Vancouver Island Real Estate Information

It’s no wonder that we are so often under stress these days as we try to find enough hours in a day to meet all of our commitments. Many of us are responding to this situation by live-in employees to help with childcare and household chores, which brings me to the topic . . . nanny suites.

Creating a nanny suite that is effective as well as appealing to your hired help while offering you privacy is one thing. But to do so without putting a huge dent in your pocketbook is another challenge altogether. A good way to determine how much you should spend on the added suite is to consider how the room will be used after the children have outgrown the use for a nanny. For example, a 3-piece bathroom is a wonderful idea, but it is a costly one. Instead, what about a sink and counter added to a bed-sitting room. After the kids have grown, the room could be reverted back into a den with a wet bar. However, if you decide the use the suite as an in-law or a rental suite, then the 3-piece bathroom would be a worthwhile expense. Remember, when determining the resale value of your home, the number of bathrooms is an important factor and often appealing to potential buyers. If done right, there is an excellent chance of recouping some of the expense. I will be glad to offer advice on how such improvements may or may not impact the value of your home.

Take into consideration privacy and space. Your nanny would no doubt appreciate a lock on the bedroom door, or at least a cabinet or drawer that can be locked. Keep decorating simple; light colours, mirrors and recessed lighting will help make a small space seem larger. Extra lighting, reading lamp included, will keep the space bright. Inexpensive window treatments will let in lots of light while still keeping it private. If you’re going to allow visitors, then don’t forget to provide additional seating. Let your nanny personalize her space by adding a large framed corkboard for her photos, notes and other mementos, and don’t forget to include a writing space using a small table or desk with a chair.

Plan your room layout in advance. Take into account wiring and other facilities before you start painting. You may need to install a cable TV outlet or phone jack, or even some extra electrical outlets or baseboard heater. If the nanny suite isn’t near the front door, you may even want to wire your doorbell to ring in that room. A little advance planning can make your new nanny suite a pleasure for years to come.