Guest House

A guest house is a separate living space on your property, perfect for visitors, rental income, or multigenerational living. Whether you're converting an existing structure or building from scratch, these projects involve everything from foundation work to plumbing and electrical. Planning the layout, permits, and finishes can feel overwhelming, but Angi helps you find the right pros and resources to bring your vision to life.

Related to Guest House Service

Guest House Service Articles and Advice
Audrey Bruno  •  Apr 10, 2026
What Is a Guest House?
What is a guest house? These home additions can add value and convenience to your property. Explore everything there is to know about guest houses.
Mitchell Grant  •  Apr 6, 2026
How Much Does a Guest House Remodel Cost? [2026 Data]
A guest house remodel is a significant project and can easily cost over six figures. Learn how size, location, and any special features contribute to your guest house remodel cost.
Kyle Schurman  •  Apr 5, 2026
Does a Guest House Increase a Home’s Value?
Does a guest house increase a home’s value? It does, potentially as high as a 70% return on investment (ROI). Learn about the construction decisions that yield the most value.
Nick P. Cellucci  •  Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Guest House? [2026 Data]
Building a guest house is one of the largest home projects and involves several different professionals. Learn about the cost to build a guest house and where you can save.
Angi  •  Dec 18, 2025
Who to Hire for Building a Guest House
Wondering who to hire to build a guest house? Learn when to call a general contractor or architect, and see the steps to get started.
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Common Guest House Service Questions

Local zoning laws and building codes will determine whether you can build a guest house in your backyard. These laws may limit the potential location of the guest house on your lot or the size and look of the structure. If your lot isn’t large enough, you may not be able to build a guest house at all. Speaking with a local home addition company can help you learn about the local regulations and your other options, such as adding an ADU onto the main house.

A guest house is not a bump-out addition. A bump-out addition is a small home addition built onto a preexisting room of your house, like a bay window or walk-in closet. While you can do a bump-out addition to a constructed guest house, a guest is not a bump-out addition. Other common bump-out additions are extra living room seating, space for a bathtub in a bathroom, and extra cupboard space in a kitchen. 

To qualify as a guest house, a structure needs to meet your local building code requirements. In some locations, a guest house must be a separate residence from the primary home. In other locations, you may be able to connect the two buildings and still call the second building a guest house. However, a structure doesn’t often need a minimum size to qualify as a guest house.

The size of a guest house can vary widely, but on average, they range from 600 to 1,500 square feet. The ideal size depends on the intended use, local regulations, and the available space on your property. For example, a compact studio layout might be around 300 to 600 square feet, while a two-bedroom, one-bath guesthouse is often between 700 and 1,000 square feet. Larger structures can exceed 1,000 square feet and include amenities like a kitchenette and a full bathroom. The proposed use is a key factor; long-term housing requires more space to avoid feeling cramped, whereas short-term stays can be accommodated in a smaller footprint. As a general rule, aim for at least one bedroom for every one to two occupants.

The ideal number of rooms for a guest house depends on your needs and its intended use. For long-term renters or family, a two- or three-bedroom option may be suitable. In contrast, a simplified 300-square-foot guesthouse with a single room and basic amenities can be sufficient, especially for uses like a home office. A small guest house might consist of one bedroom, a bathroom, a living room, and a kitchen, while larger units can have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. It's important to check your local building codes, as they may limit the number of rooms or the total square footage allowed.