The More The Merrier: A New Trend In Family Homes

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

In the era of Mega McMansions lining our streets and eating away at our earning, experts suggest that there is a new “trend” on the homefront horizon.

Housing experts suggest that the numbers/statistics speak for themselves and that since 2000 more and more American households consisted of three or more generations happily cohabitating under one roof. And, they note, it’s not simply a matter of having mom and dad near during their golden years.

In fact, many parents and grandparents are still viable members of the community, society and the family, who just may be able to pitch in and help out while mom and dad go to work.

With that said, homebuilders are taking a new approach to new homes and new design option, making multigenerational designs among their many options.

What that means, is not only more rooms, but rooms that are appropriate for all ages and stages of live, including bathrooms that are wheelchair accessible and showers with roll-in capability.

Others offer accessory dwelling units, built on the same lot as the main dwelling, but are attached to the back of the main house, each facing different streets, with a courtyard between them.

While for many this arrangement may seem like a nightmare, for others it’s a dream come true. Sure, you eventually may wind up caring for those who cared for you (and your family) but in the meantime, you’re always guaranteed company, a build in “sitter” (and let’s face it, who better to watch the kids, than those who raised you), and someone to keep an eye on things while you run errands or head out to work.

Still, some local building codes don’t allow for accessory units in single-family home neighborhoods on space that could be used as rentals. And, among key concerns are privacy and accessibility, both of which can be “tricky” to design. With that said, experts add that these types of homes only work on lots with at least 6,000 square feet, which are not easy to come by in urban areas.

Another consideration is obviously cost. Professionals point out that while the cost of a home custom-designed for multigenerational living is the same as that for any home of equal square footage, the overall financial burden may be lighter if several generations are chipping in to help pay it off.

Furthermore, as time goes on, you can have a safe haven (for less money) to house and care for aging parents/relatives and you can feel more confident about the type of care they’ll be receiving, since you and your family will be the ones administering it.