Housing developers are creating homes with separate living spaces for multi-generational families under one roof.

By Dayv Morgan

Dayv Morgan

While the standard homebuyer may be looking for a three or four-bedroom for their nuclear family, American culture in the 21st century is turning more and more toward multigenerational housing.

Whether it’s grandparents moving in, adult children coming back home or other relatives needing temporary living space, the need to accommodate other adults who need reasonable independence and privacy has become a trend.

  1. Hovnanian Homes estimates one in five Americans is currently living in a multigenerational arrangement, “a 30 percent increase since 2007.”

Because of this rise in demand, more builders are designing with multigenerational living in mind, including two in Maricopa. Lennar, for instance, is building in Alterra and has what it calls “two homes under one roof.” Going beyond the casitas that are often just detached bedroom/bathroom setups, the new design has a bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchenette, and laundry that are a suite of the main house but can be closed off for privacy.

The K. Hovnanian floorplan, which is currently being sold in Maricopa Meadows, follows the same concept and is called “Extra Suite.”

When buying a home, it is wise to think into the future about what your extended family’s needs will be in five or 10 years. If your house does not have a built-in suite, are there existing living spaces that can be converted to have a second kitchen, maybe a second laundry, just in case?

In some areas of the country it is common to convert garage space into living quarters, but this is not recommended in Maricopa. Almost every home is on a post-tension slab, making it difficult to put in extra plumbing after the home is built. You also don’t want to lose parking and storage space, as that will hurt resale value.

Even if you don’t have a current need for a multi-gen home, having a private suite with a private entry opens up the opportunity to rent a room in your house. With the lowest home-rental rates in Maricopa around $1,200 per month now, a single person would find a $500-$600 suite a sweet deal.

The reasons for bringing adult generations under one roof can range from economic pressures to aging or special needs. And while no one anticipates their family having an accident or health issues impacting the way they live in their home, it has become the reality for many, and it’s good to consider such possibilities when buying or updating a home.

Dayv Morgan is a Maricopa Realtor and owner of HomeSmart Success.

 

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This column appears in the October issue of InMaricopa.