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What Is a Mother-in-Law Suite? Modern Guest Suites in Central KY

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:32:45 GMT

As families grow and change, homes must adapt. A mother-in-law suite is one time-tested solution for adding space or accommodating multiple families living together. You may be wondering what a mother-in-law suite is and how it differs from a guest suite. As experienced contractors, we are here to explain what a mother-in-law suite, how it differs from an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), is and what to look out for when building additional living space onto your home.

Difference Between a Mother-In-Law Suite, a Guest Suite, and a Full ADU

First off, what exactly is a mother-in-law suite, and what makes it different than any other kind of guest suite? A guest suite is usually just a bedroom in one’s home where guests can stay, or it might even be an entire floor, like a basement or loft, that has been outfitted for people to live in, short- or long-term.

For many people, the concept of a mother-in-law suite goes a step further than a guest suite. It’s a more private fully functional living space—usually with its own entrance, a dedicated sleeping area, a bathroom, a kitchenette, and a living area—built within, attached to, or beside the main house for a family member to live in comfortably. This offers everyday privacy and separation while keeping loved ones close.

A full accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is the most independent option of all. An ADU is a self-contained second home on the same property, with everything a standalone residence has: a full kitchen, a bathroom, sleeping and living areas, and a private entrance. What separates a full ADU from a basic suite is that it meets local zoning and building codes as a distinct dwelling, which often means it can be rented out and may carry its own utilities and address.

Put simply, any full ADU can serve as a mother-in-law suite, but not every mother-in-law suite is built to full ADU standards. Because those requirements vary by city and county, it’s worth confirming what your local code allows before breaking ground.

Mother-In-Law Suite Layouts

When it comes to planning additional guest housing in your living space, whether they’re seasonal visitors or independent residents like parents or adult children, homeowners should choose a layout that matches their needs for connection, privacy, and follows and local code and planning constraints. There are many options to add this additional space to a floor plan that include different levels of investment.

Home renovation: Levels of investment differ from simple room renovations to full remodels that add square footage to your home’s footprint and offer different levels of shared space and unit access.
Attached suite: Built to share a structural wall with your existing home.
Basement or Garage Conversion: Converting an existing upper or lower level to transform existing space into something much more functional.
 Detached suite: Ideal for those who want ample privacy and independent while still sharing property.

Integrity Home Makeovers are your Accessory Dwelling Unit Contractors

Constructing any kind of guest suite or accessory dwelling unit is a major investment that requires robust planning and serious expertise. Integrity Home Makeovers has been serving homeowners in our community since 2019, backed by a lifetime of experience in residential remodeling and construction.

We prioritize clear communication with all of our clients and offer dependable service you can count on. Contact us with any questions or to request a quote. We can’t wait to work with you.

Porch Contractor Explains The Difference Between Patio vs Porch vs Deck

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:44:38 GMT

The terms ‘patio’, ‘porch’, and ‘deck’ are often used interchangeably by a lot of people. While people know that they mean an outdoor entertaining space tied to one’s home, there are important distinctions between these structures.

Understanding the differences between a deck vs. porch vs. patio is important so you can make the best choices for your home’s outdoor spaces—and understand how to speak to the pros when you’re planning for your outdoor space design.

So our experts at Integrity Home Makeovers are here to help you learn from a professional porch contractor and home remodeler about the specific differences between these outdoor structures.

Contact our team to learn how we can help with your next project.

Defining Porch, Patio, and Deck

First, to understand the differences between these structures, it's essential to know exactly what each is in the first place.

A patio is a ground-level space made of concrete, pavers, or stone. It does not sit much above the ground, if at all, and is generally uncovered and unenclosed. They are great for flat backyards and provide a flat and stable surface for outdoor activities.

A porch is a covered structure attached to the house. They are usually located at an entryway—front or back or side—and feature a roof and occasionally walls or trellises to protect people from the elements when they are outdoors.

A deck is an elevated platform usually constructed of wood and attached to a house. They have railings and stairways and can be covered with a roof to protect from the weather. Their elevated construction makes them a good choice for hilly backyards or spaces with limited flat ground.

Patio Vs Porch

The biggest difference between a patio and a porch is how they are connected to the home and where they are placed. Patios are built at ground level and can be attached or detached from the home. They are also traditionally uncovered, unlike porches, which are often covered or enclosed. Porches are also directly connected to the home and are located at the front or back entrance or can wrap around the house entirely.

Porch Vs Deck

Both porches and decks are elevated structures attached to a home, so the distinction between the two can be confusing at first. Porches are almost always covered structures but a deck is usually open-air. Decks are generally built from wood or composite materials, and porches can be made from wood, composite, or other materials, such as concrete or stone.

Deck Vs Patio

Decks and patios are the easiest to differentiate. A patio is on ground level, and a deck is elevated. There are more differences as well: patios are usually made from stone or concrete while decks are made from wood or composite, and patios don’t have to be attached to the home, while decks do.

