The population in multi-generational households has recently increased substantially in the United States. Current statistics report that approximately 60 million people live in multi-generational households, which constitutes 18% of the U.S. population. Several reasons work to ensure this growing phenomenon:
- Changing lifestyles
- The increasing cost of living
- The need for family support
- The construction of strong family ties
Understanding Multi-Generational Living
Family living together is described as a situation where three or more adult generations share a house, for example, grandparents, parents, and children.
Data provided by the United States Census Bureau reveal that two-generation households – involving one or two adult generations – are most popular, including parent-adult child dyads (29.7m Americans) as well as parent plus grandchild triplets (9.2m), While three-generation households – grandparent-parent-grandchild – are also the most popular, comprising 26.9m people. Not only do they bring family relations, but at the same time, they establish a feeling of togetherness in the house.
Benefits of Multi-Generational Living
Cohabitation can improve the ties within the family due to the possibility of establishing fruitful mentorship and common experiences. Financially, it can provide families with an opportunity to cut expenses for housing and caregiving, thus allowing them to live a relatively comfortable life.
Here are the benefits of multi-generational living presented:
- Support
- Savings
- Connection
- Flexibility
- Caregiving
- Stability
It can also cater to the needs of elderly parents who can be cared for and allowed to live with their children while fulfilling their parents’ role.
Key Features of a Multi-Generational Home
Designing a multi-generational home is a thing that is not taken lightly into consideration because of a number of things that need to be put into consideration to ensure that everyone in the house will be comfortable and happy. Here are some essential elements that can improve both safety and comfort:
1. Wider Doorways and Open Floor Plans
For people of all age groups, it is advisable to favor wider doors and an open design. These developments help cater to the mobility of family members with restricted mobility and also provide ample and engaging space.
2. Accessible Storage Solutions
The supply of simple and close-at-hand storage space is vital in a multi-generational home. Choose cabinets that everyone in the family can access; add extensions, pull-out shelves, or built-in organizers. Besides home cleanliness, this makes sure that all the properties brought indoors are well arranged for convenience for anyone within the home.
3. Non-Slip Flooring
It is very important for the safety of all family members in multi-generation households. Selecting flooring that does not cause slipping for the slipper floors should be avoided, particularly for people with aged parents or children in the house. Products like textured tiles or luxury can give the look that is desired while maintaining the safety needed.
4. Safety Features in Bathrooms
It is imperative to note that bathrooms are among the most vital places to ensure the safety of everyone in the house. Hence, fit grab bars, walk-in tubs, and easy-to-access showers for every member of the home, regardless of age or safety concern. Non-skid rugs and faucets with handles resembling levers also promote easy accessibility.
5. Separate Entrances
Having different doors for different generations can open opportunities for independent and private living. This feature enables a young one or an old family member to have a separate room and yet still be with the other members of their family.
6. Technology Integration
Technological advancements have seen that multi-generation homes incorporate advanced technology. Users will need to have stable phone and Internet connections throughout the entire house and possibly install emergency/SOS possibilities for security purposes. Lighting and security systems are among the best smart home features that improve the convenience level and security of a home.
Remodeling Ideas for Multi-Generational Homes
When planning a remodel, here are several ideas to create a harmonious living environment for multiple generations:
1. Creating Private Spaces
Creating additional living spaces by subdivision of basements, attics, or spare rooms can help to give a private area to everyone in the family. Introduce soundproofing to guarantee people’s privacy and make everyone happy and comfortable.
2. Designing Shared Spaces
Special focus should be made to design the public zones like family, kitchen cum dining for the larger number of people. The open-concept living designs exhibit a sense of unity and provide opportunities for families for the congregation; the comfortable, susceptible designs achieve interaction.
3. Outdoor Living Areas
It’s important not to overlook additional spaces beyond the threshold. Living areas such as patios, decks, and gardens may be suitable for family functions since they may be the kind of place people need for peace. Adding facilities like the creation of an outdoor kitchen or an outdoor fireplace will make outdoor living more fulfilling.
4. Smart Home Features
Smart Home Technology should be introduced through a domestic installation that will help all members of the family in their daily routines. Possible FFOI include the use of automated systems to control lights, heating, and security from palm devices such as smartphones or tablets.
Planning for Future Needs
As anybody who is in the process of redesigning a multi-generational home would understand, they need to look to the future.
1. Aging in Place
Architect with a view toward aging. Other features like no-step entries, wider corridors, and barrier-free bathrooms will make the home friendly for everyone so that during their lifetime, they will not regret needing the modifications.
2. Flexibility in Design
When making the decisions, choose flexibility so that the home environment can be modified when needed. This means that one must look at furniture styles that can be adjusted based on the constant changing of occupants in the household; for instance, getting furniture that can be added or subtracted is very vital in management.
Transform Your Home, Enrich Lives!
Providing living options for multiple generations to live together and coming up with ways for the residents of the home to have a better quality of life. Whether it’s the choice of materials, the combination of colors, or the layout, beautiful and functional architectural solutions always help to create an apartment that will be a haven for all family members after work and school, as well as an apartment in which young people will not feel like intruders.
At Masterful Construction Inc., we know how difficult but rewarding it is to remodel a house while focusing on being multi-generational. We have more than 15 years of experience, and our dedicated team of professionals is ready to complete any construction or remodeling project to fulfill the needs of every family. Please get in touch with us to know more about how we can make your dream multi-generational home for your loved ones a reality!