Creating a Multigenerational Home

Multigenerational homes are becoming more and more common. Recent studies show that 20% of the United States population, or 64 million people, living in a home with several generations represented. In addition to providing a living situation for our senior adult family members, they also are created by children returning home after earning a college degree (otherwise known as "boomerang kids") or siblings needing a new place to live after a divorce. No matter what circumstances contribute to the need, here are four things to consider when creating a multigenerational home.

1. List the Essentials. Each family's needs are different. When joining generations to live together, your needs depend on the members of your family, their age and their state of health. You also need to forecast the future. Children will get older and grow (along with their belongings). Older generations my start to lose mobility. This is all food for thought... Speaking of food, will the kitchen accommodate more than one chef? The features to consider can be overwhelming, so here are a few to help you get started:
   • Accessibility: For the older and the really young members of your family, you'll want to keep the number of stairs they have to encounter regularly to a minimum. Also keep in mind the width of doorframes, the installation of grab bars and potential rug or carpeting tripping spots.
   • Storage: More people living under the same roof means more possessions. Not only would it be great to declutter before bringing generations together, it will also be good to incorporate as much built in storage as possible. While you're at it, don't forget about vehicles, especially if the current garage is on the list of potential renovation projects.
   • Living Areas: Yes, we said living areas - plural. One living room may not cut it anymore. Even if everyone wants to watch TV at the same time, deciding on the same program for everyone may be impossible. There needs to be options for multifunctional living areas that offer opportunities for everyone to relax how they wish.
   • Suite Options. Ideal situations allow for a completely separate mini-apartment or in-law suite with its own entrance. Whether a converted space, a garage apartment or a completely separate casita, this allows for privacy and independence while maintaining close proximity.
   • Additional Master. If a full suite isn't an option due to space or cost, creating an additional master bedroom with full bath can provide the space needed for an additional generation joining the home.
2. Renovate The Possibilities. Bringing generations together under one roof may make your current quarters tight. You may wonder if it will work with your existing home. Before you put a "for sale" sign in the yard, consider areas of the house that are not actively used. There may be plenty of existing and unused space in your present home that offers just what you need to incorporate more generations.

   Is that game room or office all that busy? Do you need all the room in the basement for storage? Could you relocate items presently in the attic? Repurposing a room that doesn't have high traffic might solve the need for an extra-large bedroom. Finishing the basement with a kitchenette and full bathroom could provide a great independent living space, especially if it features a separate entrance. Remodeling the attic could provide a great bedroom and living space for younger generations. It worked for Greg Brady back in the '70s. Why not bring it back (without the bellbottoms this time)? Spending money on renovation projects may save you in purchasing and moving to a new home.

3. Make the Move. If your current home doesn't offer the space needed, then a new home may be in your future. The good news is many homebuilders have planned for multigenerational families sharing the same house. Many have developed floor plans that provide options to accommodate multigenerational families. These can include living quarters on separate floors, suites with their own entrances, or even small separate houses on the same property. If you've already outlined the needs of your living situation, this will help your Realtor(R) more quickly find the home that has all your requirements.
4. Set Expectations. While it may make sense on every level to join your family generations in the same home, life isn't perfect. To make the situation as close to perfect as possible, spend time talking openly about important issues, such as:
   • House Rules. Are there quiet hours? Which are private areas of the home? Who is responsible for which chores? How are bills divided up?
   • Siblings Roles. If you have siblings who do not live in the home, how will they take part in the family unit. Being that you will be providing various levels of care for your parents, what role will they play? Their active participation in responsibilities such as helping with transportation (if needed) or contributing to the payment of bills helps the family stay together, even if some live in a different home.
   • Conflict Resolution. When just two people live together, conflict happens. Put a several people from a few generations together, and you can bet on it. If your family doesn't already have a system, set up a plan for when conflict arises so that there are steps in place to work through it. It's better to have it planned out before emotions confuse matters.

Living in a multigenerational situation presents several challenges but often the benefits far out number them. By considering all the details and planning the right approach, you could find your living multigenerational house exactly as you hoped it would be, benefitting everyone who calls it "home."

Re-blogged from First Choice Loan Services Inc.