So you’re expecting a new addition to the family but it’s not exactly what you had planned–instead of the patter of little feet, perhaps it’s a recent college graduate who hasn’t found gainful employment.
Multigenerational Housing Options
Or maybe your daughter, who lost her job and is struggling with financial matters, has asked to move back “home” with her two children. Maybe your parents or a favorite sibling are in a position where they need new accommodations due to health reasons, loneliness, or economics.
- According to Pew Research Center, personal finances have fueled an increase in several generations living within the same household. Between 2007 and 2009, the numbers increased from 46.5 million to 51.4 million.
With multiple age groups, not to mention personalities, living under one roof, families are addressing their joint home needs in a variety of ways. From duplexes to dual master suites to a casita, in-law suites or home addition, there are a variety of solutions when extended families are living under one roof. Following are some features and concept to consider when you are facing multigenerational living spaces.
1) Levels in the Home
Certainly, one consideration when reviewing housing options is the number of levels in the home. As we age, our hips and knees may wear out before the rest of us, and the number of stairs you must climb daily should factor into your decision. If you’re buying a home together, consider the benefits of a one-story home.
2) Options Beyond Single-Family Residences
When reviewing your options, think about those that are already tailor-made for multiple generations. This could be a duplex, where families could live side-by-side–close enough for comfort but allowing each to maintain their own home.
3) Unique Floor Plans
Another option is purchasing a home with two master suites. Depending upon the home design, each master suite would contain a full bathroom, bedroom and sitting room that allows for a gracious private living area.
4) Casitas
Becoming more popular, depending upon the part of the country in which you live, are casitas. Within a casita is a large bedroom, perhaps with a sitting area, and a bathroom. As a multi-functional space, it’s perfect because it has separate quarters for family members or guests, a live-in caregiver or house-sitter, or even someone who just wants to rent a room. Casitas generally have a private entrance and may or may not have an additional entrance into the main home.
5) In-law Suites
In-law suites are also increasing in popularity. Varying in size, they include a bedroom, sitting room, private bathrooms and perhaps a kitchenette, thereby heading off the problem of “too many cooks in the kitchen” or “messy versus neat freaks.” Many times, a small kitchenette provides the opportunity for additional independence and the opportunity to engage in the creation of a family member’s favorite treats or specialties, even if families regularly share meals together.
6) Recreate What You Have
Many families find ways to modify their existing homes to create separate living areas or better adapt existing areas for the arrival of new families. These may include the installation of a stair lift, which is a motorized chair that runs along a track attached to the staircase and carries a person from floor to floor. A residential elevator is another option to consider, depending upon the layout of your home.
Depending upon your needs, and with the help of some professionals, you could add or knock down walls to create a larger living space out of two adjacent bedrooms, or create an additional suite with a private entrance.
- A Few Smaller Changes to Consider
Based upon the needs of the older adults in the home, you may wish to install some additional features like grab-bars in the shower, lever handles on doors, which can be easier to open than round doorknobs, and a toilet seat extender. If a family member relies upon a wheelchair within the home, having a ramp to the home entrance, a roll-in shower and/or bathroom cabinetry and wide-enough hallways will make their lives considerably easier.
We Can Find What You Need To “Make It Work”
No matter what your financial situation and your particular circumstances, there are many options to consider when making the leap from “nuclear family” to “multi-generational living.” With good communication, a healthy respect for one another’s privacy, and a can-do attitude, many families find countless benefits living together under one roof, creating memories for years to come.
About the author: Allison Klein is a Fort Collins real estate agent who also specializes in helping home buyers and sellers in the Windsor CO real estate market as well as the Loveland Colorado real estate market. If you’re looking for a cozy and friendly town, you may want to visit Allison’s website to search what Fort Collins has to offer.