A new trend or the re-awakening of an old tradition?
Over the next several issues I will explore this trend. This issue looks at “what” and a little about “who.” Next, we will look at design issues and solutions. Lastly, we can look at the Arizona angle and what is happening across our country.
by Tom Reilly
What is “multi gen housing?” In a nutshell, it is several generations of the same family living under one roof.
I will wager many of us could think of reasons why this wouldn’t work, but according to the Pew Research Center, 57 million Americans, or 18.8 percent of our population, think it is a good idea. And with those numbers, this issue bears another look. At Renovations, we have completed several projects along the multi-gen scenario over the last few years, and are currently working on another project.
This re-emerging or new trend is not just the more familiar “mother-in-law quarters,” although it can be that. We are finding that young families are moving back in with parents for a variety of reasons. These range from the recent economic turndown to losing employment and increased student-loan debt as well as divorce. Also, we baby boomers are reaching 65 at the rate of 11,000 per day, and we like the idea of being close to our grandchildren and having the added benefit of being able to live in our own homes longer.
In this part of Yavapai County, we are seeing several design approaches to meeting the sometimes conflicting needs of the different generations. As you might imagine, a millennial family, just starting out with small children, have a different daily cycle than we boomers, who might be coming from several years of being empty-nesters. I bet we all have some different schedules for meals, relaxation and family time. Couple this with each generation wanting some alone time, and you can see some creative solutions have been implemented.
One of the challenges is the differing rules for the multiple jurisdictions in our area. These stem from primarily cooking facilities. The concern is developing duplexes in a single-family district – a real concern.
There are some very creative ways to move forward. Each home and circumstance has peculiarities that generate unique solutions.
