When it comes to fashion, everything old eventually becomes new again. Believe it or not, the same can now be said for housing. A growing trend is emerging across the country that is ushering back in the era of multi-generational housing.
Multi-generational living is exactly what it sounds like: Multiple generations of one family living under the same roof. Typically, this living arrangement involves parents moving back in with their adult children. The Turbulence in the economy in recent years has made for a number of unique arrangements.
If you are considering building and multi-generational living is a possibility – either parents moving in with you, or adult children returning to the “nest” with families of their own – there are a number of things to consider.
DETERMINING SQUARE FOOTAGE How much square footage do you really need? Do you need to double your square footage simply because you double the number of adults that will be living in the home? This is a tricky question.
It’s doubtful that you do. Unless you still have children at home, you can probably get by with just a little more square footage than you are used to. If you are one who prefers more privacy, you should look at bumping the square footage up a bit more than those who intend to spend a considerable amount of their time with the rest of the family.
THE BATHROOM SITUATION Speaking of privacy, it is a good rule of thumb to have at least one bathroom for each two adults living in the home. In addition to providing a good deal of privacy, this also offers “ownership” for each adult living in the home.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS Almost all of us have shared a bedroom at some point in our life. Whether it was with a sibling at a young age, a roommate in college, or a spouse during our working years, it was often by choice. If you are planning on a multi-generational living arrangement, you should have enough bedrooms to ensure that all the adults have a bedroom to call their own. Single adults should get their own room, as should couples.
SEPARATE WINGS Integrity Construction is in tune with the multi-generational trend and offers floorplans designed to meet the unique characteristics of the living arrangement.
This offers you the option of building a home with “wings” where private areas for each unit of the family are separated from one another and all common areas like the living room, media room and kitchen are centrally located. This offers all members of the family a place to interact while still having their own area to retreat to when desired.
You can go as far as having a private entrance for different parts of the home.
COST CONSIDERATIONS So, how much is it all going to cost? It really depends, but know that there is an option out there that will fit within your budget.
If you are looking to add bells and whistles like multiple private entrances or a kitchenette, you can plan to pay a bit more.
But if you are looking to build a traditional home with more than enough space, we will find a plan that is right for you… and the rest of the family!