Suites for multiple generations

Artistic impression

What you need to know:

  • A multigenerational home is designed to meet the needs of multigenerational families.
  • These are families that have unique requirements for public and private space within a home.
  • One common feature is the desire for multiple master suites.

These are ideal for today’s families because lately, not all families are the same. Adult children and their children are moving back home to live with their parents, grandparents are raising grandchildren, parents or grandparents are moving in with their adult children or adult grandchildren.

Design
Multi-generational house plans are designed to accommodate multiple generations by delivering private spaces for independent living while remaining connected to the main home.
They are designed to look like a single structure rather than the separate units typically found with multi-family home designs. They offer at least one smaller, separate living unit or in-law suite within the main home.
The suite may include features such as a private bedroom and bath, private kitchen/kitchenette and small living area. While the separate living area is designed to connect with the main home, it might even feature a private entrance.

Less friction
Building a multi-generational home plan can minimise friction between family members, as well as, generate strong bonds between them, and promote financial well-being. In most cases, they include an in-law suite or separate living quarters within the main home.

Privacy
Separate living quarters are perfect for aging loved ones who want to live independently but may need a little assistance from time to time.

Security
This arrangement not only provides security and peace of mind for everyone involved, but it is more economical than paying the monthly fees charged by assisted living facilities.

Bonding
Additionally, grandparents can easily interact with the grandchildren, and the grandchildren are able to develop strong relationships with their grandparents. In other instances, an adult child might need a place to stay after finishing school while trying to save money and start a career.

Independence
The private living quarters allow the adult child to live independently while taking on new responsibilities, but still have some of the comforts and securities of still living at home with their parents. Multi-generational house plans are available in a variety of sizes and styles. However, we present you with this sample to give you an idea that you could build on or simply make your own.

Layout
3 bedrooms
2 full baths

Dimensions
Width - 78 ft
Depth - 55 ft
Approximate height - 23 ft 6in
Ceiling height - 9ft
Roof framing - truss

Plan features
Garage
Side entry
Two car occupancy

Exterior features
Covered porch
Covered rear porch
Interior features
Bonus room
Family room

Laundry\open floor plan
Vaulted ceiling Bedroom features
Walk-in closet
Kitchen features
Snack bar
Island

Considerations
When constructing such a home, according to www.invisiacollection.com, you need to remember that each generation has different requirements to live comfortably, especially the eldest. Therefore, the living space must be able to accommodate for low mobility and be outfitted to prevent falls. Ensuring the grandparents are on the same floor as the kitchen, bathroom etc. is a must since aging individuals experience muscle deterioration, decrease in balance, vision and other issues that can obstruct their mobility. Therefore, it is important to plan for their future, and yours. In addition to the main areas of the home, outfitting bathrooms with grab bars such as our universally designed, luxury bathroom accessories is a great way to prevent falls without impacting the style of the space.

Privacy must be top on your list because with an open floor plan, it can lead to less privacy for all family members. For the grandchildren growing up, especially in their teen years, privacy is important. Boundaries must be set for the entire family and ensure that everyone respects each other’s privacy.

More to the social angle, we know that with social living comes fueds and these will escalate where people of various ages and needs are living together. Whether they are smaller issues or bigger issues, they need to be resolved. We would suggest holding family meetings once a month to make sure each family member is happy with the living environment. That said, whenever an issue occurs that is causing turmoil in the house, tackle that problem as soon as you can.
These houses seem to be a rising trend because people desire to cut costs taking care of their elderly parents yet affording everyone some sort of privacy.

Adapted from www.thehouseplanshop.com