Real estate professionals are highlighting features such as finished walkout basements and bonus bedrooms today more than ever. When your agent tells you that switching out your office or transposing the basement play area to one that resembles more of a bedroom, you should be listening.
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Experts agree that inter-generational living is easier when each family sub-unit has its own space. “Everyone who is going to share the home should have a private area of their own,” said Amy Goyer, a multi-generational expert at AARP.“ It is best if there is more than one common area so that children and adults have spaces to relax in without everyone having to spend all their free time in the same room together.” Multi-generational home design can be applied to just one structure or can be accomplished with two or three units to keep families together while preserving their independence and privacy.
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According to Cam Marston, author and founder of the research firm Generational Insight, there are some benefits for different generations living together. “It’s less expensive, obviously, but more importantly, they can learn from one another,” Marston said. “Separating generations keeps them aloof from the trends and important things impacting each generation. When they are all under one roof, they can grow up sooner and stay young longer. It works on both ends of the generations.”
Another thing for sellers is accessibility for people who are living with aging parents who use wheelchairs or walkers. Creating a complete, accessible living space on one level with safety features can make a home attractive to people of all ages.
