Custom In-Law Suite Construction in Bell County, TX

When your aging parents need you close by, or your adult child is coming back home, an in-law suite lets you stay in the neighborhood you love while keeping your family together.

Gill Construction Builds In-Law Suites Families Actually Want to Live In

Most people come to us after they’ve already realized that cramming an aging parent into a spare bedroom just isn’t working. Or maybe you’ve got adult kids boomeranging back home and everyone’s tripping over each other. An in-law suite gives your family breathing room while keeping everyone close.

Here’s the thing about Gill Construction: we’re not the crew that shows up, slaps something together, and disappears. We’re locals. We know Bell County’s soil, the permitting quirks in different municipalities, and how brutally hot Texas summers can get (which means your HVAC better be sized right). We handle everything from the initial design all the way through the final inspection because most homeowners don’t want to become amateur project managers.

What makes us different is that we actually listen. Some families need a full apartment with a kitchenette and a separate entrance. Others just want a bedroom suite with its own bathroom. We’ve done both dozens of times. And because we’re a full design-build operation, you’re not juggling three different contractors who all blame each other when something goes sideways. It’s just us, start to finish, with a 5-year workmanship warranty backing everything we touch.

Popular In-Law Suite Features Bell County Locals Enjoy

Private entrance for independence
Full bathroom with walk-in shower
Kitchenette with mini fridge and microwave
Separate HVAC zone for climate control
ADA-compliant doorways and fixtures
Built-in storage and closet space
Soundproofing between the main house and the suite
Large windows for natural light
Covered patio or porch access
Emergency call system or intercom

Check Out Our Completed In-Law Suites

We’ve built in-law suites in Killeen, Harker Heights, Temple, Belton, and everywhere in between. Take a look through our portfolio, and you’ll see the kind of quality we’re talking about. These aren’t cookie-cutter additions. Each one was designed around a family’s specific needs, whether that’s wheelchair accessibility, a sitting area with a view, or just a simple, comfortable space that feels like home.

100+

remodeling projects completed

50+

years combined team experience

5 year

workmanship warranty

What Bell County Families Are Saying About Us

Don’t just take our word for it. We’ve worked with dozens of homeowners across the county, and they’ve been kind enough to share their experiences. Read through some of their stories and get a sense of what it’s actually like to work with Gill Construction on a project like this.

Kevin Newman

Rated 5 out of 5

Exceeded expectations. We are so impressed with the final outcome of the project. The team is timely and they were dedicated to meeting timelines without rushing.

Their attention to detail is phenomenal and you cannot tell the renovation was not part of the original house.

Quality is job number one and they only use name brand products so that you don’t have to worry about inconsistencies. I highly recommend Gill Construction for any construction needs you have.

Christine Huffman Coop

Rated 5 out of 5

Steven worked with us to create a beautiful, custom walk-in shower on a budget we could afford. From start to finish he was easy to talk to and open to suggestions, always double-checking to make sure we were happy with the process.

He and his team treated our home with respect, keeping the dust and clutter to a minimum. His craftsmanship and attention to detail is top notch. You can feel confident hiring Gill Construction to do your next project. His goal is to make you happy!

What Does an In-Law Suite Construction Cost in Bell County, TX?

Let’s talk money because we know that’s what everyone wants to know up front. Based on past projects we’ve completed around Bell County, most in-law suite additions run somewhere between $75,000 and $150,000. We know that’s a wide range, but here’s the reality: a 300-square-foot bedroom suite with a bathroom is going to cost a whole lot less than a 600-square-foot apartment with a full kitchen, separate entrance, and its own laundry hookups.

We’ve done simple conversions where we’re working with existing space, like finishing out part of a garage, and those might start closer to $50,000. On the other end, if you’re adding a second story or building out from scratch with high-end finishes, you could be looking at $175,000 or more.

Every project is different, and the only way to get an accurate number is to sit down with us and discuss specifics about your property, your vision, and the functionality you need.

Here are five factors that'll move the needle on cost:

Size and Layout: Square footage is the obvious one. A 250-square-foot studio costs less than a 500-square-foot one-bedroom suite. But layout matters too. If we're building an addition that requires extending your roofline, pouring a new foundation, or running all-new plumbing and electrical, that adds up fast. Converting existing space, like an oversized garage or unused bonus room? That's usually more budget-friendly.
Kitchen and Bathroom Fixtures: A kitchenette with a microwave, mini fridge, and sink is one thing. A full kitchen with a range, dishwasher, and real cabinetry is another. The same goes for bathrooms. A basic bathroom with builder-grade fixtures keeps costs down, but if you want a walk-in shower with tile work or accessibility features like grab bars and a curbless entry, expect to invest more.
Permits and Site Prep: Bell County has different requirements depending on where you live. We handle all the permitting, but the fees and inspections still factor into your total cost. And if your property has drainage issues, needs grading work, or requires utility upgrades, that's all part of the site prep budget.
HVAC and Electrical Needs: Texas heat is no joke. Your in-law suite needs proper climate control, which might mean extending your existing HVAC system or installing a separate mini-split unit. Electrical work can get expensive, too, especially if your current panel can't handle the additional circuits and needs an upgrade. We've had projects where the HVAC and electrical alone added $15,000 to the budget.
Finish Level and Accessibility: Are we talking basic, functional finishes or something more polished? For instance, a laminate countertop will be more budget-friendly than quartz. And if you need ADA-compliant features like wider doorways, a roll-in shower, or lower countertops, those modifications add both material and labor costs. Still, they are absolutely worth it for long-term usability.

