I recently stumbled upon a statistic that showed the amount of multi-generational homes has risen in the US to a 50-year high.
For many years, even prior to the recession, college grads continue to return home to live with their parents to prepare for their own future, which means a lot of home remodeling projects involving building ‘suites’ for these grads. Iron River Construction has also done several remodeling projects in Minneapolis designated for making more space for elderly parents moving in with their kids. Remodeling a home is actually a more friendly, not to mention economical, solution for times when you don’t want your parents to be moved into a ‘home’ or assisted living facility.
During the hard economic times in this ‘post-recession’ we also feel that it makes sense for a variety of generations to come together in order to survive or work on getting ahead. No matter the reason for combining multiple generations under one roof, there are rewards to come that many don’t realize or think about at first.
From my own perspective, as a Minneapolis home remodeling contractor, it seems that the amount of both private and social spaces makes a big difference in how successful multi-generation homes can be. Having the right amount of space to allow individuals enough privacy, as well as space to allow everyone to socialize, without constantly being in the way of others, is more crucial than many realize.
If you’re considering a multi-generation home, think about the following remodeling tips that can make a significant impact on different generations living together in one home.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are a necessity for any home, but not having enough of them for multi-generation homes can be a big frustration. In addition, having ‘functional’ bathrooms designed for ‘sharing’ can go a long way. Ensure there is enough storage space for every person to make it comfortable for everyone to lower the chances of arguments regarding clutter and messes.
Sitting Rooms
You may not currently have a sitting room but you can easily transform a small bedroom into a sitting area. Sitting rooms are ideal for creating a space where individuals can steal some alone time to read a book or enjoy a hobby away from the noise and distractions in the home.
Gathering Rooms
Each home should have a place where the family can gather comfortably and easily to socialize and simply enjoy each other’s company. Dining rooms, family rooms, even the kitchen are just a few rooms where the family likely gathers often in your home. Remodeling to include areas for particular activities (i.e., kids space for being loud, playing games, etc.) can be essential for a successful multi-generation home. The adults could be cleaning the kitchen while the kids are in a corner space working on homework; it’s all about functional space and how you use it.
These are just a few important elements for a multi generation home. Maybe you have multiple generations in your home and have already discovered the need for more room. Or maybe you just want to increase the size of your home and plan ahead. But whatever the need is, Iron River Construction is here to help. Please contact us for a quote or to schedule an appointment. Together we can make your home even better.
