According to a PewResearchCenter analysis of the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, approximately 51 million Americans, live in a house with at least two adult generations, or a grandparent and at least one other generation, under one roof.
The article notes multiple reasons that this could be occurring: built in child care, elder care, avoiding isolation in old age, or a way for pooled finances to go further. Whatever the reason, NJW understands multigenerational living, and we can help make your home remodeling project or addition fit your needs.
We, at NJW, are ready to support the growing trend. One possible solution is to offer two master suites, a den or family room that can be converted into a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, and other “bonus areas” with flexible space that can change as your family does. Another option might be to take a two-car garage and shrink it to a one car garage and the extra area morph into living space for a grandparent or boomerang kid. We also incorporate the necessities of the multigenerational home remodel, such as wider hallways and doors, better lighting, few or no steps that work for a baby stroller or a wheelchair.
In particular, a bathroom remodel might include features such as wall mounted sinks for wheelchairs, walk-in bathtubs, and motion sensing faucets that can make the bath a better experience for everyone. An idea to adapt your kitchen remodel for the multigenerational family might be to replace base cabinet half shelves with roll-out trays. This will also increase the storage of that cabinet by about 25%, and at the same time make items more accessible. Something as simple as replacing any knobs on your kitchen cabinets with larger pulls can also be a big help.
If you need assistance deciding how to make your home into a multigenerational home, we can help. You can feel confident that we will get to know your family’s needs and come up with the best plan to ensure everyone can enjoy the home renovation.
We currently build in Westerville, Worthington, Whitehall, Upper Arlington, Powell, Pickerington, New Albany, Lancaster, Hilliard, Gahanna, Dublin, Bexley, Columbus and all of Central Ohio. Contact us today!