For a long time, the typical living setup was pretty straightforward: parents raised their kids, the kids grew up and moved out, and everyone went on to build their own separate homes.
Grandparents often lived nearby or in retirement communities, and family gatherings mostly happened on weekends or holidays.
But lately, that’s starting to change. Multi-generational living – where two or more generations share the same home – is a growing trend among Americans.
We’ve put together this guide to look at why more people are choosing multi-generational living and offer advice on designing a home that makes this living situation a success.
Why have multi-generational living arrangements become so popular?
From elderly parents moving in with their kids to grown children coming back home to save for the future, there are plenty of reasons two families might choose to live under one roof. Here are some of the main ones:
- Rising house prices: Buying or renting a home is expensive, so sharing one makes financial sense.
- Splitting the load: Utility bills, property taxes, household chores, and cooking – when everyone pitches in, it saves money and makes life a lot easier.
- No childcare costs: Grandparents can help look after their grandchildren so parents enjoy free childcare.
- Adult kids can save for their own home: Living with family gives adult kids a chance to work and build up savings without paying rent.
- More quality time together: Shared meals, laughter, and everyday moments strengthen family bonds and lead to memories that last a lifetime.
- Providing care for elderly parents: Adult kids can support their aging parents without needing outside care. In fact, a third of Americans living in multi-generational households say caregiving is a major reason for their living arrangement, according to the Pew Research Center.
All in all, more families are embracing living together for the connection, financial savings, and support it brings – something many people are craving more than ever.
How to design a home that supports multiple generations living under one roof
The goal of this type of home design is to find the perfect balance of opportunities for connection and plenty of room for everyone to breathe. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Give each generation their own bedrooms and bathrooms
Ideally, each generation will have its own separate space in the house. It helps everyone stick to their routines and maintain their independence without feeling crowded.
Keep things quiet with soundproofing
With a lot of people in your home, things can get loud pretty quickly. Installing extra insulation or sound barriers between walls and floors will tame the everyday buzz of TVs, footsteps, and chatter. It gives everyone – especially elderly parents – a chance to relax and enjoy a bit of peace.
Aim for a large, open kitchen and dining area
The kitchen is the heart of the home and the best place to enjoy the benefits of multi-generational living – like bonding with loved ones over shared meals.
To keep everyone comfortable, an open-plan kitchen and dining area works best, with plenty of room to share kitchen duties and leaving everyone free to move around without feeling cramped.
Add more than one living area
In a full house with two – or even three – generations, one living room usually isn’t enough, so think about adding a second family room or den. You could even turn the basement into a media room or hangout space where adult kids can unwind.
Think about separate entrances
If the layout allows, adding separate entrances gives each generation a little more independence and freedom – especially if people come and go at different times or work different hours.
Make sure there’s enough storage
From clothes and kitchen gadgets to toys, tools, and everything in between – belongings add up fast in a multi-gen home! It helps to plan plenty of places to put everything so it doesn’t get out of control.
Using built-in cabinets, extra shelving, or the empty space under the stairs for storage can all help keep the house neat and easy to live in.
Prioritize laundry and utility areas that keep up with the household
Laundry never stops in a nuclear family home, let alone a multi-gen one. If space allows, include two laundry rooms or add an extra utility area. Having more than one washer and dryer and plenty of space to fold and organize clothes keeps chores from piling up and taking over the house.
Why custom building a multi-generation home is a great choice
Young, teen, and adult generations have their own ways of living. Building a custom home means you can design it around what works best for everyone in your household.
Design for the future
Families change over time. Maybe your adult kids will move out in a few years, or you’ll want to make room for your parents to move in later on. A custom build lets you plan ahead for that. A nursery today could easily become an extra living room, hobby space, or bedroom down the track.
Maximize your budget
Why spend money on things your family won’t use? When you build from scratch, you can put your budget toward what really matters – the spaces and features that make everyday life easier and more comfortable for everyone.
Make the home truly yours
Building a custom home means you can make it work for everyone living there. Maybe that means a separate annex for your elderly parents, more storage for all the extra belongings, or a big backyard where two generations can hang out together. A house like this is hard to find ready-made and waiting on the market – custom builds can bring it to life.
Wrapping up!
Multiple generations living under one roof works best when everyone has their own space but can still come together. With the right layout and a bit of planning, your multi-gen build can be a place where family life flows and everyone feels at home.
Build a multi-generation home that works for all your family members
The Stancek Signature Homes team can create a fully one-of-a-kind house to fit your living situation. From multiple entrances or wings to extra bathrooms and flexible rooms that can change as your family does – we create homes that make it effortless to keep multiple generations united under the same roof.
Chat with us today, and we’ll work together to find a home design that works for all your family members.
