A new study shows that the number of extended families living under one roof has been on the rise. The Office for National Statistics proves the claim with figures: from 2001 to 2013, the quantity of households with three generations living together had risen from 325,000 to 419,000.
The most ordinary reason behind this decision is an adult child moving back after employment loss, or elderly parents getting with an adult child. Having multiple generations under one roof may be rewarding, but requires a house with the capacity to cater to a variety of lifestyle demands. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when finding a multi-generational home.
Determine your family needs
The more people live under the same roof, the more you have to include them in the decision-making about the choice of the multi-generational home. As a family, you need to consider whether this agreement is temporary or permanent. If it is temporary, you should weigh whether it is more reasonable to buy a new home or have your property modified. Perhaps an elderly member needs a ramp rather than of the front stairs, or your driveway needs to be expanded to accommodate more cars. You need to decide whether you will have separate kitchens and whether you like to eat together regularly. Then, there is the question of the budget, as you need to gauge how much every adult member can contribute in buying a new home or necessary improvement.
Choose the location
While the location is always a great consideration, it is even more important when you are combining generations. If senior family members are unable to drive but like to spend time outdoors, find a property close to amenities that can be accessed independently, within a walking distance. Other points of interest, in this case, include public transport lines, access to parks, walking paths, or a community center. Under other conditions, if an elderly family member needs regular care, buying a home near the hospital or medical provider makes more sense than enduring long commutes for treatments.
Find a decent home
When you put your preferences on paper, you should talk to the home details with your buyer’s agent. The more they know, the better they can filter the obtainable properties and find one that perfectly suits your whole family. You should give an advantage to homes with a versatile design. Unlike customized rooms, multifunctional spaces allow for greater flexibility to accommodate the needs of every family member.
Still, going for a larger house is not the only choice. As another option, consider buying a duplex, which has two units divided by a common central wall, or even two houses built on the same lot. In either way, your buyer’s agent is a valuable asset. Not only these professionals have a broad understanding of the market and available properties, but they can advise you on how to make the best offer and negotiate the cost.
Advantages of multi-generational new builds
Multi-generational properties come in different styles and sizes, so you should begin with defining your wishes and measuring them along with your family’s wants, needs, as well as budget. Once you understand your unique family situation, you will be able to look for a multi-generational property to make your home. However, when custom building a home, you can create a house plan that totally matches your family’s needs.
For example, rather than one master bedroom, you can have two or perhaps three master suites. Since a multi-generational home should strike the right balance between private and communal spaces, a custom-built home let you greater freedom in designing these spaces. A home built from scratch can include a sufficient number of private bedrooms, also as open floor spaces, and other must-have features.
Think about a renovation
In some cases, renovating is the most cost-effective way to create a multi-generational room. You could either upgrade your current home or buy a brand new home that’s suitable for expansion. Before you consider either option, you should see if the local zoning laws and homeowners association allows renovating the property in the way you have planned. If you are looking to reconstruct the existing home, your contractor can assist with the regulations, while if you are buying with the intent of expanding, discuss the idea with your buyer’s agent first.
Keeping a big happy family under the same roof has its pros and cons, but if everyone communicates their thoughts throughout the whole process, you can avoid a multi-generational gap and conflicts resulting from the shortage of privacy or impractical arrangements. Whether you are finding for a detached house with an in-law suite or a duplex with separate entrances, make sure your buyer’s agent is full-on information, and you will be satisfied with the result.