Multi-generational…what does it mean for you?

As life carries on for each member of your family, your single-family home will go through phases of being a playroom to an empty nest to a…semi-permanent family reunion?  While multi-family homes consist of separate families living in separate units in the same building, also known as apartments or condos, multi-generational homes consist of one family living under one roof – in other words, a potential madhouse! However, at Shea Homes we offer some plans that can accommodate the changing family needs of our customers.

Whether you have new graduates returning home from college or parents willing to avoid retirement homes at all costs, our Shea Homes architectural team designs some homes specifically for multi-generational families.  These plans provide enough space for every family member to be comfortable while enjoying each other’s company, as well as having the ability to retreat to your own quarters.

Multigenerational living may be a new development for our society, but it has long been practiced in other cultures. Creating this type of household structure allows families to come together under one roof to face the many trials of life such as raising a child, caring for elders, single parenthood, and the high cost of living and housing.
 
According to a recent Pew research report, nearly 1 in 5 Americans live in a multigenerational household. Student loans, lack of employment, and getting married later contribute to approximately 60 million Americans living with multiple generations. The inability of many people to get back on their feet after the recession, as well as increased life longevity, have also boosted demands for this type of housing. Some terms you’ll hear in association with multigenerational housing are “Sandwich Generation” and “Boomerang Kids.” Boomerang Kids are named for the adult children who choose to return to sharing a home with their parents after previously living on their own. Parents of millennials who are taking care of aging or ailing parents plus their millennial children are referred to as the Sandwich Generation.

In your multi-generational home, you have the choice of guest suites, casitas or even a second master bedroom to ensure you have the space you need for additional family members.  When considering the floorplan design for these new multigenerational homes, there are 2 key elements that must be included: Privacy and Flexibility. For privacy in a multigenerational household, the goal is to be separate yet connected. A separate living space that is in the confines of a single-family home allows for more than one generation to live together, yet still have necessary privacy.
 
For aging generations such as grandparents, it is ideal, and oftentimes necessary for this separate living space to be on the main floor. Some great examples of this multigenerational floorplan exist in our Shea Homes® Arizona - 3524, 4016, and 4026 plans with guest suites on the outskirts of the home that are also located on the main floor.

To take privacy one step further in addition to the separate living space and bathroom, having separate entrances and kitchenettes allows for added independence. Some great examples of this exist in our Shea Homes® Colorado Walton plan at Luxe at The Canyons where they have a Multi-Gen Space.

When considering returning millennials, privacy still plays an important role, however, the level of the home that this privacy is provided on is less essential. Adding an additional owner’s suite, or adding a bathroom to an existing rec or bonus room are all feasible options.

• One of our favorite customizations was the addition of a step-up flex space off of an upstairs bedroom to be utilized by a returning adult millennial. Small storage areas are also great spaces to include.

• Turning upstairs rec or bonus rooms into a master bedroom and bathroom for a millennial (or allowing a live-in grandparent to take the original master on the main floor) is another adaptation we have seen.

•  Our Maya and Eliot plan at Storytellers at Lyric in Colorado offers an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)– with its own entrance, it is an ideal design for a seperate living space under your own roof!​

For aging parents or grandparents, first-floor bedrooms, single-touch appliances, lever door handles, or other accommodating options can be built in your home for their health and mobility needs. For increased flexibility and livability, we may also offer wider hallways and no-step entries to make navigating a baby stroller or wheelchair simple at home. Everyday appliances can be provided on both floors of your home or in the neighboring casita so that clutter and chaos in the kitchen is avoided and space is available. (Option change fees may apply, will vary per floor plan, and should be discussed in advance with Community Representatives.)

The above multigenerational floorplans all have one thing in common, flexibility. Flexibility in the design and versatile spaces can help to support a family as it grows and changes. If your new home is not initially multigenerational but you anticipate the possibility of welcoming other family members, here are some elements you may want to think about.

• Use 1st floor guest suites for present needs while anticipating future requirements for elderly parents.

• Walk-in showers instead of tubs, adding grab bars, and making doorways wider will all be useful later. Small details like lever door handles, raised height commodes, and rocker light switches will make a difference.

• Keep elements simple and flexible so it is easy to adapt spaces as a family’s wants and needs evolve.
   

Families today are recognizing both the emotional and economic benefits that multigenerational housing provides. Although financial reasons are often cited as the primary motivator, living with your family can be fulfilling and enjoyable.

• Grandparents stay active and feel useful helping to care for young children.

• Adult children can save money while going to school, finding a job or saving up to buy a home of their own.

• Caring for elderly parents at home provides both financial savings and added time with them.

Multi-generational homes don’t look any different than typical single-family homes, but they function quite differently.  With a vast range of needs required for multi-generational homes, the architecture and design can be tricky. But here at Shea Homes, we can provide your ultimate home designed specifically for your baby, toddler, college grad, elders and YOU!