Multigenerational home plans

Multigenerational homes can reduce living costs, allow you to pool resources, and create an invaluable support network for all members of the family. But how do you create a space that helps everyone to live in harmony under one roof?

Multigenerational home plans are growing in number, reigniting a family dynamic that was incredibly popular around the 1940s.

Multigenerational homes typically have three or more generations under one roof. For example, a home with grandparents living with their children and grandchildren.

Previously, we may have used the term, 'granny annexe'. But nowadays, the arrangement is more mutually beneficial and hence 'multigenerational living' is a more appropriate phrase.

The resurgence in multigenerational homes

Multigenerational homes are becoming increasingly popular for a number of reasons:

• Expensive housing market: Pooling resources across generations makes buying a home more affordable for first-time buyers

• Increased living costs: From the cost of fuel to groceries, living together helps to share the increased cost of living

• A much-needed support network: Many working parents struggle to balance the need to work with the cost of childcare. While older generations are living longer and can suffer from loneliness or need extra support themselves. Living under the same roof offers mutually beneficial solutions

• Situational changes: Boomerang children returning from university and being unable to afford to move out of the family home, or divorcees struggling financially on their own

Problems for multigenerational families

While this all sounds very appealing, it's not always easy to find extended family houses that allow you to live in harmony together.

Differences in opinions, lifestyles, and routines can make multigenerational living challenging. As can the need for privacy.

This is why it's important to carefully consider the optimal multigenerational home designs for your family before embarking on this move.

Designing multigenerational home plans

To help create a multigenerational home design that appeases everyone, be sure to consider the following factors.

1. Remodel, convert, extend, or self-build?

Sometimes it's possible to adapt your current property for multigenerational living, either by remodelling, undertaking a conversion, or extending. What you can do will depend on your personal circumstances.

Remodel

Remodelling involves changing the layout of your home, for example, taking down an internal wall to create an open-plan kitchen diner big enough for the whole family. Or, you might add new internal walls to create a cosy lounge room where older family members can enjoy some peace and quiet.

Related content: Popular home remodelling projects

Convert

Conversions, for example, of a loft or garage, create valuable extra space within your original footprint. A loft conversion is often ideal for older children, giving them a private space to chill out and relax. A garage conversion could be ideal for family members with mobility issues, where things can be spread out across one level.

Related content: Loft conversion planning made simple

Extend

If you have the space, extending your current property can dramatically increase its footprint. There are many possibilities (subject to planning rules): a two-storey extension, a ground-floor wraparound extension, or an extension over a garage. There are lots of options to consider.

Related content: Read our complete guide to building an extension

Self-build

Another option for multigenerational house designs is a self-build to create bespoke plans on a blank canvas. The professional services of an experienced architect will be invaluable, helping you plan your ideal multigenerational home design while adhering to planning rules and regs.

Related content: Help to plan your self-build project

2. Privacy and personal space

Whatever your setup, privacy and personal space are fundamental to multiple generations living in harmony together. There are a couple of considerations in this respect.

Separate entrances

One of the most effective ways to help feel like you have your own space and privacy is to have separate entrances. This allows you to come and go as you please, on your own schedule. Do make sure your plans comply with the building regulations surrounding the access to, and use of, buildings and Part B (Fire).

Bathrooms

Avoid frustrating queues in the morning by planning enough bathrooms. Older generations in particular will appreciate their own facilities or ensuite. As a way to future-proof your home, why not position this on the ground floor?

Installing a downstairs toilet cost guide

Increase the value of your home with our installing a downstairs toilet cost guide. With prices, information and tips for adding a convenient, stylish second toilet.

Learn more

Room partitions

Open-plan living is great, especially in a multigenerational home where you can spend lots of quality time together. However, everyone needs their own space from time to time, something room partitions can help to easily achieve. We love pocket sliding doors and toughened Crittall-style black framed glass doors.

Carve out cosy nooks

Large, sociable rooms are popular, but where possible, balance this with cosier areas for family members to enjoy some time out. Adding a hobby room, a reading nook, or even a teenage den could help to stop any brewing tensions.

Soundproofing

Three or more generations in one household is not likely to be a quiet home! Effective soundproofing is key to catering to everyone's needs—whether that's working from home, studying, practising an instrument, or simply wanting some peace to read.

3. Shared space

On the flip side of privacy and personal space is creating shared spaces catering to multiple generations living under one roof.

