Americans are choosing to live together now more than ever. In fact, according to a 2018 Pew Research report, a record 64 million Americans lived in multigenerational households in 2016, and that trend is continuing to increase. This multigenerational living – in which two or more adult generations live together – is transforming both the homes that we live in, and how we live in them.
There are plenty of potential benefits to living with your parents or your adult children, including everyone tends to save money, it can benefit health issues, and allows families to spend more time together. But it can be difficult to find a home that can meet the needs of everyone.
At Compass Homes, we work with you to guide you to a home with more thought and quality per square foot, for the best value possible. And that includes creating a home that has enough space that meets the unique needs of each member of your family. To help you get started in creating your dream multigenerational home, here are a few things to consider.
Privacy
Multigenerational living can be tough if everyone doesn’t have enough private space to escape for alone time. Be sure to think about how to design a space that allows each family member to have their independence & privacy. With a variety of ages and family members with different special needs living under one roof, it’s important to consider privacy needs may differ, and to accommodate those needs.
Space
The best multigenerational homes offer enough square footage to accommodate each family member while keeping versatility, privacy, and functionality in mind. The additional square footage in these homes allows for multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, often spread out across a sprawling single floor or intelligently designed multiple-story home.
Functionality
Create a home that doesn’t just have room for everyone, but that complements how your family lives. There are endless options when it comes to building new, custom homes that are designed specifically for multigenerational families. Some designs include multiple “master” bedrooms, mini living spaces with their own bathroom, bedroom, and kitchenette, and multi-level homes with plenty of privacy space for everyone.
Long-term
These next gen homes typically stand the test of time, so it is critical that the right floor plan remains versatile as the family dynamic changes. For instance, the in-laws might be active and healthy right now but if they are moving into your multigenerational home for the long haul, their future mobility and health should be considered. Consider what your family might look like in 5 years, 10 years, and beyond, and consider how your home will be able to adapt to those changes, as well.
Expertise
Your home is very possibly your biggest single investment, and in multigenerational living it could be the biggest single investment for multiple generations. Choose a homebuilder that understands your multigenerational needs and is willing to work with you to design a home that meets your family’s needs.
Stay tuned to the Compass Homes blog for more tips on designing a home that can grow with you and your family, ensuring that multigenerational homes truly feel like home for everyone. Contact us today if we can help.