my greasy hair. They can come a bit later when I am all nice & clean.

[@Sunflower-op2oc]

great set up to live close but separate and nice to respect each other’s privacy by not just walking in unannounced

[@susannaCdonovan23]

This could also be classified in The Tiny House Category. Love that you converted a garage into a nice apartment, with way more privacy for your Mom. Beautiful!

[@SB-000]

As long as they respect each others space this is good for an aging mother. She will be close enough to be cared for or looked after when the time comes.

[@rivermom091188]

Not all Moms are like this one. She seems like a sweet and respectful of her daughters space.

[@eyem4freedom]

Those are unselfish women looking out for each other's needs. Great place!!!

[@clarasuccess]

She is a classy educated considerate mother in law, that's why her daughter in law likes to live closer to her. Smart.

[@yvonneost12]

A bit pompas I thought LOL but at least she does knock on her daughters door , which is the right thing to do , I believe if you don;t live there , you knock ...LOL

[@montrealstars60]

I believe I understood that she's the daughter. She mentions her son-in-law, so pretty sure it's the daughter

[@jdstep97]

Clara McClure - I think that's her mother, _not_ mother-in-law. It's a mother-in-law unit, but for her actual mother.

[@pisangambonfeatAI]

Why dont we ask

[@amethyst1826]

It's mother & daughter.

[@alohaleslie9407]

Aloha! I am a young 72, very active physically, but I can feel some of the limitations coming on. To make a long story short, I relocated to Seattle from Kona, HI due to traumatic life changes. My daughter and her husband have kindly made room for me in their tiny 300 sq. ft. mother-in-law which I have happily decorated and made mine. We are very much separate from one other, which is great for privacy for BOTH of us. But they are close enough where they can keep a distant eye on me, and I can help them with doggie/plant/mail care when they go out of town. I so much agree with some of the comments regarding aging parents. Where are the good ol' days where we looked out for one another. If I got sick or infirm enough, of course, I wouldn't impose myself on them. I'd live in assisted living or have someone come in...whatever. Thanks so much for posting this video. Much needed!!!

[@Clutching.My.Pearls]

First, your contractor is an amazing and thoughtful person!!!! You all made the best of the situation and it's truly beautiful and respectful of each families privacy. Congrats.

[@kaywallace6139]

Totally awesome how they work together in their relationship. Nice apartment for the mother.

[@pandoraeverett5715]

we built one for my mom -she wouldnt prosper in a nursing home and asst living is way above her means, i care for jer 24/7 shes 90

[@BlueButterfly7777]

Not easy to do. I did the same for my Dad for three years 24/7 after Mom died and he was diagnosed with cancer. I had a 16 yr old at the time, too. I'd do it all again if I could have him back.

[@MaryofMayberry]

Blessings to you both!!!!!! It's how we should treat our elders

[@lisathomas2455]

You will have no regrets ... God Bless you🙏❤️

[@yuollox3584]

You are awesome! God bless you!

[@lizc4095]

Inspirational & a Great story! I quit my job to care for my 90yo mom 24/7. I rent though, we're in a one bedroom/one bath + a den & a balcony apt. She has the bedroom & I'm in the den. We're comfortable. The only drawback for us is the tub/shower combo. Apts for seniors are not so easy to rent. So, we work with what we have.

[@TourPace]

I just love this mother in law! I hope she is appreciated. And hats off to the contractor...it really sounds like he was looking out for their best interests!

[@harshitsxxd]

they took care of you when you were a child, now it's your time to take care of them as they are growing old ❤️

[@AngusHenry09]

Exactly !!!

[@susannaCdonovan23]

Harshit Sood She will never regret it. These times with her sweet mother will be with her for a lifetime.

[@susannaCdonovan23]

Abigail Trumbo There's no reason why everyone couldn't accommodate this way. You can also convert a basement area into an apartment with outside entrance.

[@pjj9491]

that's not always true...my mother endendentured me as a child...and smoked 4 packs a day most of her life....not my problem...she was a mean old bitch....it is nice to see family that is respectful of each other...

[@ellisonbuck]

@@pjj9491 sorry that you didn't have a Happy childhood coming up, hope all is well now. Be blessed 🙏😇❣️

[@dianesanchez6781]

So nice! Glad to see this family working the situation out. Life changes and we need to adjust. Bless them all!!!

