Exploring the Perks and Challenges of Multi-Gen Homes
Have you noticed more families choosing to live together in multigenerational homes lately? We’re talking grandparents, parents, and kids, all sharing the same living space. With this shift in family dynamics, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of multigenerational housing.
In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits, and potential challenges, of living with your extended family in a multigenerational home. Plus, we’ll showcase some Generation Homes NW home plans specifically designed for multigenerational families—and our newest community, Stephens Hillside Farm.
The Multigenerational Home Movement: Why It’s Gaining Popularity
Multigenerational living brings together at least two adult generations, such as parents and their grown-up children, in one household (a.k.a. a multigenerational home). Interesting fact: in 2021, 18% of the US population (that’s 59.7 million people) lived in multigenerational homes, up from just 7% in 1971. Factors like longer life spans, financial considerations, and the desire for closer family ties contribute to this trend.
Young adults are pursuing more education, marrying later, and starting their own households later as a result. This, combined with the fact older generations are living longer, delays the transition of generational wealth. multigenerational home plans are an ideal solution that benefits the Millenials and Gen Zers looking to buy their first home and keep the Baby Boomers and Gen Xers out of retirement homes.
The Top Five List: The Benefits of Living with Your Extended Family in a Multigenerational Home
From financial advantages to emotional support and cultural enrichment, the dynamics of multigenerational living present opportunities for collaboration, compassion, and growth. Let’sl explore five compelling reasons why living in a multigenerational home can be a fulfilling and enriching experience for families.
Money Matters: Multigenerational living allows families to combine resources, leading to shared savings on essential expenses such as mortgage payments, utilities, and groceries. This, in turn, promotes financial stability and security for all members.
Emotional Bonds: Sharing a home with multiple generations fosters deeper emotional connections and strengthens familial ties, creating a supportive environment where every member feels valued, understood, and cared for, especially during life’s ups and downs.
Compassionate Care: In a multigenerational household, the presence of different age groups presents opportunities for reciprocal caregiving. Family members can provide mutual support in childcare and eldercare, promoting a culture of compassion and solidarity within the home.
Teamwork: By dividing household chores, maintenance tasks, and other responsibilities among family members, multigenerational living promotes a culture of teamwork, encouraging everyone to contribute their skills and efforts to maintain a harmonious and well-functioning household.
Cultural Connection: Living with several generations under one roof preserves and celebrates cultural traditions, family values, and heritage, fostering a sense of pride and belonging while passing down cherished customs and knowledge to future generations.
The Challenges of Multigenerational Living
Living with people from different generations can come with its own set of challenges. Ignoring these challenges can leave you unprepared for what lies ahead. However, by acknowledging them as opportunities for growth and connection, multigenerational living can become a rewarding and enriching experience for everyone involved.
- Privacy, Please: Balancing privacy can be a delicate dance in a multigenerational home. While sharing spaces might require some adjustment, it also offers the opportunity to cultivate stronger bonds and deeper connections among family members.
- Space Management: With multiple generations living under one roof, effectively managing space can pose a challenge. From storage solutions to designated areas for different activities, finding a balance that accommodates everyone’s needs and preferences while maximizing shared spaces requires careful planning and consideration.
- Bridging Generational Divides: Embracing different viewpoints and lifestyles within the household can occasionally lead to disagreements. However, these moments serve as opportunities for open communication and growth, ultimately strengthening family relationships and fostering understanding across generations.
Finding a Multigenerational Home
When it comes to multigenerational living, the decision between buying an existing home and building a new construction home is crucial. While existing homes may offer certain advantages, they often lack the tailored design and functionality to seamlessly accommodate multigenerational households.
New construction homes, on the other hand, allow families to customize every aspect of the living space to suit their unique needs. Generation Homes NW’s dedication to customization and flexibility allows families to collaborate with experienced designers and architects to create a home that perfectly aligns with their multigenerational living goals.
Design Considerations for Multigenerational Homes
From private second entries to age-in-place amenities, thoughtful design elements can make all the difference in creating a comfortable and inclusive living environment for everyone. What you can include will vary based on your budget, but it’s important to consider some of the options available.
- Private Second Entry: A private second entry provides family members with their own separate access to the home, offering added privacy and independence. Whether it’s a dedicated entrance leading to an attached suite or a separate living space, having a private entry allows each generation to come and go as they please without disrupting others.
- Expansive Living Spaces: Large living areas serve as gathering spaces where family members can come together to socialize, relax, and bond. Open-concept floor plans with spacious living rooms and dining areas create an inviting atmosphere for shared activities and quality time spent together.
- Generous Kitchen Space: The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and in a multigenerational household, it becomes even more essential. A generous kitchen space with ample counter space, storage, and modern appliances can accommodate multiple cooks and meal preparations, making it easier to share cooking responsibilities and enjoy family meals together.
- Kitchenette: For families with the means to invest in additional amenities, a second kitchenette can be a game-changer. Whether it’s a small kitchenette in an attached suite or a separate cooking area, having a second kitchenette provides added convenience and flexibility, especially during busy times or when hosting guests.
