A very noticeable aspect of modern living trends is how many multigenerational households there now are as families try to find a solution to grown-up kids who can’t afford a place of their own and grandparents need look after by their loved ones.
Coping with so many different needs and people under the one roof is inevitably going to put your home under a certain amount of strain, which is why it might require a remodel to make the most of the space you have available.
Here is a look at some of the demands of trying to create a living space that is suitable for different generations, including how to decide if remodeling is right for your home, pointers on how to make the most of your basement, plus some other remodeling tips to help you make the most of the situation.
Coping with boomerang kids and aging parents
There are an estimated fifty million people currently living in multigenerational households and that number is expected to rise rapidly over the next few years.
It takes more than an adjustment to your home to cope with the prospect of housing your adult children who find themselves unable to afford their own accommodation and welcoming a parent into your home when you haven’t lived with them for years.
Aside from the emotional impact of this situation, the big question is what changes need to be made to your home to give everyone the space and privacy that they need and you want them to have?
Start with the basement
If you have a basement that you haven’t got round to finishing properly up to now or is used mainly for storage, this is a great place to start if you have decided to try and make the best of the situation you find yourself in.
An elderly parent would be a good candidate for a basement provided the access is easy for them, or alternatively, you could invite your grown-up child to take up residence so that they can enjoy their own space.
Think about installing a basement bathroom as a must-have remodeling requirement so you are not having to share existing facilities, and see if you can make space for a kitchen area and some appliances for self-sufficiency.
If the budget will stretch to it, consider soundproofing the ceiling for maximum privacy and minimum disruption to the rest of the family residents.
Make some changes to the main floor
You can never really have enough bathroom options when it comes to designing a home that can cope with the demands of a multigenerational household and it is always worth taking a look to see how you might be able to squeeze another one into your layout.
A good move would be to consider installing a full bath to your washroom facilities on the main floor of your home, as this gives you the chance to age in place and cope with older residents who could struggle to use upper-floor facilities if they have mobility issues.
It is always a good idea to discuss expectations and responsibilities when considering the idea of accommodating different generations under the one roof, as well as working out how you are going to remodel your home to meet those demands.