[@colourwheel5703]

Your home is just lovely. It's nice you can live so close to each other and also respect each other's boundaries.

[@patwilson1257]

This is so awesome. What a blessing to be able to do this, and have your age parent close and living comfortably.

[@Davidlorentzon]

California housing prices are no joke. Glad to see Stacy improvise, adapt and overcome it. It inspires others to also have this kind of solution as well.

[@goodliving2171]

The more income you make, the more tax you pay.

[@rubencohen2936]

For the same amount of money they have invested in that place, I can buy a 3,000 square foot house with a few acres where I live. Absolutely foolish to live in the state of California nonsense.

[@mrs.niludas8941]

Many cultures many customs..in India our parents esp the sons parents stay in the same house or on the top or lower level of houses.

[@АлександрВасильков-з4о]

In Russia I can byu home with a big yard in a far village , for K4$ .....and vill die out boredom...

[@wendyannh]

@@rubencohen2936 And where is that? Do you have the same kinds of amenities and lifestyle people in California have? There are always tradeoffs - and not everyone wants to live in a rural area, which is what you have, by definition, if everyone has several acres or more.

[@gaylewilliams1140]

Congratulations to all of you including the architect and contractors. What a wonderful use of space, beautiful fixtures and tastefully decorated. Everyone considerate of each others' space.

[@Dayesleeper]

Great to see a story like this. The city and county fees in Sonoma county are through the roof. The house I was in prior to moving east is gone from the fires, Lots of my friends have lost homes as well. Nice to see the city lowered fees in the tragedy that hit. Thank you Kirsten for the great videos

[@kathyyoung1774]

Dayesleeper Vote for candidates who promise to lower your taxes, not raise them. You have that power. There is no reason why people should pay $23,000 in fees to convert a garage! A $25 permit is enough in most places. Vote those corrupt officials out!

[@rneustel388]

When we lived in Germany, we saw this everywhere. This is a beautiful, healthy multi-generational family unit.

[@clycoo]

i'm german. this is totally not a thing in Germany. what are you talking about?

[@withyoctopus]

I've never seen that arrangement in 35 years of living in Germany.

[@rneustel388]

I guess what I meant wasn’t that specific arrangement, but we had several German friends that were either living with parents or the parents were living with them. They all told us that wasn’t unusual in Germany because housing was quite expensive.

[@withyoctopus]

@@rneustel388 If people have a big house, they sometimes live on different floors of the same house. Or they get an apartment in the same complex or street. That's not uncommon. But most children move around and then stay where they got a job they want to keep. So, yeah, if living together is what you mean, that's true. Sometimes millennial children built a house in the bigger gardens of Boomer parents. Land has become very expensive.

[@rneustel388]

@@withyoctopus Yes, this was exactly what I meant. I’m sorry it was confusing. 😉

[@Kate42]

It's so lovely to see a family that works together to take care of all of their family members. We need more of that these days. Too many families don't have that concern these days. This is really a very special setup for her mother in law and all of the family members. They're close enough to help each other out and yet far enough away to have their own private lives. And financially everyone wins. This is just wonderfully perfect!

[@cherriemckinstry131]

I agree.. id love to offer some extra bedrooms for apartments to other seniors and nice person.. a win win for me and them.. plus company.

[@aaronbueno1653]

This is typical filipino families and sometimes it is annoying. Sometimes they would ask you when are you getting married? Or when are you going to have a child?

[@cherriemckinstry131]

@@aaronbueno1653 i guess everyine has their comfort level but wjen you get older isnt it nice to think someone cares and your not disposable.

[@simplyk8zin808]

Cherrie Mckinstry yes I agree with you

[@cherriemckinstry131]

@@simplyk8zin808 People caring once again.

[@larrytowe6672]

Wow you guys did an absolutely beautiful job. Perfect one bedroom apartment, totally has everything she needs. great job

[@Fireonmyaltsrneverburnout]

I love it!!!! Great job. And wonderful help for your mama. You are a blessed daughter and wonderful. And she gets the #1 Best Mother in Law award. Wow!!!

