Practical Design Tips for Multigenerational Living Spaces
Owning a home has long been considered one of the calling cards of the American Dream. Unfortunately, modern challenges have made this dream more stressful than it should be. High interest rates, skyrocketing real estate prices, and a complicated job market make owning a home more difficult than ever. As such, many prospective buyers are getting creative to find ways to make homeownership a reality.
One trending idea is multigenerational living. By having grandma and grandpa under the same roof, working professionals can share home costs and have built-in childcare. With that said, creating a workable multigenerational living space requires a bit more planning than a traditional single-family home. Keep reading as we explore the best ways to design multigenerational homes for optimal comfort, safety, and functionality!
Prioritize Energy Efficiency
Sustainability is a top priority in all corners of the contemporary real estate market. Homeowners are doing everything they can to reduce energy consumption to save on utility bills and adhere to a higher standard of environmental conscientiousness. This movement is underscored in multigenerational living spaces. Simply put, more people under the same roof means more energy consumption. Avoid an energy pit through mindful design.
PV technology is a great place to start. Solar panels and energy-producing window glazing are a practical starting point for offsetting energy consumption via renewable features. In addition, reduce reliance on HVAC and forced-air heating via innovative electric floor heating systems. It uses a series of electric subfloor heating mats that evenly disperse heat in a stove-like fashion. This helps eliminate cold pockets that keep forced-air systems constantly running for a more consistent heating experience.
Other energy efficiency tips include installing high R-value insulation, adding greater window area for increased natural light transmission, and opting for EnergyStar appliances over less efficient contractor-grade options.
Leverage Open-Concept Design
It is intuitive to assume that more people living under one roof necessitates more rooms and more divided space. While it is certainly true that everyone needs their own bedroom as a relaxation sanctuary, it is actually a better idea to have more open and free-flowing common spaces. This can help keep the home from feeling too cramped and makes it more versatile for hosting guests or simply enjoying time together with the entire family. Demountable glass partition walls, sliding pocket doors, and carefully placed furniture are some ways to break up open areas and create some defined space as necessary.
Ensure Comprehensive Safety Features
Multiple generations in one house requires additional attention to safety. From baby-proofing to fall prevention, no stone should be left unturned. Install shower grab bars to create a safe shower environment. Add robust railing around all staircases to protect children at play. Consider rounded kitchen islands over rectangular options to eliminate the sharp, protruding edge. Make sure that there are adequate window treatments and shading devices to limit views for loiterers.
Use Low Maintenance Materials
More people means more wear and tear to the household. Bathroom floors will be constantly wet, kitchen countertops will face a never-ending wave of food, and more pairs of dirty feet will track outside debris throughout the home. Therefore, it is essential to choose the most durable, low-maintenance materials during home construction. This will enhance longevity and reduce ongoing attention to upkeep.
Engineered quartz countertops, polished concrete floors, stainless steel drawer pulls, and black metal railing are all some wonderful options for creating stunning aesthetics that stand up well in the face of heavy usage.
Implement Noise Mitigation
Multigenerational homes will be bustling at all hours of the day. This can create a noise problem when the sleep schedules vary under the same roof. As such, multigenerational homes should be designed with sound mitigation in mind. Accent walls featuring acoustical wood panels provide sound-absorbing mass that helps keep noise local to its origin. Decorative wall panels adhere to the wall much like artwork or picture frames and are a great low-profile option. Check the quality of window and door seals to ensure that no exterior noise pollution enters the home.
Create Functional Exterior Space
No matter how much you love your in-laws, there will be times when you just need a break. This can be a challenge when the home’s dimensions are humble and you really don’t feel like heading over to the neighborhood coffee shop. As such, it is crucial to build multigenerational homes that include functional exterior space. This adds to the effective square footage of the home while providing a much-needed change of scenery without leaving the property. Pergolas for shade, durable flooring pavers, and low-profile deck railing are some key materials for enhancing the safety and usability of exterior hangouts.
Design the Most Functional Multigenerational Living Spaces Today
From advanced energy-efficiency features to functional exterior space, any of the ideas listed above are a great place to start when building multigenerational homes. For more of the leading insights in the home improvement industry, explore the resources at Castle Building & Remodeling for ideas and inspiration today!
Author Bio:
Sam Willis is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise in residential and commercial real estate, as well as engineering, construction, and business. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.