Generation games
Multi-generational living is becoming popular. Kevin Atkinson considers what to look out for to make it a success.
Multi-generational living is a very practical way for generations of the same family to help each other out – by providing a home or sharing a rung on the property ladder. Responding to the challenges of modern day living can create great win-win situations.
Living together can make it easier for grandparents to help with childcare, and means younger generations can help older family members to live independently for longer. It also provides companionship, support and care during that time.
As a national builder, we’re seeing an increase in the number of Kiwi families across the board who are choosing to build a home for two or more generations – and that involves making design decisions that work for the whole family, now and in the future.
Starting point
The first consideration is whether to build a home and income – a main residence and a separate dwelling for grandparents that can be rented separately in the future – or to build one large home with room for extended family – a true multigenerational home (MGH).
External factors are likely to influence that decision. There may be covenants preventing new home and income units in your area or council rules preventing two full kitchens in one dwelling.
Then it becomes an individual choice, influenced by how close families want to be on a day-to-day basis and how much support older family members need. We are most often asked to create a home and income option, but we also get lots of interest from families wanting to live together in one large home.
If you are thinking about building a multi-generational home there are lots of things to consider. Do you have one large living area, possibly with separate zones or spaces for different activities like watching TV, reading or entertaining; or do you need more than one living room?
Budget
There can be as many bedrooms and bathrooms as you want and can afford. This often means two, or even more, master bedroom/en suites.
Degrees of separation
Sometimes, grandparents want a studio or bedroom plus en suite and living room. This can include an extended scullery so they can make their own drinks or prepare snacks without having to go to the main kitchen.
Access and outdoor areas
If separate access is required, this can be arranged in different ways. A house design can be tweaked, turning a laundry door into a mock front door for some of the residents, or a ranchslider into a living area can be another entrance.
A bit of landscaping can also change the presentation and focus of an outside door not originally intended as a main entrance.
It’s important to consider how each family member will use outdoor areas. Does the home need space for swings and other outdoor equipment? Should there be a barbecue area? Will there be a vege garden, and is space required for an ornamental garden? Storage for equipment used outside will also be needed.
Planning for peace and quiet
Careful planning in the design stages can avert any noise issues in a shared house, especially if any
It isn’t for everyone, but for families who are close, or who want to be closer, there are very real benefits.
occupants play an instrument or have loud hobbies. Noise insulation can be easily and cost effectively built in, so long as it is considered in the early stages.
Futureproof
Like any home building project, it’s important to consider what you’re going to need in the future as well as what you need now. That may influence the decision to build a home and income property or a larger multi-generational home.
It’s also important to think about the future needs of the oldest occupants. Look at doorways and access areas to ensure they are easily managed and could accommodate a wheelchair, if that might be necessary in future.
Costs
An MGH will be bigger than a normal family home and therefore more expensive. It typically needs a section that is at least 650-800 square metres. In the Auckland region, that is likely to cost around
$600,000-$700,000 and building an MGH will cost
$700,000 or more. But for around $1.4-$1.5 million, it’s a lot cheaper than building two homes.
The benefits for families of living together in one home far outweigh the time spent getting it right at the beginning. It isn’t for everyone, but for families who are close, or who want to be closer, there are very real benefits.
Kevin Atkinson is the chief executive of national building company Generation Homes.