[@xradelox]

That’s also a great rental property as well! I just wish there were more rental options like that in my area. For a single person with no kids and little to no pets, something that small is perfectly cozy. Easy and quick to clean. And they did a gorgeous job on it!

[@EDTHEWATERGUY]

This is how you do retirement.

[@laela6289]

E.L.Dorado there’d probably less instances of elderly people being depressed if more did these types of arrangements

[@goodliving2171]

Kæla Brown Also, when one might get old enough to need help or need to be checked up on regularly.

[@lexip396able]

I fully agree

[@justlove5278]

❤❤❤

[@rockstarofredondo]

Kæla Brown Most boomers would refuse to do this though. It’s not extravagant and wasteful enough.

[@artwerksDallas]

It's a good thing to keep your family close but you can live your life as normal without being in each other's way. 👏 Bravo

[@katbrown5084]

We need to go back to multi generation living it worked in the old days.

[@kathyyoung1774]

Kat Brown No single solution works for everybody. Glad this works great for them.

[@constantbees2070]

@@kathyyoung1774 Exactly. My parents are gone now, but they split up when I was a kid. Both of them were so nasty. There's no way I could live with either of them.

[@kathyyoung1774]

I'm so sorry that your parents weren't good ones. You are an excellent example of why not every "solution" works for everybody. Likewise, many snowflakes who still live at home with their parents insist in Comments sections that everybody should live in a tiny house and nobody needs more than 300 sq ft. Not any single solution works for everybody. I hope you are having a much better life now on your own. My best to you!

[@suzukibn1131]

It’s not for everyone in every situation. But this one works!

[@melodymurdock459]

👍

[@mklinger23]

That seems like a nice sized place for one or two people. That seems perfect for me and my girlfriend to live in after college.

[@lowesonia8551]

Charming plenty of room for everyone, not on top of each other. Very Intelligent way to spend money wisely . And keep family together in harmony caring way. Respect for each member is primordial. And Love.

[@sheriturner6118]

I love this!!! This is wisdom for honoring parents and helping children.

[@111-w9d7y]

The mother is very sweet. She has as she says what she needs. She is not a minimalist - but good for her. She is full of life in her cocoon as she puts it. Thanks.

[@sweetcanada17]

There are different levels of minimalism, and she’s definitely in there.

[@garyhicks2011]

What an awesome home! Small, but with everything you would need to be comfortable. Oh, how I would like such a place for myself! CONGRATULATION, LEE!

[@mickimc2883]

This is so cute and so smart! I WISH my parents (in their 70s) would do this. They live in a huge house that is getting hard to take care of. My MIL just moved last Sept into a small one bedroom apartment,(my FIL passed away 10 years ago) she got rid of A LOT . . . and once she was moved, my husband said, "you know what was important to you, because those are the things that are here with you" She is all settled, and LOVES her new place!! LOVES IT!! Also, she is the best MIL someone could ask for!! ;O) And now my husband and I are looking to downsize! We still have kids at home (15 and 18) but we want something smaller and more simple. And I also think, it would be a good thing for families to live "together" that way they can help and take care of each other. Having just turned 50 last year, I wish that was something we would have done a long time ago. Our parents do not live far from us, only 10 minutes, but still, to be able to just walk over and know that everything is ok, of course, knock first. ;O) that is priceless. Congratulations Lee!! Your little home is perfect!! I wish you many MANY happy years there!!

[@elizabethtimothy4776]

Why not discuss it with your parent about downsizing, they might be up for it.

[@pixeltype121]

She sound very grateful and excited for her own space ♥

[@jorijudith]

This is my dream. The family together yet separate. ❤️ Happy for these people.

[@lisagerald4615]

What a fantastic mother in law !!! I am same with my child stay my distance , no my boundaries and their business is theirs not mine! But she is really blessed to have them close by for her safety, and financial assistance helps both !!! Just be good neighbor ms family or not and everyone will always be happy !!! By the way love your home just simply gorgeous!! Take care and enjoy the rest of your happy days !!!

[@reeseyme9613]

ironically that garage have more living space than any million$ apartment in hongkong....

[@prudencecampbell3075]

Reesey Me or nyc.

[@JulieN-v4r]

In New York City my Apartment 1 Bedroom 75 Square feet $3,500, I'm lucky that I haved Space Enough.

