Multigenerational homes also referred to as multi-gen or next-gen homes, are designed to provide space for multiple generations to live together under one roof. This style of home is on the rise in America because they’re practical, affordable, and allow for more quality time with family. With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why 1 in 5 Americans are living in a multigenerational home, increasing every year, and thanks to COVID even more.

The basic idea of multigenerational living is that at least two adult generations live together. This could look like a home with grandparents living with their children and grandchildren, a home with parents and their adult children, or even a four-generation home. In a multigenerational home, each generation will benefit from having their own separate space and privacy. Many multi-gen homes also have a separate living area and even a kitchen and separate entrance.
Multigenerational homes offer extra space to accommodate whatever living arrangement meets your family’s changing needs. Buyers purchase multi-gen homes so that:

• Aging parents can move in with their children.
• Adult children may move back home after college or after a divorce, for example.
• There’s room to accommodate a live-in nanny or au pair.
• Family members with special needs are within reach, making it easy to help them. Relatives and friends can stay for extended visits.

No matter what your reasons are for buying a multigenerational house, these homes are designed to help your family grow closer, while still providing enough privacy and space for everyone.

Multi-generational Home Options

There are multiple options when it comes to creating a home that will be shared by several generations (whether it’s two generations or three).
These include having a separate guest cottage; building in what’s commonly referred to as a “Mother-in-Law apartment”; or adding a separate entrance to an existing room in your home. Here are a few multi-generational living options:

In Law-Suite

Think of a mother-in-law suite like an apartment that gives an elder family member space to live independently. Like an apartment, a mother-in-law suite can range from a simple efficiency to a high-end one-bedroom.
A studio-like mother-in-law suite that includes a bedroom and full bathroom would allow access to other parts of the house, such as the kitchen and laundry, in a way that maintains everyone’s privacy. More commonly though, mother-in-law suite designs feature kitchens and living areas, sometimes even a separate entrance.
Speaking of separate entrances, mother-in-law suites can be detached from the house, but they’re usually part of the main home’s floor plan. That’s an added benefit for parents who have limitations and need to be close to their family, yet not encroach upon them. It’s also why mother-in-law suites often incorporate accessible home design.

Two Master Suites

Often, homeowners will put the two suites on opposite ends of the home or separate floors—creating privacy. The suites include a closet and a private full bath with a little extra room. Or simply enhancing an existing bedroom with extra space or a direct entrance to the bathroom. Transforming a loft space or a bonus room into an additional bedroom is also popular customization.
A second owner’s retreat offers an extra bedroom, full bath, walk-in closet, and enough breathing room to make the space feel secluded and peaceful, while still giving the proximity and convenience of being attached to the main home. If needed, a Dual Master Suite can also include a sitting room, kitchen area, and laundry room.

ADU or Casita

A Casita is a private second dwelling usually attached to the main house by a covered porch or walkway, sometimes less than 1,000 square feet. A Casita typically consists of a spacious great room, kitchen area, laundry room, bedroom complete with a full bath and walk-in closet, private entrance, and sometimes a separate garage area. With this addition, finding peace and quiet when you want is as easy as walking from the other side of the house to a whole other home.
This option is great for the adult child accustomed to their privacy, so they can come and go at will. It can also work for the homeowner’s parents, especially if they still have some independence.

Living Suite

This is probably the simplest home renovation to make. Just knock a hole in the outer wall of one of the bedrooms and add an exterior door. This allows the occupant of this room to be able to come and go without disturbing the other occupants of the house.
A second owner’s retreat offers an extra bedroom, full bath, walk-in closet, and enough breathing room to make the space feel secluded and peaceful, while still giving the proximity and convenience of being attached to the main home. If needed, a Dual Master Suite can also include a sitting room, kitchen area, and laundry room.