These numbers are based on what we’ve seen across dozens of projects. Your situation is unique, so reach out to us with the details, and we’ll put together a real estimate.

We Stick to Your Budget and Your Timeline

I get it. Construction projects have a reputation for going over budget and dragging on forever. That’s not how we operate.

Budget

Say you spend $100,000 on a 400-square-foot suite, and your aging parent lives there for ten years. That’s about $27 a day for them to have privacy, dignity, and independence while staying close to family. Compare that to assisted living, which runs $3,500 to $5,000 a month in Texas, and suddenly it makes a lot of financial sense.

Timeline

Most in-law suite projects take somewhere between three and five months from breaking ground to final inspection, depending on size and complexity. We’ll give you a realistic timeline up front, not some fantasy schedule that makes us look good but sets you up for disappointment. We hit our deadlines about 95% of the time, and when delays happen (weather, permit issues, supply chain stuff), we communicate immediately so you’re never left wondering.

Building Your In-Law Suite Is Simpler Than You Think

We’ve streamlined the whole process so you’re not drowning in decisions or paperwork while managing your regular life.

Collaborate

We sit down with you, talk through your needs, and design it right.

Build

Our crew handles permits, construction, and inspections while you relax.

Enjoy

Move your family in and start using the space you’ve been dreaming about.

An In-Law Suite Investment That Pays Off Every Single Day

Keeps aging parents close without sacrificing anyone's privacy
Provides rental income potential if not used by the family
Increases your home's resale value significantly
Offers flexible space for guests, adult children, or a home office
Avoids the $4,000+ monthly cost of assisted living facilities
Gives family members independence while staying connected
Creates a multigenerational living setup that actually works
Adapts to your changing needs over the years

Your Questions About In-Law Suite Construction in Bell County, Answered

Do I need a permit to build an in-law suite in Bell County?

Yes, absolutely. Any addition that involves plumbing, electrical, or structural changes requires permits, and Bell County municipalities take this seriously. The good news is we handle the entire permitting process for you. We know which departments to contact, what paperwork they need, and how to keep inspections moving along.

How long does it take to build an in-law suite from start to finish?

Most projects take between three and five months, though it depends on the size and complexity of what you’re building. A simple bedroom and bathroom addition on a slab foundation might take closer to three months. A full apartment with a separate entrance, kitchen, and its own utilities could push toward five or six months, especially if we’re dealing with permitting delays or weather issues. We’ll give you a realistic timeline before we break ground, and we’ll update you regularly as the project progresses. The key is we don’t overpromise and underdeliver.

Can I rent out my in-law suite to non-family members?

Technically, yes, but you need to check local zoning regulations first. Some areas in Bell County allow what’s called an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) that can be rented independently, while others restrict it to family use only. We can point you in the right direction and help design the suite with rental potential in mind, like including a separate entrance, its own utilities, and a private outdoor space. If you’re thinking about eventual rental income, it’s worth having that conversation early so we can build it right from the start.

What's the difference between an in-law suite and a regular room addition?

An in-law suite is basically a self-contained living space with its own bathroom and, usually, a kitchenette or kitchen area. It’s designed for someone to live semi-independently within your home. A regular room addition is usually just an extra bedroom, office, or expanded living room that shares the home’s existing bathrooms and kitchen. If your goal is to house a family member long-term, an in-law suite makes way more sense.

Steven Gill

Let's Build the Extra Space Your Family Needs

You’ve been thinking about this for a while now. Maybe your parents are getting older, and you’d rather have them close than stuck in some facility an hour away. Or your adult kids need a place to land while they get back on their feet. Whatever the reason, you know your current setup isn’t working anymore.

Give us a call at (254) 369-5978 or visit our contact page here, and let’s talk through what you’re thinking. We’ll come out, look at your property, and give you a straight answer about what’s possible and what it’ll cost. And if you want to learn more about all the ways we can expand your home, read more about our services here.

(takes 1-2 min)

Bell County sits in Central Texas and is home to Killeen, Temple, Harker Heights, and Belton. Families here value good schools and neighborhoods where multigenerational living makes sense. Belton Lake offers recreation and outdoor activities, while downtown Temple and Killeen provide shopping, dining, and healthcare services. In-law suite construction in Bell County continues to grow as families look for ways to keep loved ones close while maintaining everyone’s independence.