In 2020, real estate agents in Houston, Texas report there’s a shift in what the average household looks like. The pandemic and the rising cost of things are making homeowners step away from single-family households and embrace multigenerational living.
There are many reasons why multigenerational households are growing in number. Some households are caring for aging loved ones. Some households have their adult children move back home because rent or buying a house is out of their reach. Some households are doing it purely for economic reasons.
If you’re thinking about having family live with you, try finding a Realtor® who has experience finding multigenerational homes with these in-demand features.
1. Accessibility
Finding a house that’s accessible for multigenerational families can be a challenge because the average house doesn’t have universal design elements. These design elements include ramps for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues. Other universal design elements include higher toilets, better lighting, wider doorways, etc.
2. More than one master bedroom
Your adult children may not mind moving back into their childhood room or in the basement, but when you have an elderly parent moving in…? They’ll probably want a private bathroom and a larger bedroom. You could sacrifice your master bedroom and use a smaller room, but you could always build a second master bedroom (preferably on the first floor if the house has more than one story).
3. In-law suites
If you prefer to give your loved one true privacy and you have the means to do so, why not consider a property with an in-law suite? In-law suites can come in many forms: a new addition build onto the existing house, a converted garage, a finished basement, or even a revamped shed. In-law suites are like mini-apartments, complete with a private entrance, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living space.
4. Space for privacy
With multiple generations living under one roof, there’s bound to be some tension from time to time. You can ease some of that potential tension by having enough space for people to retreat to and unwind. If you’re looking at a house that has a large, open layout, you can still create some kind of privacy by using furniture like large bookcases, a shelving unit, or creating multiple seating areas to divide up the space.
5. Neutral design
The key to multigenerational living is to choose a home that can meet your family’s needs as the dynamic changes. Let’s say your adult children move back in and they now have a baby. You’ll want space for a nursery and safety features so the little ones don’t get into anything dangerous. Likewise, if you’re bringing your aging parents to live with you, you’ll want to focus on upgrades that will make their lives easier, such as grab bars in the bathroom, storage that’s easy to get to, wider doors, and so on.
Whether you’re buying a multigenerational house or you want to turn your existing home into one that can accommodate special needs, a top real estate agent can help you find what you’re looking for.