[@michelleli2175]

An outdoor parking in middle level can cost you 1m hkd easily

[@constantbees2070]

I live in a converted garage in the UK. It's a pretty normal thing here. I have about 270 sq ft of space - it's basically a studio apartment that overlooks the house's garden. It costs me about $850 all-inclusive. I live in a moderately expensive part of England - certainly not in London!

[@shikhab2250]

Wow kudos to the architect who designed this beautiful place but the mother in law too has great taste how cozy her house looks .. lovely to see how the space turned out to work so well for everyone!!

[@Wundernuss]

She has a very interesting book collection tbh, good to see Herman Hesse in there, along with many. Great family respect.

[@wownewstome6123]

*Bhagavad-Gita per dictionary . com

[@Missemscie]

What a classy MIL. She is well organized and has great taste.

[@minikorsi]

‘I’m living in a hug!” So beautiful!

[@arlenesimmons4422]

More families shoes do this! I mean ,not just in laws, but families in general. Really great relationship and arrangement!

[@PatrickPoet]

Love the mom too. She's talking about _if the young people,_ but she IS the young people. At least that's my perspective. Just sayin'. She's the bomb

[@adelawiley2929]

I can't help but feel the Love of family for circumstances of life that happen to us. This is just an awesome separate living space that you have to accommodate your Mom. Wow you could even later make it into a air BnB...Wow..Just love this..

[@mizmilla731]

I watched this initially to get guest house ideas, but I’ve rewatched several times because the mother daughter relationship made me emotional. I miss the times when families lived very close to each other. Also, great use of space in the guest house.

[@MrGlenn7710]

Awesome!! .. ingenious idea!! ..quaint and personable quarters..there's privacy..and even though they have separate quarters..they still are not alone..which is important..in the event of an emergency they still have each other..this is learning to live with less and share in the expenses..also they respect each other's space!! Great video..patent this idea and sell it to electrical engineers when they design constructions! 😎

[@micahhdti]

The contractor is nice. Not only did they built it, they also think about their client.

[@SjofnBM1989]

Shouldn't all contractors do that? Kinda bad for business to not think about their clients.

[@micahhdti]

SB W of course, but they go above and beyond.

[@vitaethio6428]

Stacey you are a great person. God bless you!

[@joanntukes5878]

She has a lovely home, not claustrophobic and well furnished.

[@leslievalenciano-lopez8887]

How perfect! I love how they are respectful of each other’s space!❤️

[@Kim-lc3fv]

Very interesting! My nephew has a childhood friend whose parents built an in-law for him in the parents' backyard. This is in the very popular Rockridge area of Oakland, CA, and it's what what parents are doing for their kids who cannot afford a $1 million house in that neighbourhood.

[@carolhutchinson7763]

Good for those parents. Too many clueless baby boomers and older (and I'm a baby boomer) think everything is the same for people born in the 80s and later as it was for them. Rents in the last 40 years have gone up 300-400% while wages for the poorer people haven't budged by 2019 buying power! And you have to have a degree in subjects with a lot of hard math and science to make decent money. Few people have the ability to grasp those subjects, with some classes down to a pitiful handful of students by the end of the semester. And some of those barely hung on with C- and D grades and will not be hired in associated jobs. Women used to come out of high school and work in offices. Look in the paper now; there are no secretary jobs. 🙁

[@soilgrasswaterair]

Carol Hutchinson even people with a medical degreee in some places can’t afford to buy a home anymore. Like in Vancouver for example. Things are going up and up but people’s salaries don’t follow the inflation. Lots of the markets are being driven up by IT and tech people. But if we think about it this is the way it’s always been, how some can afford things and some can’t only reason people pay attention now is because it is hitting the middle class people.

[@carolhutchinson7763]

@@soilgrasswaterair: Vancouver, WA or Vancouver, BC?

[@soilgrasswaterair]

Carol Hutchinson B.C.!

[@carolhutchinson7763]

@@soilgrasswaterair: Thank you. I've heard that houses in Canadian cities have sky high prices, except maybe in the center of the country where they have terrible winters. I wonder why such high prices when there's so much land. I see the same thing now in Reno Nevada, where it's miles and miles of desert. They wanted over $200,000 for a tiny home, the kind some communities build for the homeless, in a tiny home village. ಠ︵ಠ

[@rikitoysantillan1262]

Good job, indeed. Its great knowing that you are close to each other as a family. God bless!

