A true mother in law suite Lakeland FL homeowners can count on is more than a spare bedroom. It is a self contained space, often called an accessory dwelling unit or ADU, with its own entrance, bathroom, and at least a small kitchen or kitchenette so an aging parent or family member can live independently while staying close to home.
Evangelisto Construction has made these suites a core part of their home addition services in Lakeland, building attached and integrated spaces that feel like a natural extension of the house rather than an awkward add on.
What counts as a real mother in law suite
A real in law suite typically includes:
A private entrance or clearly separate doorway off the main home
A bedroom or sleeping area sized for everyday use
A full bathroom with shower, often with accessibility upgrades
A kitchenette or full kitchen with cabinets, sink, and space for appliances
A small living area for sitting, TV, and guests
Many Lakeland and Polk County families use these suites for parents, adult children, long term guests, or even future rental flexibility. The goal is independence and privacy for the person living there, with convenience and peace of mind for the main household.
In terms of size, most mother in law suites fall into a range that is bigger than a typical bedroom but smaller than a full single family home. Think in terms of a generous studio up to a compact one bedroom apartment. Evangelisto designs each suite around the lot, budget structure, and whether the homeowner values more living space, a larger kitchen, or an oversized bathroom with accessibility features.
How cost per square foot usually works
Evangelisto Construction uses a clear per square foot pricing structure for mother in law suites, with a published starting point on their site. Instead of guessing exact numbers, it helps to think in terms of three general tiers:
Essential tier – Smaller footprint, efficient layout, durable but simple finishes, standard cabinetry and fixtures. This sits at the lower end of their cost per square foot structure.
Comfort tier – Moderate size, upgraded cabinetry and countertops, nicer tile work, a more defined living area, and some custom touches. This falls in the middle of the pricing structure per square foot.
Premium tier – Larger suite, more custom design, higher end cabinetry, tile, and trim details, perhaps a larger kitchen and more built in storage. This occupies the upper end of the cost per square foot structure.
Your final cost is driven by square footage and finish level. A compact, efficient suite with standard finishes uses fewer materials and labor hours. A larger suite with custom cabinetry, tile showers, and more windows takes more time and resources. During Evangelisto’s consultation, they walk through these options and match the design to your budget range rather than pushing you into something oversized.
When permits and inspections are required
In Lakeland and across Polk County, most structural additions, new foundations, and changes to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems require permits and inspections under the Florida Building Code. Accessory dwelling units, including many mother in law suites, can also require specific zoning and compatibility approvals from the city.
For a typical mother in law suite, you should expect:
A building permit for the addition itself
Separate permits for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC
Plan review before work begins
Multiple inspections during framing, rough in, insulation, and final finish
Evangelisto Construction is a state certified, insured contractor that designs permit ready plans and handles the permitting process on your behalf, including coordination with Lakeland’s Building Inspection Division and Polk County’s building department when needed. That removes guesswork and helps keep the project on schedule.
Blending new space with your existing home
The best mother in law suite additions do not look “tacked on.” Evangelisto focuses on tying the new space into your existing home both structurally and visually:
Rooflines and exterior – Matching roof pitch, shingles, stucco or siding, and trim so the suite looks original to the house.
Interior finishes – Coordinating flooring, door styles, paint colors, and hardware with the rest of the home or intentionally upgrading to create a modern, calm retreat.
Connections – Creating a safe, convenient interior connection where it makes sense, while keeping the suite’s primary entrance private.
This kind of integration matters in Lakeland neighborhoods, where curb appeal and a cohesive exterior can support long term value and help the addition feel right at home.
Accessibility and privacy for multigenerational living
For many families, a mother in law suite is part of an aging in place plan. Evangelisto often bakes accessibility into the design from day one, including:
Wider doorways and hallways that allow walkers or wheelchairs
Curbless or low threshold showers with blocking for future grab bars
Slip resistant flooring and simple transitions between rooms
Lever style handles and fixtures that are easier on hands and joints
Privacy is the other side of the coin. A well designed suite gives your loved one:
Their own entrance so they can come and go freely
A bathroom and kitchenette so they do not have to share every space
Good sound separation so both households can relax
You remain on the same property, just a few steps away, but everyone has space to breathe.
How a mother in law suite can support resale value
A properly permitted, well designed suite is an investment in both family life and property value. Buyer demand for multigenerational and flexible housing has grown across Florida, and ADU style spaces often stand out in the Lakeland market.
Depending on the buyer, a future owner might use the suite for:
Aging parents or in laws
Adult children getting started
A home office or studio
Long term guests
Because Evangelisto’s additions are built to Florida code and integrated with the main structure, they show up as real square footage and finished living area, not a questionable conversion.
Getting started with a mother in law suite in Lakeland
If you are considering a mother in law suite Lakeland FL addition, the first step is a clear conversation about who the space is for, how they will use it, and how long you want it to serve that role. Evangelisto Construction reviews your lot, existing structure, and budget structure, then suggests layouts that balance accessibility, privacy, and long term value.
From there, they handle plans, permits, and construction with the same state certified, insured approach they bring to their custom homes and additions, so you are not left guessing what comes next.