Pro Tips from a Lexington Builder

After years of building outdoor spaces across Central Kentucky, here are the things we wish every homeowner knew before they started planning:

Budget matters. Patios are typically the most affordable option, decks fall in the middle, and porches cost the most because you're paying for a roof, structural supports, and often electrical work.
Permits aren't optional for decks and porches. Because these are attached, elevated structures, they almost always require permits and inspections in Lexington and surrounding areas.
Plan for Kentucky weather. Our freeze-thaw cycles are tough on concrete and pavers, and our humid summers are tough on untreated wood. Composite decking, sealed pavers, and pressure-treated framing are worth the upfront cost. Wood decks need staining or sealing every two to three years. Composite decks need almost none. Stone and concrete patios need occasional sealing and joint sanding. Choose materials that match how much upkeep you actually want to do.
Don't forget the bugs. A screened porch is worth considering from day one.
Consider resale value. Porches and decks typically add more to your home's value than patios, but the best investment is the one that fits your home's style and your family's lifestyle. A beautiful patio that you’ll never use vs a porch you will won't pay you back.
The biggest regret we hear? Going too small. Once homeowners start using their outdoor space, they almost always wish they'd built it bigger. Plan for the furniture, the grill, the people, and a little extra room to breathe.

Integrity Home Makeovers is Your Porch Contractor and More

Integrity Home Makeovers is here to provide you with exceptional home remodeling services. We pride ourselves on our craftsmanship and dedication to our customers. We want you to love your home, so whether you are looking for interior , exterior , or commercial remodeling, we are here to help! Contact us to get started.

Integrity Home Makeovers is proud to provide our services in Lexington and beyond, including Nicholasville, Versailles, Richmond, and Georgetown, KY.

When Do I Need Home Remodeling Contractors vs Home Renovation Contractors?

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:02:20 GMT

Most home projects start when a homeowner stops asking whether they can keep working around the part of the house that makes daily life harder. Maybe your family has finally decided it is time for an addition. Maybe the kitchen is outdated, the bathroom no longer works for your routine, or the whole house needs to feel more livable for the long-term.

That’s where homeowners often get stuck. Is this a renovation? A restoration? A remodel? How much time will it take? How much should you expect to invest? And does the difference really matter?

Once you know something needs to change, the next question is who to call. At Integrity Home Makeovers, we will help you see the difference, talk you through the trade-offs, and give you a clear picture of your project.

The Short Answer

Most people use renovation, restoration, and remodeling interchangeably, but they are not quite the same.

Renovation usually means updating what is already there. Think new finishes, better fixtures, fresh paint, refinished floors, or an updated kitchen that keeps the same basic layout.
Restoration means bringing a home or feature back to its original condition or character. This matters most in older homes where the existing materials, details, and craftsmanship are worth preserving.
Remodeling means changing the structure, layout, function, or footprint of your home. If walls are moving, rooms are being reconfigured, or square footage is being added, you are probably looking at a remodel.

That distinction matters because it affects your budget, timeline, permits, and the kind of contractor you need.

When You Probably Need Home Renovation Contractor

If your house is fundamentally working for you — the layout suits how you live, the rooms are the right rooms in the right places — but everything is starting to show its age, you're likely looking at a lighter renovation.

This is the camp you fall into when:

The kitchen functions fine, but the cabinets are original and the countertops have seen better days.
The primary bathroom needs new tile, new fixtures, and an upgrade to a double vanity.
The hardwoods need to be refinished, the trim needs updating, and the whole house could use fresh paint and better lighting.
You're prepping the home to sell, or you've just bought something you want to invest in:

When You Probably Need Home Restoration Contractors

Home restoration contractors live in the world of making it beautiful again. They're working within the existing structure, honoring what's there, and bringing it forward. For many of the older homes around Lexington like older farmhouses, brick Georgians, and mid-century ranches and bungalows, a careful renovation is often exactly what's called for. The house already has good bones. It just needs the right hands.

When You Probably Need Home Remodeling Contractors.

If you find yourself looking for more or newly-configured space, you're in remodel territory. This is where you land when you're investing by adding bedrooms or square footage, staying in the home for the long haul, or you want it to fit the next chapter of your life.

Home remodeling contractors deal with structure, permits, engineering. With a more in-depth remodel, the timeline is longer, and the planning matters more. But when it's done right, you get a home that actually fits the way you plan to live.

And Then There's Whole Home Remodeling

Whole home remodeling is truly about the whole house—planning every space to work together, meaning that every system is updated, every detail is considered. It's a serious undertaking, and not the right move for every house or every budget. But for the right home that deserves a careful, comprehensive update, whole home remodeling is the most rewarding work we do. You walk back into a house you've known for thirty years and find it better than you ever imagined.

How to Tell Which One You Need.

The honest truth is that most real projects are a blend of renovation and restoration and remodeling.