Tech-free zones

As we mentioned earlier, one of the main benefits of multigenerational living is the opportunity to spend plenty of quality time together. Encourage this by creating spaces that bring family members together to interact with each other without the distraction of modern tech. Calm spaces, free of digital devices are good for health and wellbeing too.

Open-plan spaces

If you want to cook and eat together, an open-plan kitchen dining room will mean you have plenty of space for the whole family (and any extra guests!) to be together.

Utility room

The size of your utility room may not have immediately come to mind when considering your multigenerational home plans. However, it's another way to make the house run well.

Three or more generations under one roof means more cleaning, washing, and laundry to be done. Plan in plenty of space to accommodate the extra loads!

Perhaps you want more than one washing machine? Or need to build in lots more storage? Maybe a boot room, with a place for everything, would suit your needs?

Living areas

More people generally means there are more belongings to store in your home. Avoid clutter by adding lots of storage in bedrooms and shared living areas, keeping toys, books, and games neatly in their place.

Outside space

Just like your house, your garden needs to accommodate the varying needs of multiple generations too. Some family members might want a large, sociable outdoor dining space, while others might like a quiet seated area with a water feature. And children will appreciate a space big enough to play and explore.

A landscape gardener can help to design a garden to suit everyone's needs.

4. Accessibility

Multigenerational living plans must factor in the accessibility needs of older family members, both now and in the future. However, making design choices with accessibility in mind is safer for young children too.

Some of the top considerations include:

• Ground-floor bedroom options, preferably with an ensuite and walk-in shower

• Wider interior doors, stairways, and hallways

• Bright lighting

• Handles and railings for support around the house

• Easy access to outside space

• Gentle slopes in the garden rather than steps

When remodelling your home, consider hiring an architect to help bring your ideas to life. An architect will be able to make the most of your available space to cater to everyone's needs.

5. Future-proofing

It sounds obvious to say, but all members of the family will age and their needs will change. For example, older family members might develop greater accessibility needs, and young children will become teenagers who crave their own space.

Future-proofing your home really means making sure you design it with flexibility in mind. Anticipate your family's needs now and in the future when designing your multigenerational home plans to save money and upheaval in the long run.

A garden room is a great addition to a family home, offering extra space that can be used in a range of different ways over the years. For example, an office, fitness room, teenage den, music studio, child's playhouse, or hobby space, to list just a few ideas.

Incorporating smart home tech and automation can help your home run efficiently with multiple occupants, even increasing safety and security. For example, you can control your heating from an app if family members forget to turn it off when leaving the house, or you can check who's calling at the door if elderly family members are home alone.

6. Legal issues and planning

Creating multigenerational home plans involves a series of important decisions to avoid any ambiguity with legal and financial obligations.

Planning permission

While many homes can be extended under Permitted Development, other seemingly straightforward changes could require planning permission. It's always best to speak with your local planning authority to discuss your plans before embarking on any building work.

Hiring an experienced architect or builder for your project has the added bonus of helping you navigate the complexities of planning permission.

Finances

To make sure multigenerational living arrangements run smoothly, it's best to create a financial agreement between family members while living together.

Moving into a shared home without a formal agreement has the potential to create disharmony around financial obligations, ownership, and inheritance down the line.

You will also need to consider the cost of utilities, council tax obligations, and other monthly expenses that will increase with the number of people living under one roof. Another considerable cost to consider will be groceries, as more people will need to be fed.

Key takeaways

• Planning is key, so think out each space and consider the needs of different generations

• Do you need to factor in specific requirements? Older family members may feel more comfortable in a space that has improved accessibility

• Consider legal issues that may arise from more than one family under the same roof

• Future-proof your home. In 10-15 years, think of any changes your home will need and create flexibility in your designs to make that transition easier

Create your multigenerational home plans with an experienced architect

An architect will help you make the most of the available space, suggesting clever ways to maximise the potential of your multigenerational living arrangement.

Find a qualified architect near you by entering your postcode into the search box below.

FAQs

Are multigenerational homes expensive?

Creating a multigenerational home will incur a large upfront cost In the long run, a multigenerational home will be more affordable than separate living.

Will I need to obtain planning permission?

If you are remodelling the inside of your home with no structural work, you will not need to get planning permission. However, you will still need to adhere to building regulations. if you are converting or extending your property, you will normally need to seek permission. We always recommend you check with your local planning authority in advance.