Multigenerational Homes: How to Plan for Long-Term Use and Flexibility

The American dream of a single-family home is evolving with multigenerational homes becoming increasingly common. More than 18% of Americans share their homes across generations—a number that has quadrupled since 1971.

From creating private apartments for adult children navigating today’s housing market to converting primary suites for live-in grandparents, families are finding creative ways to live, support, and grow together under one roof.

But making it work requires more than just sharing a space. 

Thoughtful multi-generational home design can help you create a space that adapts to your family’s changing needs while offering comfort, privacy, and independence for everyone.

What is a Multigenerational Home?

A multi-generational home brings two or more generations together under one roof, blending resources, responsibilities, and support. 

Whether it’s aging parents, adult children, or extended family members, these homes are designed to foster connection while maintaining privacy. 

By creating spaces that meet the diverse needs of each generation, multigenerational living can offer practical and emotional benefits that enrich family life.

Benefits of Multigenerational Living

Sharing a home across generations offers practical advantages that make sense in today’s economic landscape. In fact, 70% of adults choose multigenerational living for the financial benefits.

By pooling resources and sharing responsibilities, families can also create stronger support systems. About 25% of adults in multigenerational homes provide care for family members, whether grandparents helping with childcare or adult children supporting aging parents.

Multigenerational living is a way to strengthen family bonds while navigating life’s challenges together, but it requires thoughtful planning and careful consideration of everyone’s needs.

Essential Planning Considerations for Multigenerational Homes

Before diving into specific modifications, take time to evaluate your current space and how it needs to adapt. Start by assessing which areas can be repurposed and which might require significant changes.

Consider both immediate needs and how your family’s requirements might change over time—what works for an active senior parent today may need to accommodate different mobility needs in the future.

Most importantly, establish clear communication channels with all family members who will share the space. Have open discussions about expectations, privacy needs, and shared responsibilities. 

Key Spaces and Modifications for Multigenerational Living

1. Private Living Areas

Creating separate, private living spaces is essential for maintaining independence in a multigenerational home. For instance, a first-floor primary suite provides accessibility for aging parents while offering the convenience of single-level living.

Or, opt for an in-law suite or addition with its own private entrance. This solution helps establish a sense of autonomy while making it easier for family members to maintain independent schedules. 

Not sure if an in-law suite is right for your family’s needs? This guide will help. 

2. Shared Kitchen and Dining Spaces

The kitchen often serves as the heart of a multigenerational home, making its design crucial for comfortable living. Consider multiple workstations, like a second sink or prep area, so family members can cook simultaneously without crowding each other.

Accessibility is key when designing shared spaces. Vary counter heights to accommodate different needs—standard height for most cooking tasks, lower sections for seated prep, and easier access for those with mobility challenges. 

You can check out our guide to aging-in-place kitchen design to learn more about creating an accessible kitchen.

For dining areas, consider a combination of casual eating spaces and more formal dining options. Pull-out tables or expandable solutions can adapt to changing group sizes without permanently taking up extra space.

3. Bathroom Modifications

A well-designed bathroom is crucial for safety and independence in multigenerational homes. Walk-in showers eliminate the hazard of stepping over tub walls while offering easy access for all mobility levels. 

Consider curbless designs with built-in seating and adjustable showerheads to accommodate different needs and preferences. You can also strategically place support rails without compromising aesthetics—even if they’re not needed immediately. 

If you’re looking for more inspiration, head over to our aging-in-place bathroom remodel blog.

4. Common Areas in Multigenerational Homes

Shared spaces should bring the family together while respecting everyone’s need for personal time. Consider multiple entertainment zones to prevent conflicts over TV shows or music while allowing different generations to enjoy their preferred activities without disturbing others.

You can also opt for flexible seating arrangements, like modular furniture and easily movable pieces, allowing rooms to adapt from intimate gatherings to larger family events. 

Make sure you plan for thoughtful storage solutions throughout common areas to prevent clutter. Built-in cabinets, window seats with storage, and multi-functional furniture can help everyone organize their belongings while maintaining a welcoming shared space.

5. Universal Design Elements in Multigenerational House Plans

Throughout your multigenerational home, certain design elements create a foundation for comfortable, safe living for all ages:

• Zero-threshold entryways eliminate trip hazards and make it easy to move between spaces, whether using a wheelchair, pushing a stroller, or carrying groceries. 
• Wider doorways and hallways provide comfortable pathways for everyone, from kids racing through the house to family members using mobility devices.
• Strategic lighting is helpful for safety and comfort, from general overhead illumination to task lighting in work areas and motion-sensor night lights in hallways. 
• Non-slip flooring provides sure footing for every family member, from toddlers learning to walk to older adults with mobility concerns. 

These universal design elements, when incorporated thoughtfully throughout your home, create a space that’s beautiful and functional for everyone—today and in the years to come.

Making the Transition to Multigenerational Living

Transitioning to a multigenerational home is a significant step that requires thoughtful planning and expert guidance. 

At Robert Way Construction, we specialize in creating adaptable living spaces that cater to the unique needs of each family member. With over 30 years of experience, our team is dedicated to delivering quality, on-time results tailored to your vision.

Schedule a call with us today to learn how we can help you make the transition to multigenerational living.