The Many Options for Multi-Generational Living

Multi-Generational Living Is In Demand

A multi-generational home is a household made up of three or more generations living together under one roof.

Typically, that is 2-3 related adult generations, as well as children. Multi-generational living is on the rise due to a variety of factors, some are economic due to growing housing costs and others are lifestyle based. But the bottom line is that multi-generational living simply makes sense. More young adults than ever are driven to live with family members with college costs mounting and affordable housing in short supply. Additionally, an aging population with increasing healthcare needs often finds support and companionship within multi-generational households.

The desire for stronger family bonds and childcare assistance also contributes to this trend.

Parents with young children benefit from grandparents living with them and contributing to child care. Furthermore, greater acceptance of diverse living arrangements are stemming from cultures that traditionally prioritize multi-generational living. All of this plays into the growing popularity of multi-generational living.

The good news is, Wayne Homes has many options for multi-generational living.

We have a selection of floor plans that are ideal for multi-generational living.

From multiple owner suites to kitchenettes, our floor plans have the extra space and features you want for your family, no matter what their needs may be.

Home features in high demand for multi-generational living prioritize both privacy and shared spaces.

Separate living quarters with kitchenettes or kitchenette areas are sought after to provide independence, while open-concept common areas foster togetherness. Accessible features, such as first-floor bedrooms and bathrooms, are essential for accommodating varying mobility needs. Flexible spaces that can adapt to changing family dynamics, like home offices that can convert into guest rooms, are also desirable. Additionally, outdoor living areas that offer both private retreats and communal gathering spots are becoming increasingly popular in multi-generational homes.

Wayne customers Heather and Dustin Baker are building a home to share with Heather’s mom, Kim.

They are working with the Newark office to build their Anderson Classic.

The Bakers wanted to build a home that would be large enough to combine two households and that would provide plenty of space for Heather and Dustin’s three children. After Heather’s father passed away, and her mother found it increasingly difficult to get around, they decided that living together in a multi-generational home would be the perfect solution.

The large loft provides additional space for the kids. The main floor owner’s suite will be perfect for Kim because of its easy access. The second floor owner’s suite is perfect for Dustin and Heather so that they can be near the kids upstairs. The three secondary bedrooms – all with walk-in closets – on the second floor provide space for each of the kids to have their own rooms.

The Anderson floor plan is focused on convenience and functional spaces.

The Anderson floor plan gave them everything they wanted and needed in a new home – so it was the perfect floor plan for them!

For example, even if there are multiple cooks in the kitchen, it won’t be a problem – the large kitchen includes two islands and a walk-in pantry for additional storage. The laundry room is conveniently located just inside the door from the garage – and near the first floor owner’s suite, so it will be easy for Kim to access.

Like all of our floor plans, the Anderson can be customized to fit your needs.

Some of the customizations the Bakers made to the home to ensure it works for their lifestyle and needs now and in the future include:

• Zero entry at the front porch/front door
• 3′ wide doorways throughout the main floor
• An added third-bay garage
• Luxury vinyl flooring throughout the home
• Finished part of the basement and added rough plumbing for a future basement bathroom
• Enclosed the den on the main floor and added glass French doors from the foyer
• All of the base cabinets in the kitchen were changed to drawers which will make them easier to access
• The island nearest the great room will have a wrap-around flush eat ledge to provide even more space for everyone to gather

Heather said there are definitely some great pros to having a multi-generational home.

“The up side of living in a multi-generational home is I feel better about my Mom’s health and care; I am here to help when she needs it, and she and I have always been very close. We are excited to finally have a huge kitchen to make all our culinary dreams come true!”

When asked what advice they would give to families considering building a multi-generational home, this is what Heather said.

“I would advise that you take the time and hash out the details of a new build that are important for you and all the family.” For the Bakers, it was important that Heather’s mom had everything she needed on the main floor of the house and to not have to navigate too many stairs. “We also manipulated the plans to allow for wider doors on the main level to make it easier for a walker to maneuver,” Heather said. ‘”Whatever details are important to you, Wayne Homes does a fantastic job to make it a reality.”

Are you ready to make your multi-generational home a reality? We can help!

Contact us to get started planning your multi-generational Wayne home.

About Wayne Homes

Wayne Homes is a custom homebuilder in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia (see all Model Home Centers). We offer more than 50 fully customizable floorplans and a team dedicated to providing the best experience in the home building industry. For more information, Ask Julie by Live Chat or call us at (866) 253-6807.

Disclaimer: The details of this blog are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change.