Multi-Generational Homes are More Popular than Ever

More than one generation living under the same roof is nothing new. Back around 1900, a little over 50% of people older than 65 were living with younger generations. This is according to a Pew Research Center report. Things have not changed that much in the past 100 plus years.

The crash of 2008 was a pivotal point in the housing industry. It was also an event that made us focus on the multi-generational home. Many older Americans had been living with their children and the recession caused a lot of the grandchildren to be forced to move back home.

Because of the aging population and the continuing shock-waves from the recession, a record 49 million people live in a household with at least two adult generations. Beyond the economy, there are such factors as longer life spans and home-health care options that contribute to the boom in multi-generational homes.

Long-term Planning

Since a home is such a big financial investment, looking to the future is a must when building a new home. Incorporating the ability for more than one generation to live under one roof when you build your home saves a lot of money down the road. While a detached cabana might seem a little extreme when your kids are under 10 years old, it becomes a great idea when they return home from college and need a place to stay.

The benefits of a home that is easily converted into a multi-generational dwelling are enormous. Beyond the obvious benefit of extra living room now, there is the resale value to consider. Homes with lots of options are more flexible in the market place. Then there is the quality of life to consider.

Lets face it, living with older (or younger) generations can be stressful for everyone involved. A quality house plan that gives everyone their own space goes a long way in keeping the peace. Everyone needs to feel independent and a properly designed home will do just that. While common areas in a home help foster closeness and family, it is often the private spaces that make all the difference.

The two most important features of a multi-generational home plan are balance and flexibility.

Multi-Generational Plans are Balanced

A home that has accommodations for extended family members must be balanced. You can’t just add an extra bedroom and call it “multi-generational”. There has to be the proper balance between single family living and adding the proper amount of space for sleeping, bathing, and relaxing. And homes don’t need to be HUGE to accomplish this. It is all about balance.

Multi-Generational Plans are Flexible

Because multi-generational homes transform over the years, it is important for all spaces of the home to be useful as time goes on. A cabana (attached or detached) can easily transform from a guest suite, to a teen’s private bedroom, and finally into a mother-in-law apartment. The key is to make the space flexible and relevant to the overall home design.

Any Plan Can Be Balanced & Flexible

Any plan can be modified to make it more multi-generational friendly. Many times you may find a plan has everything you are looking for, except room for an extended family member. That's when you contact us and we can talk about modifying the plan to suit your specific needs. A modified house plan is far cheaper than having a house custom designed. Although we can do that too. We recognize the ever expanding needs of the growing multi-generational sector of the American landscape. We can create a new custom home design for you or modify an existing plan.