Flexibility must be a key element of home design going forward as the number of multigenerational households increases, whether it’s grown children moving back in with parents, or elderly parents living with their adult children. These generational households are driving decisions about owning homes, renovating them, and how homeownership is viewed, indicates a recent survey from PulteGroup.
Nearly three quarters—or 72%—of those with aging parents currently living with them or planning on it will renovate or purchase a new home, and 49% of homeowners with adult children living with them or planning on doing so will renovate or purchase a new home, the survey finds.
Financial reasons may be the main force behind the decision to combine generations under one roof, but family bonding, too, is a reason families cite for the shift. Home builders need to be aware of this, PulteGroup says.
“Adjusting to more family members in your home can be a challenge,” said Scott Thomas, national director of product development for PulteGroup. “Offering flexibility is key, as well as options such as dual master suites to larger great rooms, it’s important that homebuilders understand how to best meet the demand of multi-generational households.”
Written by Elizabeth Ecker