[@janeysiegrist5061]

The whole world needs more of this!!🥰

[@dee7672]

Jane Siegrist I agree.

[@avilik13]

Most of the world have multi-generations of family living together regardless of financial situation. Living on your own or away from family is a Western thing.

[@janeysiegrist5061]

@@avilik13 I've been a nurse for decades, I e watched western civilization give up their most vulnerable to the systems the government has put in place here. Please judge us knowing we are the most programmed of countries.. our people have been programmed to follow the leader...

[@avilik13]

@@janeysiegrist5061 not sure what country you're from but I'm from a Western country too. Well, a country with Western ideals. And I wasn't judging. Just stating fact.

[@SEH221]

This is such a lovely space! This MIL seems super considerate of the space sharing as well, which is really neat.

[@darrellnunnelley4489]

I have a company in Central Florida - Orlando that specializes in creating Inlaw Apts - this lifestyle is becoming more common - it is over $4,000 for assisted living - this becomes an affordable option and future rental income source

[@hollyhocks7360]

Lovely home . I’m converting my attic for my daughter and her partner. They have upstairs and I have downstairs.. they have their own front door the only thing we share is the garden. Young people in my area of Britain can not afford their first home and I would rather have her upstairs than miles away. It can work if a plan is made and boundaries set from the start.

[@ana1590am]

Young people everywhere. Good mom!

[@gloriahanes6490]

I know taxes are quite high in the UK, and we have many British transplants here in America. Many prefer Michigan because the weather is similar with four seasons, rains a great deal, lots of fog, and green emerald grass.

[@jacqueline8559]

Lovely thought, good luck to all.

[@sodiumwaste]

oh what a beautiful family story! I love the converted house the grandmom has, they did so much with the limited space

[@antoniadiaz7609]

Thank you very much for sharing !! What a loving and practical arrangement !! So glad all of you were able to make this project happen !! Better to plan ahead, looking at the long term benefit. Hoping for a better future, where we all can live better . From Los Angeles CA Love to you and your family Antonia. 🏡🏞

[@doinap6374]

She knocks! 💛 Lovely arrangement for what seems to be a very loving family.

[@edennis8578]

I would never put up with anyone, no matter who, who didn't knock and wait to be let in. I had a father-in-law who used his key to come into my house when I was home alone, a big reason for my divorce.

[@crazydaisyog3984]

I love this, making a little family compound with respectful boundaries, is beautiful. 🌸🌸

[@virginialpinon748]

I luv how the mom is so considerate and realizes she doesnt need be in kids face all the x. And I'm sure this situation is gonna work for all wonderful

[@carolrudy8673]

Woww what a great boundaries between mother in law and daughter in law♥️ sharing is caring and respectful 🙏

[@soillife1]

When I was a kid in the 50s Lots of chicken houses and summer kitchens were converted to grandmas home. Then a man cave after she passed. Then a child got married and it was a . First Home. Repurposed at its best.

[@HoneyDubey23]

Very sweet ❤️🙏🏼. I wish we all can work together & live life wonderfully like this.

[@mizera_mykle]

Stellar contractor...they got lucky with someone who cares as if she were his own mother. The original fees to the city of $25,000.....sorry about the tragic fires but glad it helped them and others avoid the city wrongfully stealing from them. Real nice home in the end, makes me smile seeing Mom content.

[@rosaramos5889]

Hey Kirsten. I just want to say that I've been following you for a while and i love watching your family travel and find all these beautiful tiny homes. Your kids are beautiful and your husband is charming you really have a beautiful family

[@Madzguy007]

Let’s bring family together instead of being apart! Family is strength.

[@debrawilliams2781]

This is an adequate amount of space for a single person. Everyone has been considered, it works and I love the Idea.

[@jeagypsy]

I really, really want to be friends with Lee. She seems like a really cool human. I'll bring the tea!

[@patricemarie2960]

Very cool ....... pretty space! $$$ I'm sure well invested! Hope you will enjoy it .... for years to come! .....

