How to: Build Multigenerational Dream Home

According to recent population data, multigenerational living in Hawaii is on the rise— from grandparents moving in with their adult children, to young adults who “boomerang” back home after college while establishing their careers. Fortunately, there are many benefits to multigenerational living, including reduced housing costs and increased home values. If you’re considering remodeling your home to accommodate additional family members, we’ve got three tips guaranteed to help all parties feel right at home.

  • Give everyone space. And no, we don’t mean putting a bed into your old office or cleaning out the closet of your guest room. If you’re considering moving aging parents into your new home, it’s important to remember that they are accustomed to space and privacy. Work with your contractor or architect to design a “home within a home” that includes not only a bedroom, but a possible seating area, private bathroom, and depending on the zoning laws in your area, a small kitchenette space. While it may feel like a big commitment, these additions will increase the value of your home and maintain healthy relationships across both generations.
  • Eliminate empty spaces. Few families regularly use a formal dining area, and while a two-story foyer looks lovely, it takes up valuable real-estate that could be used for a second master bedroom and attached bath. A multigenerational home doesn’t necessarily mean a larger home, it means using your square footage effectively. Make sure your remodeling project or home design avoids creating unnecessary or rarely used rooms, and focus instead on maximizing the usability of both common and personal living areas.
  • Think long-term. Building a mother-in-law apartment above the garage or on the second story may not work for elderly relatives with limited mobility, so make sure your plans work for all family members far into the future. Remember to consider separate entrances for both living spaces to ensure privacy, and be sure to determine whether or not you’ll need additional garage or parking space for multiple vehicles—all measures that will make multigenerational living easier while simultaneously increasing the value of your home.

Studies indicate that successfully integrating multiple generations into one home can strengthen relationships, improve physical health, and provide financial security for both the primary homeowners and their live-in family members. If your future dream home includes everyone from grandparents to grandchildren, contact us today for a free estimate on your remodeling or home construction project, and let us help connect you to the right professionals for the job.

Phone Number

(808) 222-4069

Opening Hours

Mon - Sat 8:00 - 5:30,
Sunday - Closed

Location

200 N Vineyard Blvd.
Ste A325 - 5145
Honolulu, HI 96817

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