Make your living space multigenerational friendly

The number of households with two sets of adults is growing as people seek affordable housing and a way to care for aging parents.

Expensive real estate and an aging population is shifting the way many Americans look at home ownership. No longer is every person an island, in need of their own house. Indeed, a growing number of families are moving toward multigenerational homes — those with two or more generations of adults, or grandparents with grandchildren. 

All in the family

Roughly 60 million Americans are living in multigenerational homes, the Census Bureau reports, or about 18% of the population. That number is quadruple what it was 50 years ago. According to Pew Research, saving on finances is the leading reason for the change.

Some 31% of young adults in the U.S. — ages 25 to 29 — live with their parents, having never left or moved back in. Experts suggest that may be because people attend school longer than their forebears, served with a side of serious student debt. Or, some are simply postponing marriage or don’t see a need to move out just yet. 

It’s not unusual for couples or young families to move into a parent’s home, either, in an effort to pay off debt or save for a down payment. Another trend: Multiple generations may choose to cohabitate so they can afford a larger house. Aging parents have a nice retirement home, while young families can live in a higher-priced neighborhood.

Some people choose a multigenerational home so grandparents can provide live-in childcare.

Helping hands

It’s not purely economics, though. Caregiving is the second leading factor among those living in multigenerational homes. Of U.S. adults currently residing in one, 25% said it allows them to care for aging adults, while 12% said it was for child care — grandparents are live-in babysitters.

Home sweet shared home

There’s certainly an interest in such homes. According to the National Association of Realtors, 14% of recent homebuyers specifically sought a house that could accommodate their adult children or an aging parent.

There is no specific floor plan for the ideal dwelling. It’s rearranging and rethinking how you use the space that makes the difference.

Living separate lives

It can be challenging to get along with your own kids sometimes, so when you add a second set of parents — yours or your in-laws — well, it can get a little tense. That’s one reason having personal areas is crucial. Having a shared kitchen or living area may be workable, but most adults appreciate some privacy.

Spaced out

If you have an unfinished basement or enough room on your property, you might build a mother-in-law apartment to offer even more independence. They’ll be close enough so you can check in regularly — good for elderly live-ins — but you’re not necessarily eating every meal together.

Turn your basement into a mother-in-law apartment to house elderly parents or young adult children. You can check in regularly, but it gives them independence.

A separate dwelling isn’t necessary, though; even a rambler can work as a multigenerational home. Consider adding a second owner’s room which includes an ensuite bathroom. 

If you have an open floor plan, you can modify it by adding pocket doors — sliding doors that close off an area. This will give your rooms versatility: A study nook for kids to do homework or a place to watch a television show that no one else does.

An already built-in flex room you once used as a nursery could now first serve as a bedroom. Later, turn it into a home gym, craft room or home office.

Make a grand entrance

Occupants may feel more independent if they have their own entrance to the home. If they’re living in the basement, for example, a door directly from the outside means they can come and go without walking through the house, or announcing their plans for the evening.

Small ch-ch-ch-changes

Throughout your home, tiny changes can make everyday living easier for all ages. Think of it as a design upgrade. Exchange round door knobs with lever handles; install additional lighting; change toggle light switches to rocker or illuminated switches.

Consider the entrances — is there at least one without any steps? Could a wheelchair, walker or stroller easily get through your front, back or garage door? If you’re building new or renovating, consider making the hallways wider.

For elderly occupants, make some bathroom upgrades. Trade in the traditional tub for a walk-in shower. Install a bench and grab bars to help prevent falls. A comfort-height toilet may be more convenient, as well. Provide enough room so someone could assist with bathing, if necessary.

Smart devices may help you save on energy costs in your full house.

Get smart

Having a multigenerational home is also a great excuse to transform your digs into a smart one.

• Video doorbell: Elderly parents or younger children can see who’s at the door when you’re away
• Smart lock: No worries about who has a key to get in, they can just type in their personal code
• Smart thermostat: No arguing over who touched the thermostat, it’s all automated
• Smart refrigerator: See what groceries you’re out of, before you drive past the store
• Touchless faucets: Set the temperature to prevent scalding

The technology is not only convenient, it can help your home be more energy efficient — important when you have a lot of people.

Step it up

It could be just a bit of rearranging, or it might take some serious upgrades to give everyone their space. But, you can make your home a place for multiple generations to live comfortably together — at least physically. The getting along part may always be a work in progress.

Need a new place to fit your family? Find it on KSL Homes.