Numerous influences – from finances to the desire for inter-generational joy, to health monitoring – are fueling the surge in multi-generational households. In our last post we looked at some of our most popular multi-generational home designs, showcasing various bedroom arrangements. Herein we’ll look at designs that also provide separate living areas.
The McAllister Knoll (plan #42319) presents a couple options for multi-generational buyers looking for private living spaces. At the left rear corner of this home, the flex suite has a modest living space with kitchenette. Or Bedrooms 2 and 3 can be re-purposed as a second suite with its own dedicated living area, and even a private entrance off the covered front porch!
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Similarly, the DiCaprio (plan #42135) showcases a flex suite option on one side of the home with its own living area. If that were your parent’s suite, and they were having a couple friends over, it wouldn’t have to conflict with your get-together in the home’s central entertaining area. With a single door off the entry hall, that entire “wing” of the home feels private. There’s even direct access onto the screened porch!
Building on a basement foundation, especially on a sloping lot, presents additional opportunities. The Strasser Pointe (plan #42420FB) is a 2,200 square foot, 3-bedroom ranch on the main floor, plus a 1,553 square foot finished lower level with its own exterior entrance and garage on the side! With its sunny, spacious gathering area, kitchenette, and laundry, downstairs occupants have everything they need. If snoring or a noisy CPAP machine might affect sleep, there are two bedrooms and two bathrooms on this level, connected via a staircase to the main floor.
Casitas, such as the Frahm’s (plan #42357), offer yet another solution for greater independence. Situated behind the garage, this first-floor casita has its own exterior door but does not have a door into the main home (though one could easily be added into the living space next to the drop zone). Still another door into the living space, from the garage, could be added. With its own washer and dryer, plus direct access to the rear yard, this casita can truly live independently, similar to an ADU (Accessible Dwelling Unit).
The Bauer Creek (plan #56564) offers covered front entries as well as separate garages to provide further distinction for its independent living wing. A flex room toward the front, with nearby full bathroom, provides a fluid transition that can also serve so many purposes! That could even serve as a live-in caregiver’s bedroom. There is also a doorway between the dining areas, and both sides share the huge covered rear deck.
Finally, the option of a traditional duplex is still the preference of some buyers. Downsized from the original Cedar Glen II (plan #42229), the Cedar Pointe Springs (plan #42436) is “mated” along the kitchen and dining areas. Just 38-feet wide and 1,387 square feet per side, the homes still feature two accommodating suites, nice outdoor living amenities, and open entertaining.
The pendulum swing towards more multi-generational households is a boon for home building, as few resale homes were designed to cater to such living arrangements. While the financial advantages can be significant, and each generation can come to appreciate the others more, successful multi-generational households don’t just happen. Beyond the finances, including repairs, taxes, utilities, insurance, and maintenance, you’ll want to have discussed and agreed upon certain ground rules for dealing with issues such as private times and together times, scheduling events, and other lifestyle and social considerations.
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