[@CousinTito]

Tons of people convert their regular garage into an extra room because a lot of times they are already insulated, drywalled and have windows and power. Only thing is making it air tight to keep out insects/rodents, adding flooring, unplugging the garage opener and locking the garage doors. Add a standalone AC unit and space heaters and you're golden. Problem with contracting out and building rooms is now with the permits you have additional taxable square footage living space, so your Property Tax goes up.

[@kathyyoung1774]

It makes sense that your property tax goes up with additional space. What doesn't make sense is paying $23,000 in FEES to be allowed to do it. That's government corruption. Vote the bastards out.

[@kathyyoung1774]

Women can be bastards, too! Vote them out! I don't vote for people based on race or gender. I wish others wouldn't.

[@jmk1962]

What a gorgeous place. I could so live there and I love the sociable garden area but if you want to be alone you can, perfect!

[@tallygirl2streasures717]

We bought a house 8 years ago with a converted 3 car garage/workshop in law suite for my mom. She has 890 sq. ft and it is off our kitchen. It works great and since she is 80 years old now (still driving etc) at least she is here just in case but also has helped with my kids over the years too. My boys now see how it can work well, so might be something that happens again for us in the future.

[@tlee4218]

Smart builder with bias advice for her practical needs. Well done. lovely home. all you need, your own private space and family.

[@GiveMeCoffee]

I feel like they were able to build very healthy boundaries by rethinking the use of those spaces. It is awesome that the in-law has a cozy and comfortable space and still close to the main family :)

[@josephatnip2398]

My wife died at 38 I was 43 and you start to get to that weird age we're not old you're not young but you most definitely don't want to start all over again....... It truly is unfortunate

[@VarongTangkitphithakphon]

The mother did the right choice in keeping that cute fan!

[@justanotherperson584]

Beautiful layout of your floor plan. Utilizing all space and still very private for both. Very money wise for an extended family.

[@Will4fun]

"Do I need a dishwasher?" "I use the same bowl and plate"....that describes the way I live to a tee !!!

[@badabing9143]

Me too!

[@jacqueline8559]

I'd still want a small dishwasher lol. Hate washing up, no matter how little I have. But with a family, it's a lot!!!

[@rondadepenbusch8152]

I love what they’ve done !! It’s beautiful & it’s a genius idea!’ Money saving I’m the long run & you know what she’s doing and if you want to visit each other you’re just right there !! Beautiful spaces !!

[@RamblinAround]

Nicely designed, great use of space.

[@thisismeannoying1366]

This is fabulous!!!! Coming from Latin background we take care of our elders, and this is amazing!!!

[@shynycedesigns1137]

I love this. But man my mom and his mom would terrorize us everyday out of boredom😅. The in law would have to be healthy spirited. The people in this video seem so loving toward each other.

[@constantbees2070]

Unusual people, in my experience. Most families seem to hate each other. These folks are lucky.

[@shynycedesigns1137]

@@constantbees2070 so true

[@elizabethtimothy4776]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 "terrorize out of boredom"

[@Sandy-pr5qq]

That is just enough for one person to live comfortable. Very good!

[@Brandiisbeloved]

I had something like this at my mothers house. We all had our own space. My room was big enough to make it a home. But I had to leave because it was an unhealthy environment but I wish my family had this level of respect for each other. But I plan on doing something like this with a group of trusted friends and my fiancé. Family is so Important. I love this video

[@lancedaniels]

Thanks for posting and sharing. Looks like a very nice solution for this family.

[@111-w9d7y]

Nice family. Interesting what they have done. They should oil their squeaking doors. 😃😃😃

[@0cean.Sun.]

I chuckled

[@MsMst12]

WD40

[@0cean.Sun.]

@@MsMst12 : 😂💦🚪💦🤪 I chuckled some more

[@asherduff8627]

What about that dog, though, that would drive me insane. We have three big hunting dogs on one side of us and two huskies on the other. They're quiet and would hardly know they live there...but there's one little guy and OMG...never has had a critter so much to say about so little for so long.

[@5points7019]

A squeaky door tells you if someone is entering, like an early warning, so leave the squeaky doors as is.

[@judyhobday4760]

I have a two car garage and one half bath in, this lovely home makes me think I could do something like this as a rental. I love the home for the mom, just so cozy.