Whole Home Remodels for Multi-Generational Living: A Design Approach for Every Generation

Why Choose a House Remodel for Multi-generational Living?

In today’s world, more families are choosing multi-generational living for a variety of reasons:

• • Adult children in their 20s are returning home to reduce living costs as they navigate student loan payments and entry-level wages.
  • Middle-aged parents are combining resources with extended family members to manage rising healthcare costs and fixed incomes.
  • Elderly parents are staying connected with family, helping with childcare, and maximizing their Social Security benefits.

While living together strengthens family bonds, saves money, and shares household responsibilities, every family member still needs personal space and independence. Older adults may also require home modifications to support their mobility and help them maintain independence in daily activities.

That’s where whole home remodels for multi-generational living come in. Rather than moving to a new, larger home, you can remodel your current house to maximize space, add necessary accommodations, and create a home that truly works for every generation.

Even if your family is not yet moving in with you, you reap the benefits of remodeling your home with multi-generation features by:

1. Being ready when the time comes.
2. Accommodating guests comfortably.
3. Increasing your home value if you decide to sell.

With the right home remodeling solutions, you can expand living areas, increase privacy, and ensure everyone’s comfort—both now and in the future.

Key Design Considerations for Multi-Generational Homes

Most homes are initially designed for nuclear families, not to accommodate multiple generations living under one roof.

When planning a whole home remodel for multi-generational living, it’s essential to consider the unique needs of every family member. With the growing trend of working from home, some may require dedicated office spaces, while others—retired family members or children—will need areas to relax and connect. To create a home that works for everyone, here are five key design considerations:

Privacy

There is comfort in privacy. A successful multi-generational home balances shared living with private spaces.

For example, creating a separate suite in the basement with its own kitchenette and bathroom allows one generation to enjoy autonomy while still being close to family. Soundproofing can also be added to maintain privacy and peace between shared and individual spaces.

Universal Design for Accessible Living

Do you have a family member who is already using a cane or wheelchair? Can your child reach for a bowl and the cereal easily inside the kitchen? With universal design, every area of your home is accessible, regardless of age or ability.

Features like wider doorways, step-free entryways, and accessible bathrooms make life easier for older family members or those with mobility challenges. With thoughtful design, your family can enjoy the benefits of aging in place comfortably and safely.

Independence

Being independent in daily activities maintains an individual’s dignity.

For example, an elderly in-law can be stubborn about using the bathroom without help. Why not remodel the bathroom to make it easier and safer for them to use?

By remodeling shared spaces to be safer and more convenient for people of all ages, every person in the family can independently do their activities at home.

Comfort and Convenience

Comfortable living for everyone is essential when remodeling a home.

Making rooms more convenient, such as installing drawers instead of doors in kitchen cabinets, allows anyone to easily see what’s inside without moving things around.

Having a shower bench is also an item of comfort and convenience. While it helps elderly people sit on it instead of standing in the shower, it is also convenient for younger people who want to be more relaxed while bathing.

Open Spaces for Flexibility

Open, adaptable spaces are key to fostering family interaction while still allowing for personal flexibility. By remodeling communal areas such as the kitchen or living room into open-plan layouts, you create multi-purpose spaces that can serve as anything from a home office to a playroom, depending on the family’s needs.

Universal Design Ideas in Remodeling for Multi-Generational Living

Halls, Exits and Entryways

• • Stable ramp entrances on elevated entryways
  • Wide hallways and interior doors where users of wheelchairs and mobility aids can navigate easily
  • Stairlift for people having difficulty using stairs

Accessible Bathrooms

• • Curbless shower rooms to remove the difficulty of navigating a wheelchair inside or walking over steps
  • Shower bench for comfort from standing too long
  • Infrared sensor touchless faucets to remove the difficulty of turning on faucets
  • Fixed water temperature in the shower area to prevent scalding or cold shocks
  • Grab bars near the toilet and in the shower area to prevent slips or falls
  • Comfort height toilets to prevent knees from bending to low

Safety Doors and Windows

• • Hydraulic door closers to prevent slamming
  • Sliding doors for better access to entering and exiting
  • Lever handles for opening doors as some people may find it difficult to twist open knobs

General Ideas for All Rooms

• • Slip-resistant floor surfaces to avoid accidents
  • Touch-distinguishable light switches for turning on the lights
  • Bright lighting to prevent bumps and falls
  • Optimal light switch height of 15-48 inches above the floor to accommodate the majority of residents, including wheelchair users
  • Optimal electrical outlet height of 15 inches above the floor to accommodate everyone, including people with disabilities and the elderly
  • Clear lines of sight in open spaces to keep watch of children

Whole Home Remodels: Maximizing Space for Generations to Come

When planning a whole home remodel for multi-generational living, the goal is to maximize the space within your current home. Every square foot should be thoughtfully utilized to accommodate the unique needs of multiple generations, ensuring comfort and convenience for years to come.

Garage or Basement Conversions for Added Living Space

Your garage or basement can be converted into a living space for a separate family. Let’s say the homeowner’s brother is coming to live with them alongside his wife. Converting these underutilized spaces into an apartment with a kitchenette and bathroom can provide them privacy while still being part of the household. Since the garage or basement is on a different level from the main living areas, it’s ideal for maintaining independence.

Attic Renovations for Extra Bedroom

Attics can be transformed into cozy bedrooms, making them perfect for younger adults or teenagers in the family. While attic renovations typically offer less space than garages or basements, they’re still a great option for adding an extra bedroom. With the entryway often being steeper or narrower, this option is ideal for those who don’t mind the climb and are looking for a quiet, tucked-away space.

Straightforward Room Additions

If your existing space doesn’t allow for garage, basement, or attic conversions, a room addition is a straightforward way to create more living space. Adding new rooms that connect to the home can comfortably accommodate a separate family unit while ensuring everyone has their own space and privacy. Room additions are a flexible solution for expanding the house to meet the long-term needs of multiple generations living together.

Outdoor Living Spaces for More Shared Areas

Take advantage of your property’s outdoor spaces by expanding shared areas with sunrooms, porches, or patios. These areas can be designed for everyone in the family to enjoy, from young children to elderly adults. By incorporating features that are child-proof and accessible, you create an inviting environment for all generations to gather and enjoy outdoor activities together.

The Role of Kitchens in Multi-Generational Homes

The kitchen is the heart of the home—especially in a multi-generational household. When remodeling your kitchen, creating a space that accommodates a large family’s diverse needs is important. A spacious layout with plenty of room to move around, multiple appliances, and adaptable features like varying counter heights and roll-out shelves can make the kitchen accessible and convenient for all. Consider adding a second sink, more prep space, and smart storage solutions like rotating organizers to ensure every family member can comfortably use the kitchen, regardless of age or mobility.

Schroeder Design Build: Your Partner in Multi-Generational Living

When it comes to home remodeling for multi-generational living, Schroeder Design Build is your trusted partner. Our goal is to help you create a space that accommodates all family members while enhancing your home’s value. We understand that expanding your living space is a significant investment. That’s why we’re here to make the process both enjoyable and predictable.

As a second-generation, family-owned design-build firm, we bring a unique blend of creativity and craftsmanship to every project. Our team of skilled architects and designers in Northern Virginia works with you from design through construction, ensuring your vision for a multi-generational home becomes a reality.