In 2018, 20
percent
of homebuyers ages 53 to 62 were likely to buy a multigenerational
home. If you're heading toward retirement but still have young adult children
or aging parents who live with you, take a look at what you need to ask before
buying multi-generational housing.
This may seem like a straightforward question with one answer - you need as
many rooms as there are people. But the true answer is much more complex. Don't
let this complexity challenge you. With a few simple strategies, you can come
up with a realistic answer that meets your needs.
When you calculate room number, consider:
- The total number of couples.
You don't need one room for each person if you are married, your adult
child is married, or you live with your married parents. If you have six
people who are divided into three couples, it's likely you'll only need
three bedrooms.
- Whether children will or won't share a
room. Some families are fine with multiple siblings living in
one room. Others aren't. If you have children under 18, or if your adult
child has their own children, decide on who (if anyone) will share a room.
- If anyone will have a baby or adopt a
child soon. An adult child who is starting their family may
only need one bedroom for themselves and their spouse right now. But a
year from now they may need another room for a new addition to the family.
- The total number of guests. Do
you entertain often? If you have out-of-town guests, family members who
visit, or your child or grandchildren have friends stay over, add on an
additional room (or rooms) as guest bedrooms.
Some families like having an extra guest room, even if they don't regularly
host overnight visitors. If you prefer this option, you'll need one additional
bedroom.
There's also no easy answer to this question. From family room spaces to
bathrooms, the number of rooms you need depends on several factors. These often
include:
- Your preference. Some families
(whether they live in a multi-generational home or not) prefer minimalist
spaces while others enjoy a roomy home.
- The use-need for each room.
Using one room for different purposes can cause conflict between the
generations. If your grandchildren regularly play loud video games, having
a separate TV room and living room makes sense.
- Each family member's schedule.
If you, your adult children, and their kids all need to shower before work
or school, having multiple bathrooms is necessary.
If you have budget concerns, investigate ways to combine rooms - minimizing
the size of home you need. This may mean looking for a home with an eat-in
kitchen to eliminate a formal dining space or opting out of a separate family
room and living room floor plan.
Their advantages and disadvantages of different home setups. Whether you
want a ranch or multi-level style of house may depend on:
- The ages of your family members.
Aging adults are more prone to falls, making stairs a challenge. If you
don't feel comfortable with a multi-level house or your aging parents
can't use the stairs, you'll need a single-level or ranch-style home.
- The physical condition of your family
members. Anyone, regardless of their age, who can't easily
walk up and down stairs may require a single-level setup.
- The amount of privacy needed.
A multi-level home offers additional space options that may make finding
private spaces easier.
Along with planning for the immediate future, think about what's to come. An
aging parent who can navigate stairways right now may have very different needs
in a year or two. If you suspect this is the case, investigate a single-level
option or a home with a downstairs bedroom/bathroom combo.
Do you need help finding a multi-generational home? Contact Heritage Realty & Insurance for
more information.
