Nuclear family living didn't become a "thing" until after the Great Depression. Before then, it was common for several generations to live under the same roof, supporting one another through shared housework, financial resources, and community.
It fell out of fashion for a few years, but now, the trend of multigenerational living is back. Adult children are living at home to save money while they get on their feet, and elderly parents are moving in with their middle-aged children to be close to family as they grow old.
It also helps that multigenerational homes make fiscal sense, especially with an up-and-down market making it difficult for many to afford the house they want; combining funds with multiple family members can remedy that problem.
Over the years, we've seen more of our clients at Sunwood Development adopt this style of living. Today, we're sharing the tips and tricks we've learned to help you achieve a successful, harmonious, multigenerational home and reap the benefits of multigenerational living.
What is it Called When Multiple Generations Live in One House?
What is multigenerational housing? It’s a simple concept, but let’s define multigenerational living, also called multigenerational housing.
This type of housing is when two or more generations of a family live under the same roof; this could be adult children living at home with their parents, aging parents living at home with their children, kids living with their grandparents, and many more scenarios.
How Do You Build a Multigenerational Home?
You have lots of options when designing a multigenerational home. Some extended family multigenerational house plans include a separate guest cottage; others create a home within a home with a full-furnished in-law suite located in the basement or other secluded zone.
Here are a few of the most common multigenerational living situations we've come across:
In Law-Suite
In-law suites are generally attached to the main house by a short breezeway or located inside the house in a basement, refurbished garage, attic, or first floor. They are a small apartment-like set-up with a kitchen, bedroom, living area, bathroom, and entrance and exit separate from the main house (for privacy).
Popular in-law suite ideas include private entrances, kitchenettes, and accessible bathrooms. In addition, some may also include a laundry room and outdoor living area. In-law suites are one of our most common multigenerational requests.
Many of our clients enact a long-term plan to move their 60-year-old parents in with them so they can spend time with their grandchildren now and will close by when they need additional care as they grow older. If you’re considering building an in-law suite in Connecticut, Sunwood Development specializes in designs tailored to multigenerational needs.
Two Master Suites
Multigenerational homes often integrate creative home design for large families to maximize space and functionality. Usually, homeowners will put the two suites on opposite ends of the house or separate floors to create privacy for both couples. The suites include sleeping rooms and private baths, while social spaces like the kitchen, dining room, and family room are shared.
Guest Cottage or ADU
An accessory dwelling unit is a small cottage, sometimes less than 1,000 square feet, that stands separate from the main house while remaining close. Guest cottages or ADUs often incorporate the best features for multigenerational living spaces, such as privacy and proximity to family.
This option is excellent for adult children accustomed to their privacy, so they can come and go at will. It can also work for the homeowner's parents, especially if they still have some independence.
Living Suite
A living suite is probably the most uncomplicated multigenerational home renovation to make. A living suite is an excellent option for adding accessibility in multigenerational homes, particularly for older family members who prefer independence.
Just knock a hole in the outer wall of one of the bedrooms and add an exterior door. Having their own doorway allows the occupants of this room to come and go without disturbing the other occupants of the house.
Tips for Making Multigenerational Home Design Work
Whether building or remodeling, understanding how to design a home for multigenerational families ensures long-term harmony. Here are a few features that most successful extended family house plans include:
Privacy
The key to successful multigenerational home design is balancing shared spaces with privacy. Privacy is, naturally, a big issue. Adults (young or older) want a sense of independence. That's why an en-suite arrangement – bedroom and dedicated bathroom – is a good solution.
Some homeowners even build in a sitting room or small family room to allow even more personal space. And while many families continue to enjoy meals together, some individuals include a small kitchen or kitchenette to allow extra privacy.
Safety & Accessibility
The people in multigenerational homes often have different needs, which may change over time. Just because your parents are mobile now doesn't negate the possibility that they could need a walker or wheelchair in the future.
So ask yourself: Are your existing hallways wide enough to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs? Will older family members have to navigate stairs — or can you devise a plan that allows single-level living for mature family members? You'll even want to consider the light switch, countertop, and vanity height.
So consider all of this when looking into safety and accessibility.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Remember that whether you build a new home or remodel your existing home, you are doing more than simply adding space. You're trying to meet the different needs of a variety of people. That's not impossible, but it doesn't happen without planning.
It can be easy to overlook some challenges, such as: How to protect privacy, what to do about parking if you add vehicles, and ensuring ease of access to the home or living quarters.
You also don't want to forget the potential for increased utility usage. The water heater that adequately provides for two or three people may be unable to keep up with five or six. If you add a room in the basement or the attic, will your HVAC system be able to keep things comfortable? So keep these things in mind because multigenerational home remodeling requires careful planning to avoid costly mistakes.
Collaborate & Determine Family Roles
Multigenerational living can be great, but before you jump in, you'll want to ensure it's a solution that makes everyone happy.
Even if it seems to make sense financially, you'll want to ensure all the involved parties are on board. You want everyone to be comfortable in the space and feel at home. A significant first step is to have everyone discuss how to remodel a home for multigenerational living to ensure everyone’s needs are met. That also is a great time to discuss responsibilities and bills.
Think about your family dynamics. Do you generally get along well together? Do you have a history of being able to resolve conflicts comfortably? There will be adjustments. Make sure that everyone understands what those will be. It's essential that you get everyone on the same page when it comes to expectations.
Make Sure To Add Storage Solutions
When considering tips for building a multigenerational home in Wallingford, focus on ample storage solutions for shared spaces. With more people under one roof, clutter can quickly become an issue. Incorporating smart storage solutions like built-in cabinets, walk-in closets, and custom pantry shelving helps maintain organization and reduces stress.
You should also consider storage tailored to each generation's needs, such as easily accessible storage for older family members and extra space for kids' belongings. Don’t forget shared areas like laundry rooms—having enough space for multiple users can make daily life much smoother.
Are Multigenerational Homes Cost-Effective in Wallingford, CT?
Multigenerational homes can be a cost-effective option in Wallingford, CT, depending on your specific needs and goals. Combining households often reduces expenses like utilities, property taxes, and maintenance costs by sharing a single property. Additionally, these homes can offer financial flexibility, especially with rising housing costs in Connecticut.
However, the initial investment may be higher due to the need for larger spaces or customizations to accommodate multiple generations comfortably. So, you must also consider factors like layout, zoning regulations, and potential long-term savings.
Multigenerational home builders in Wallingford, like Sunwood, can guide you through creating a cost-effective space for your family if you decide multigenerational living is a cost-effective choice.
Building or Remodeling a Multigenerational Home
Whatever your family situation, creating a home that will work well for all your family members isn't something to take lightly, and it's not a process you'll want to tackle alone.
That’s why you should consider partnering with Sunwood Development for your Wallingford multigenerational living remodel to create a home where all the generations of your family can grow and thrive. Contact us here to learn more about how we can help you.
