In-Law Suites in Dallas, Built for the Parents You Love
An in-law suite gives a parent their own front door, bathroom and kitchen, right next to you. Estate ADU builds attached and detached in-law suites across Dallas and the Park Cities. We'll tell you what fits on your lot before you spend anything.
Watching a parent get older brings hard choices. Should Dad stay in his house alone? Move in with you? Move across town to assisted living?
Most families who call us want something in between. Mom keeps her own space and her own routine. You're 30 steps away when she needs help. Nobody gives up their privacy, and nobody has to leave the neighborhood.
That's what an in-law suite does. We build them in Lakewood, the M Streets, Highland Park, University Park and across Dallas.
Attached or Detached In-Law Suite?
Attached in-law suite
Detached in-law suite
What it is
A wing added onto your house, with its own entry
A small home in your backyard
Best for
A parent who needs help often, or a small lot
A parent who wants more independence
Privacy
Shared wall, separate door
Fully separate
If your garage sits empty, a garage conversion can be the fastest way to get a parent moved in.
Built So a Parent Can Stay for Years
We design every in-law suite for the parent who'll live there now and for what they'll need later. The goal is that nobody has to remodel in 5 years.
- One level. No stairs between the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.
- Zero-step entries. No step at the front door or the shower, so a walker or wheelchair rolls right in.
- Wider doors and halls. 36-inch doors and room to turn around.
- A safer bathroom. Curbless walk-in shower, a bench, grab bars and a comfort-height toilet.
- Better light. More windows, bright hallways and switches you can find in the dark.
- An open layout. Fewer corners to bump into, easier to move around.
- Smart-home basics. Video doorbell, smart locks and lights you can check from your phone.
Not sure if a separate unit or an addition is right? Read ADU vs home addition: which fits your family.
Why Families Pick an In-Law Suite Over the Other Options
Option
The tradeoff
Moving in together
Love the closeness. Miss the privacy.
Assisted living
Hard on the budget every month, and Mom is across town.
An in-law suite
Close, private, and it's a one-time build that stays with your home.
Read more on granny pods vs a built ADU for a parent.
The Permit Is Where Most In-Law Suite Projects Get Stuck
In Dallas, an in-law suite is a type of ADU, so the same size, setback and design rules apply. Conservation districts, Highland Park and University Park add their own review. We check all of it at the start, and we handle the drawings and city submittals for you. See our Dallas ADU permit guide.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an in-law suite cost in Dallas?
Attached suites and garage conversions can cost less than a detached suite, depending on what's already there. You'll get a real range after a free lot check.
What's the difference between an in-law suite and an ADU?
An in-law suite is an ADU built for a parent or relative. It can be attached to your house or out back. “ADU” is just the city's name for it.
Is an in-law suite allowed on my lot in Dallas?
Often, yes. In the City of Dallas, a detached suite with a kitchen usually needs a Board of Adjustment special exception. University Park allows them for family members. In Highland Park, an attached suite is usually the way to go. We check your lot for free before you pay for design.
Can you make it work for a parent in a wheelchair?
Yes. We plan for zero-step entries, 36-inch doors, a curbless shower and room to turn a wheelchair in the bathroom and kitchen.
How fast can we get Mom moved in?
If the move is urgent, tell us on the first call. A garage conversion is often the quickest path, and we'll give you a timeline for your lot at the lot check.
Can an in-law suite be used for something else later?
Yes. Families use them for a grown kid, guests or a home office once a parent no longer needs it.
Start here
Get a Real Number for Your Lot
Send us your address. We'll check your zoning, look at the site and give you a price range you can plan around.
☎ (214) 949-5192