- Separate Second Living Suite or Dual Suites: For enhanced privacy and autonomy, consider incorporating a separate second living suite or dual suites into the home’s design. These dedicated living spaces typically include a bedroom, bathroom, living area, and kitchenette, providing a comfortable retreat for extended family members or guests.
- Age-in-Place Features: As family members age, it’s essential to ensure that the home remains accessible and accommodating for everyone. Incorporating age-in-place features such as walk-in showers, grab bars, and wider doorways can enhance safety and convenience, allowing family members to age gracefully in their own home.
By integrating these essential design features into the layout of a multigenerational home, families can create a living space that fosters harmony, independence, and connection across generations. Whether it’s providing private entries for each generation, spacious living areas for communal gatherings, or age-in-place amenities for long-term comfort, thoughtful design plays a key role in shaping the multigenerational living experience.
The Top Floor Plans: Designed for Multigenerational Families
The team at Generation Homes NW has developed new floor plans that address common concerns while maximizing the benefits of living with extended family members. The designs reduce privacy concerns, optimize space, and promote harmonious living. They facilitate collaboration, communication, and shared experiences, offering families an ideal environment to thrive together. Let’s explore the top new floor plans tailored for multigenerational living.
Explore Multigenerational Home Plan Options
The Alexandria: This impressive 2,607 square-foot home features a unique attached suite on the main floor, providing a private living space for extended family members. The suite includes its own living room with a kitchenette, a full bathroom, a bedroom, and direct access to the garage. The main two-story home offers a total of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, a great room, and a loft. Upstairs, you’ll find the primary suite and two additional bedrooms, providing ample space for everyone to enjoy their privacy while still connected.
The Trimont: Spanning 2,824 square feet, the Trimont provides a spacious attached suite on the main floor, just like the Alexandria. The suite boasts a cozy living room with a kitchenette, a full bathroom, a bedroom, and private garage access. The main two-story home consists of a total of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 3-car garage, a great room, and a loft. The second floor houses the primary suite and two smaller bedrooms, ensuring each generation has its own space while maintaining a sense of togetherness.
The Arlington: This multigenerational plan at Stephens Hillside Farm is a 2,662-square-foot residence harmoniously combining both practicality and elegance. The home features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a dedicated generational living suite on the main floor. Premium touches include quartz countertops, fully wrapped and painted windows, a covered patio, and a fully landscaped and fenced yard. The Great Room’s open concept plan creates an inviting place to gather, while additional highlights include plentiful storage, a formal dining room, a separate den, and a covered entry. With meticulous attention to detail, the Arlington multigenerational plan offers a versatile and stylish living space, showcasing Generation Homes’ commitment to quality and innovation in La Center, Washington.
The Fairmount Multigenerational plan by Generation Homes NW, situated in Stephens Hillside Farm, epitomizes versatile and luxurious living. Boasting 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, this two-story residence stands out with its unique design—the ADU suite exclusively located on the first floor. Premium features, including quartz countertops, fully wrapped and painted windows, a covered patio, and a landscaped, fenced yard, add a touch of sophistication. The focal point of this plan is its commitment to multigenerational living, offering a spacious great room and kitchen area, a covered patio for outdoor enjoyment, and a sizable bonus room loft. With the added convenience of two garages, the Fairmount plan perfectly encapsulates the essence of harmonious, modern living in La Center, Washington.
Custom Multigenerational Home Plan: From our first meeting together, we take the time to learn how your family lives. We will work with you to create a multigenerational home custom designed for your families needs. Generation Homes NW offers a level of customization and flexibility that is virtually unparalleled.
Living a Multigenerational Life in La Center, Washington
Stephens Hillside Farm by Generation Homes NW is a captivating new neighborhood in La Center, Washington, offering a blend of comfort and style, all surrounded by natural beauty. Featuring 20 distinct floor plans and 85 spacious homesites, this community caters to diverse lifestyles with homes starting in the low $600s. From Modern Farmhouse to Classic Northwest styles, the 20+ floor plan designs ensure there is a residence fit for every taste.
Crafted with meticulous attention, each Generation Homes NW home boasts premium standard features and interior-designer selected finishes, promising a unique and sophisticated living space. Stephens Hillside Farm is a master planned neighborhood, meaning its design goes beyond the homes; homeowners will enjoy a central park, walking trails, and picturesque viewpoints. This is a place with a vibrant community atmosphere! With easy access to Downtown La Center, charming local amenities, and the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, Stephens Hillside Farm invites you to embrace modern living within a tranquil Pacific Northwest setting. Don’t miss the chance to make this vibrant community your home.
Building Your New Multigenerational Home in Clark County
In the journey of multigenerational living, choosing the right home is paramount to creating a harmonious and fulfilling living environment for all family members. With Generation Homes NW’s commitment to innovation and customization, families can rest assured that their multigenerational home will be thoughtfully designed to accommodate their unique lifestyle and foster strong bonds across generations.
From our communities to custom homes built on your land, the team at Generation Homes NW has been helping families in Vancouver, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, La Center, and throughout Clark County find the multigenerational home plan that works best for their needs. Please browse our homes in Cedar Heights, Stephens Hillside Farm, or contact our team of experts to start planning your new construction home.
