In-Law Suite Additions in Clackamas County
Gencon builds in-law and multigenerational suites across Clackamas County: private bedroom, bath, and living space attached to your home, designed for comfort and independence.
Talk to our team: 503-825-0123An in-law suite keeps family close while giving everyone privacy and independence. Whether you need a bedroom-and-bath suite or a full separate living space, here's how to think about multigenerational additions in Clackamas County.
In-law suite vs. ADU: which do you need?
An in-law suite is typically an attached space (bedroom, bathroom, and often a small living area or kitchenette) that's part of the main home. An ADU is a fully independent dwelling with its own kitchen and entrance, which can be rented separately. If it's for family who share the household, a suite is simpler and cheaper; if you want a rentable or fully separate unit, an ADU is the path.
Related: Detached ADUs · ADU construction
Designing for independence and accessibility
Multigenerational suites work best when they're planned for how they'll be used over time: a private entrance where possible, a bathroom designed for aging in place, and sound separation from the main living areas. Building in accessibility now (curbless shower, grab-bar blocking, wider doorways) saves a costly retrofit later.
Related: Accessible bathrooms
Attached, bump-out, or conversion
We build in-law suites as a new attached addition, a bump-out onto existing rooms, or a conversion of underused space like a basement or garage. The right approach depends on your lot, your budget, and how independent the space needs to be.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between an in-law suite and an ADU?
- An in-law suite is usually attached and part of your home, often without a full kitchen; an ADU is an independent dwelling with its own kitchen and entrance that can be rented. The choice affects cost, permitting, and how the space can be used.
- Can an in-law suite have a kitchen?
- A kitchenette is common. A full kitchen with a separate entrance starts to make it an ADU in the county's eyes, which changes the permitting. We'll help you stay on the right side of the line for your goals.
- Should I make it accessible now?
- If it's for aging parents, yes. Building in a curbless shower, grab-bar blocking, and wider doorways during construction is far cheaper than retrofitting, and it keeps the suite usable as needs change.
In-Law Suites is part of Gencon's home additions work across Clackamas County. Explore related services:
Thinking about in-law suites?
Weigh your options with a team that installs this every week. No pressure to book.