You can plumb in a sink and put in a little under-the counter fridge with "coffee corner". When people visit, they often have morning routines that they like to keep. That includes a hot beverage in their "uncivilized" bed clothes (assuming they wear something to bed). They like to have a moment or two to themselves where they can stare at the wall and have a little think. A coffee station with little fridge (to hold milk, yogurt, drinks, etc) and a sink would be a great little addition without much cost. The en-suite means they don't have to wander around at night...etc. In a retirement community/area, there should be plenty of people who have friends and family over for medium length stays. A little set-up like this would probably go over very well for future buyers. I would prefer to see a little sofa/soft seating area rather than an eat-in kitchenette. A comfortable hide-a-bed could be used so that a few extra bodies could be accommodated should the need arise. It allows your guests a personal space to unwind before bed or escape to when they feel like reading is more their speed then a social gathering. Just a thought.

We were looking for houses like these, and were priced out of them too. Or lets say we didn't want to spend that kind of money (So Cal here) We decided to go with an older smaller cheaper house that we could add to, and that would have a layout not ideal but making sense and doable, for having our MIL with us. While I love the result it took us 2 years and in terms of price, we'd better pay right away for the house that fitted our needs. (maybe your area is totally different in terms of costs and labor, that I wouldn't know. Talking to builders where you live is an excellent idea) More than that, we ended up buying a condo for MIL (very very close to us) because for now she prefers her independence. We did live together during the remodel, or part of it. If I knew all that I'd just talk my very savvy husband into buying a house with a casita or something.. Would be same financially if not less, and I'd definitely be a healthier person than I am now. Back to you though-look into one store-y properties if you have them around where you live, with a wing of bedrooms/bathrooms, ranch-like..along the lines of what Virgil was talking about. That's our house's plan..MIL's room is right next to the hall bath. We use it as a guest room currently, but she also stayed here to recuperate after hospital, etc. The hall bath has a tub though(she's fine with tubs but if you need shower that's something to consider), it's the only room we didn't fully remodel, and only that room would be about 12K worth of labour only, without moving plumbing around, and not including finishes. I so get what you're going through..greatest luck to you.

The Cook's Kitchen: I just re-read your comment. Yes, we would put our kiddos upstairs and convert their rooms into an apartment with a separate entrance. There is already a bathroom that just needs to be converted. We definitely want to make this long-term friendly for him, expecting a wheel chair down the road. We will look into the selling both homes idea... I see that as being more complicated, honestly, since buying a larger home would be contingent on the sale of 2 homes.... There are currently only 6 homes (that meet price and size) for sale in our desired area...

CEM TOSA, I appreciate your experience and knowledge. I’m sure your home will be beautiful. I will do the best I can with mine. We are not rushed at this time to build. If we proceed with building now, I do realize the prices/economy will not allow the size or everything I love. But to dream and plan is the most enjoyable thing to me. We will see in a year or two what will be then.