Remember to create large communal living spaces when designing your multi-generational home.
Planning your dream home requires all kinds of considerations. If your home is going to include in-laws and children, you will need to consider what accommodations will be necessary for every family member to feel at home. A multi-generational home can be a great way to bond families and to share living costs with multiple family members. Whether you are building a new multi-generational home or planning an addition, there are a few factors to consider before you start construction on your new home.
Everyone Should Have Their Space
In a multi-generational home, it is important that every family member feels they have a personal space to call their own. For instance, an in-law suite addition with its separate entrance and a kitchenette allows for privacy and independence.
Create Family Spaces With Room to Gather
The communal spaces of the multi-generational home, such as the kitchen and living room, should be large enough to accommodate all family members. Installing easy-to-use cabinets and appliances makes the spaces accessible for everyone, and creating storage spaces for children’s toys prevents tripping hazards and clutter.
Plan Outdoor Gathering Spaces
Ample outdoor space for family gatherings is also a beneficial feature for multi-generational homes. Consider installing a back deck with a ramp for easy access for older relatives. Fire pits and backyard barbecue spaces are great installations for family communal spaces.
Your Multi-Generational Home Should Be Accessible
If you have small children, you will want to childproof your home or addition for their safety. Additionally, you will want to ensure that your home is accessible for elderly family members. For instance, make sure all rooms are adequately lit and that doors are wide enough for wheelchairs and walkers. Accessible bathrooms are also essential for elderly relatives.
Consider Open Floor Plans for Easy Access
Open floor plans, which remove walls between rooms, are also beneficial for accessibility. These plans also foster togetherness and inclusivity among family members, particularly if the kitchen and family room share an open floor plan.
Consider the Amount of Garage Space
With more people living in your home, you will likely have more people who need the use of your home’s garage. You will have to consider whether you will need to add or build an attached or detached garage. You will also need to know how many family members will be using cars to determine how much space you need in the multi-generational home garage.
Keep Your Home Design Flexible
The most important thing to remember while planning your multi-generational home is to be flexible. You can design for your current needs, but consider how things may change in a few years. Will you have more children? Will any family member be moving out? Design your rooms so that they could potentially be used for other purposes.
Build Your Dream Home With T&G Builders
T&G Builders, located in Berlin, MD, has been a premier waterfront custom home builder and home improvement contractor serving Worcester and Sussex Counties for over 25 years. We are a locally owned and operated business known for our uncompromising commitment to quality, our passion for using innovative technology and premium materials to complete projects, and our exceptional attention to detail. In addition to building custom homes, we also specialize in remodeling your current house into your dream home! Our skilled team can assess your needs, determine the right design for your addition or improvement, and complete the entire construction process.
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