At Integrity Home Makeovers, we promise to tell you the truth, even when it's not the easy answer—because we believe homeowners in Lexington and the surrounding communities deserve a contractor they can trust in their house, around their family, and on their property.

Let's Talk About Your Project.

No matter what stage of planning you’re in, we'd be glad to help you sort it out. There's no pressure and no obligation. Just a real conversation about your home for the next step.

Contact us to talk through your project. Whether it turns out to be a renovation, a remodel, or a whole-home transformation, we'll help you figure out what you actually need.

What Is the Best Time of Year for a Home Addition?

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:41:15 GMT

If you’re a homeowner in the greater Lexington, Kentucky area considering a room addition, one of the first questions on your mind is probably timing. Should you break ground in spring? Wait until summer? Can anything get done in winter?

The answer depends on the type of addition you’re planning, the scope of exterior versus interior work involved, and how your contractor approaches seasonal challenges.

At Integrity Home Makeovers, we’ve structured our operations to keep projects moving year-round—so you don’t have to put your plans on hold.

Why Timing Matters for Home Additions

Not every home addition is the same. A full-scale room addition that requires foundation work, framing, and a new roofline depends heavily on cooperative weather. On the other hand, converting an existing structure—like finishing an unfinished basement, enclosing a porch, or updating a bonus room above a garage—can often proceed regardless of the forecast, because the shell of the structure is already in place. Understanding where your project falls on that spectrum is the first step toward choosing the right start date.

Spring and Summer: Ideal Conditions for Ground-Up Additions

When your project calls for new exterior construction —pouring a foundation, erecting walls, and tying into an existing roofline—spring and summer are the most practical seasons to begin. Warmer, drier weather allows concrete to cure properly, keeps framing lumber dry, and gives crews longer daylight hours to work efficiently.

In Central Kentucky, this window generally runs from late March through October. Starting during this stretch gives your room addition contractors the best chance to complete all weather-sensitive exterior work before temperatures drop. Once the structure is dried in—meaning the roof, windows, and exterior walls are sealed—interior finishing can continue comfortably from the warmer months and into the colder months.

All Seasons Are Perfect for Interior-Focused Projects

Colder weather doesn’t have to mean a stalled interior remodeling project. If your addition involves converting or updating an existing enclosed space, all seasons, including fall and winter, can be an excellent time to move forward. Finishing a basement, converting an attic, or remodeling a room within your home’s existing footprint are all projects that happen entirely indoors.

At Integrity Home Makeovers, we intentionally shift our focus to primarily interior work during the colder and rainier months. This allows us to maintain steady momentum and keep our skilled crews productive year-round. For you, that means shorter lead times during the off-season and a team that’s fully engaged in your project rather than juggling competing jobs.

How the Type of Addition Affects Your Timeline

Understanding the nature of your project helps clarify the best window to begin. Here’s a general guide:

New Construction Additions: These projects extend your home’s footprint and might require foundation work, exterior framing, roofing, and siding. Because so much of the early work is weather-dependent, late spring through early fall is the recommended start window. Planning and permitting can begin well in advance, so scheduling a consultation in winter puts you in a strong position to break ground when conditions are right.
Conversions and Interior Buildouts: If there’s already a structure in place—an unfinished basement, a detached garage, an enclosed porch—most or all of the work happens inside. These projects are far less weather-sensitive and can start any time of year. In fact, the winter months can be an ideal time to tackle them, since scheduling tends to be more flexible and your home’s exterior remains untouched.
Hybrid Projects: Some additions involve a mix of construction and interior builds—for example, a small bump-out that requires some exterior work paired with a larger interior renovation. This follows the natural flow of construction: in these cases, our team can often phase the project to complete the bulk of the exterior portion during favorable weather and transition to interior finishing later.

Planning Ahead Is The Key to Any Successful Home Addition with Contractors

Regardless of when you want construction to begin, the planning phase can—and should—start well before that date. Consultations, design work, material selection, and permitting all take time. Starting that process months ahead of your ideal build window means your project is ready to go the moment conditions allow.

At Integrity Home Makeovers, we set clear expectations from the beginning. We walk you through what your specific project requires, outline a realistic timeline based on the scope of work and the season, and keep communication open throughout the process. Our clients consistently tell us this transparency is one of the things that sets us apart from other home addition contractors in the area.

Our crew brings the same level of professionalism, courtesy, and craftsmanship to every job, whether it’s July or January. We listen to your vision, recommend approaches that protect the long-term functionality and value of your home, and deliver results that speak for themselves.

Start Planning Your Home Addition with Integrity Home Makeovers

Whether you’re ready to break ground this spring or you’re thinking ahead to a winter interior project, now is the right time to start the conversation. Contact Integrity Home Makeovers today or call us at (859) 553-2453 to schedule a consultation.

As your trusted room addition contractors near Lexington, Kentucky, we’re here to help you add the space your home needs—no matter the season. Check out our online gallery to see examples of our work.