If you don't need that basement or attic, perhaps fixing it up and renting it out will bring you a small income, some help around the house, and possibly some companionship, too. An accessory apartment is a completely separate, private living unit contained within a larger single family home. It has separate living and sleeping quarters, a place to cook, and a bathroom. It can be upstairs, in the basement, or over the garage. Accessory apartments give the advantages of a tenant without the potential challenges of a roommate.
Many people live in the home they bought years ago when their growing families needed the space.
Now they find their house needs more cleaning than they wish to do, is costly to heat and cool, and has higher property taxes than they can easily afford. It may also have a large yard that is difficult to maintain. You may feel uneasy leaving it empty while you are on vacation. An accessory apartment can bring extra income, companionship, and help for house and yard maintenance. Having a tenant may mean there's someone to bring in the mail and feed the cat when you travel, join you for a cup of coffee and an evening chat, or even to mow the lawn.