As a result of the 2020 pandemic, multigenerational living is becoming popular again. Families are bringing older relatives into their homes so that they can ensure their loved ones are properly cared for. Adult children are staying with their parents so they can save money while they’re going to school or trying to save for a house.
It’s not uncommon for today’s homebuyers to look for homes that are designed with multigenerational living in mind. Here are some of the most popular, yet functional, designs for multigenerational cohabitation that will increase your home’s value.
Accessible bathrooms
Traditional bathrooms can be dangerous for anyone with mobility issues, regardless of age. By adding features like grab-bars near bathtubs and the toilet, opting for a walk-in shower rather than a traditional setup, and lots of vanity space, you’re making the bathroom safe and functional for your older relatives.
Motorized kitchen features
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so make it a space that’s functional for everyone. You can add motorized cabinets or countertops that can be lowered for those who are short or are unable to reach very high. You can add a communication center (be it a whiteboard or by using smart technology like a smart refrigerator.
Doorways and stairs built with safety in mind
If you don’t have a single-story home, try to put one of the bedrooms and a bathroom on the main level for your older relative. If you’re unable to do so, you can make the stairs safer by painting the banister a different (contrasting) color from the wall color. If there’s a door near the top of the stairs, consider moving the door frame to create a three-foot landing area. When it comes to doorways, make sure they are wider than 40-inches so that a wheelchair can easily pass through.
Create space for privacy
With so many people living under one roof, tension is bound to arise from time to time. So, before there are any huge blow-ups, create a spacious family area where they can go to get some peace and quiet. You can do this by hanging thick drapes to separate a common area. If you have the space, set up a TV room in another part of the house or finally finish that basement renovation project.
Invest in an additional dwelling unit (ADU)
For some families, creating an additional dwelling unit (ADU) can make everyone’s life a little easier. These units are like studio apartments that come complete with a kitchenette, bathroom, and living space/bedroom. They don’t have to be a separate structure in the backyard, either. You can create an ADU in a finished basement, turn the garage into an ADU, or build an addition to the home which will be used as an ADU.
Multigenerational homes are quite popular
As of March 2021, it’s estimated that close to 60 million Americans lived in a multigenerational home. It’s easy to understand why, considering the cost of everything is through the roof! If you have the means available to make improvements to make your home appealing to this demographic, you can certainly justify a higher listing price when you sell!
Article courtesy of Evette Champion.
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych
