It has become increasingly common for two or more generations of adults to live together on the same property. In many cases, these family members live together in a traditional home. These types of arrangements can often be challenging for adults who are used to more privacy and independence.
If you want a home that meets your family’s evolving needs, a custom house might be the solution. Our Delaware custom home builders can help you design and construct a house that incorporates features that work for your family, such as accessibility options, separate entrances, and soundproofing. We can help you create a fully custom house that is designed to provide each member of your family with the space that they need, making multi-generational living even better.
At Carl Deputy and Son Builders, we offer the finest quality construction and outstanding customer service to clients through Kent and Sussex Counties in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We build new custom and semi-custom homes, including designs for multi-generational living. If you are considering building a custom house where your whole family can live together in harmony, we can help you think through design options and customize a house that meets your needs and fits your budget. Reach out today to schedule a consultation with a member of our design and construction team.
Our Multi-Generational House Plans
We’ve designed several house plans that can be used to accommodate multiple generations under one roof. These plans can either be built as-is or they can be used as a starting point to draw inspiration from. As fully-custom home builders, we can also create an entirely unique home design for you from scratch to meet your needs.
THE FARMHOUSE
Welcome to this charming modern farmhouse, where rustic elegance meets practical living. The centerpiece is a luxurious master suite, boasting a double vanity bathroom, an expansive walk-in closet, and direct access to the laundry room for ultimate convenience. Across the home, three cozy bedrooms all with walk in closets, share a well-appointed guest bath, ensuring privacy and comfort. The heart of the home features a gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, perfect for those who love to cook and entertain, complemented by a quaint breakfast nook and a formal dining room for gatherings. This home blends rustic charm with modern functionality, creating a warm, inviting space ideal for making memories.an optional bonus room above the garage presents the opportunity to expand with 1-2 additional bedrooms or a versatile flex space, complete with an optional bathroom.
2,557
sqft
4
Beds
4
Baths
THE RIDGEVIEW
The Ridgeview presents a highly adaptable design, highlighting a secluded owner’s suite on the main floor, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a multi-generational living solution. This layout facilitates dual living arrangements with ease, all within a single dwelling. The heart of the home is its open-plan design, which includes a spacious great room adjacent to a kitchen designed for entertaining, featuring various island layouts, a walk-in pantry/utility space, and a generous breakfast area. For formal occasions, a dining room near the foyer sets the scene for memorable gatherings. Additionally, an office space on the main floor can effortlessly be transformed into a fourth bedroom, complemented by several guest bathroom configurations. The second floor introduces an unfinished bonus area, ready to be tailored into extra bedrooms, bathrooms, or a vast flexible space, according to your preferences. The Ridgeview excels in offering main-floor living, abundant storage, and extensive customization options, allowing you to create a home that perfectly suits your lifestyle.
2500
sqft
4
Beds
3
Baths
THE WINCHESTER
The Winchester is designed with growing families in mind, featuring a welcoming covered front porch that offers a warm spot for greeting guests. Its single-story ranch style enhances the design’s appeal, offering all the desired features without the extra cost of a second level. The home’s four-bedroom layout serves well for both families seeking additional space and retirees looking for guest rooms or versatile areas. A large guest bathroom eases the morning rush for families with kids, streamlining preparations for school or day-to-day outings. Moreover, the thoughtful placement of a dining room next to the kitchen ensures a fluid layout, avoiding the need for the extra square footage that a two-story design might require. Flexible and adaptable, the Winchester can be customized in various ways to fulfill a range of living needs.
1,786
sqft
4
Beds
2
Baths
The Plymouth House Floor Plan
The Plymouth, our premier and most sought-after floor plan, embodies open-concept living with its distinctive split bedroom layout. Featuring a sizable master suite complete with a walk-in closet and oversized bathroom, the Plymouth offers versatility in its design. Available in various configurations, you can opt for a single-story version with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, or elevate your space with a two-story model that accommodates 3 to 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. Perfect for entertaining, its open floor plan and split bedroom design make hosting a breeze. Additionally, the home boasts a large, unfinished second level, accessible via stairs, ready for customization. Whether you’re looking to add extra bedrooms, a media room, or your very own gym, the potential to tailor this space is limitless.
1,644
sqft
3
Beds
2
Baths
Why Build a Multi-Generational House?
A multi-generational household is defined as one where two or more adult generations live together in the same home. This could include situations such as young adults living with their parents, a grandparent living with an adult grandchild, and older parents residing with their adult children. 18% of the U.S. population – or about 60 million Americans – live in a multi-generational household.
There are a lot of reasons why multi-generational households make sense. Historically, multi-generational homes were incredibly common. It was only after World War II that Americans stopped favoring multi-generational homes due to increased economic stability for seniors, the rise of suburbs, and an increased focus on the nuclear family.
Today, the rise in multi-generational households can be attributed to several factors:
- Higher housing costs, student loan debt, and other economic pressures have led to more young adults living in their parents’ homes for longer.
- Cultural shifts in attitudes towards marriage mean that many young people are getting married later (if at all), leading them to choose to live with their parents for longer.
- The cost and lack of availability of quality elder care mean that it may make more sense for older relatives to move in with family members rather than going to a nursing home.
- The housing shortage in many metro areas can make it difficult to find a home.
- Immigration trends drive multi-generational living, as many immigrants live with several generations in the same house.
While living together with your adult family members might not be for everyone, it does offer a lot of benefits. It can help family members save money and offer an easier way to take care of family members who might need extra support. If you are considering building a multi-generational home for your family, Carl Deputy and Son Builders can help you develop a plan that meets your needs.
Top Features to Consider in a Multi-Generational House
Every multi-generational home is a bit different. The type of house that you build will vary based on the unique needs of your family. For example, if you want to move a parent with dementia into your house, then a separate suite within your house might be the best option. If your adult child is living with you, then it may make more sense to build a house that includes an apartment-style area with a separate entrance.
There are many different design features that you can incorporate into your house based on your needs.
Shared Common Areas with Separate Bedrooms
Depending on your needs, you might find that the best (and most cost-effective) option is to design a house with a shared kitchen, dining room, and living room, while each adult family member has separate bedrooms and bathrooms. This can be particularly helpful if a family member needs additional help, such as an adult child with a disability who cannot live independently. Having one kitchen in your house can cut down on costs because this room is one of the most expensive parts of a house.
Accessibility Features
If you are sharing a house with an older family member or a relative with a disability, then your home plan should be as accessible as possible. Options can include things like flat thresholds, wider doorways and hallways, low-pile carpet or hard floor surfaces, roll-under sinks, grab bars, walk-in showers, lower light switches, and having the main living and sleeping areas on one floor. In particular, a primary bedroom with an ensuite bathroom should be located on the main floor if the house has several stories.
Multiple Laundry Rooms
When there are several adults living in the same house, sharing a laundry room can be a challenge. Laundry rooms are relatively inexpensive to add, so having more than one laundry room can be a great way to give each adult family member a bit more independence.
Soundproofing
One of the biggest challenges with multi-generational living is privacy. If you are building a custom home, you can ask your builder to soundproof interior walls and floors, particularly around bedrooms and bathrooms. This can give all adults a bit more privacy.
Separate Entrances
If none of the adults in a multi-generational home needs additional care, then building separate entrances might be a great option. This gives every adult the freedom to come and go as they please. This can reduce friction and make multi-generational living more enjoyable. In the future, a separate entrance to an apartment-like area could also be converted into a rental unit.
HVAC Zoning
Adults living together in the same house might have different needs when it comes to heating and cooling. For larger houses, it may be possible to plan your HVAC so that each person can control the temperature in their own environment.
Kitchenette
Even if you plan on having one main kitchen, adding a kitchenette to an apartment-like section of the house can allow a family member to have some independence. A small refrigerator, microwave, and stove can allow an adult family member to cook for themselves and keep their own favorite items separate, without the added cost of a full kitchen.
Elevator
While it may seem extravagant, there are affordable elevator options for under $5,000 that can be installed in residential homes. If you want a multi-story house but are concerned about accessibility, you might consider adding an elevator. Alternatively, you could add the space for an elevator in the future and use it for storage until it becomes necessary.
Several Outdoor Spaces
Depending on the overall design of your home, you may be able to add multiple outdoor areas, such as porches or patios, that allow family members to enjoy the outdoors in solitude.
Prioritize bedrooms
When designing a multi-generational house, it makes sense to include as many bedrooms as possible for your square footage. Bedrooms have specific legal requirements under local building codes, while other types of rooms (such as home offices and gyms) do not. Building these spaces as bedrooms gives you maximum flexibility and will increase resale value if you want to downsize in the future.
Add a Separate Structure
If you want to take advantage of multi-generational living but still want some space, then adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on the property, such as a casita or cottage, can be a great choice. ADUs are typically small but functional and efficient. The ADU is close to the main house, often connected by a path or covered porch. This gives the occupants greater privacy while still being close.
Basement Apartment
A great option for increased privacy is putting an apartment or an in-law suite in a finished basement. This allows a relative to have an entirely separate living area while still being part of the family.
These are just some ideas of features that you can incorporate into your custom home build to make it work for your family. Your house plan can be completely customized to meet your needs. For example, if your adult daughter and son-in-law will be moving in with your young grandkids, then your multi-generational house plan could incorporate a designated playroom into a separate living area.
Our design team has worked with families of all different sizes and who have all types of living arrangements. We pride ourselves on working collaboratively with our customers and on providing outstanding customer service. We will listen closely to your needs and wants for your multi-generational home, and offer our advice based on nearly 40 years of experience in building custom homes in Delaware.
Custom Multi-Generational House Construction in Delaware
Multi-generational living can be great, but it also comes with its own challenges. Building a custom home that is designed to meet your family’s needs can reduce friction and make living together easier. Our team can help you design a house that has the space, privacy, and accessibility options that your family requires.
If you are thinking about building a multi-generational house, Carl Deputy and Son Builders can work with you to plan, design, and achieve your goals. We offer a full range of construction services, including new construction, custom and semi-custom homes, and renovations. To learn more about or to schedule a consultation with a member of our team, give us a call at 302-284-3041 or fill out our online contact form.
