WINN design+build
In This Issue

• 5 Tips for Preparing
  Your Home for
  Multi-Generational
  Living

• Maintenance Tip

• Thank You!

• Pass It On!


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Falls Church, VA 22046


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September 2014  

5 Tips for Preparing Your Home for Multi-Generational Living

Did you know that more and more families are benefiting from the growing trend of living in multi-generational homes? Here are some facts and tips we would like to share if you are considering this living arrangement.

From 1980 until 2014, the number of families that have two or more adult generations living together has risen by 50% – from 12% to 18%. Some multi-generational homes consist of parents sharing their house with their young adult children; others include aging parents who might need a little extra help. Many of these households are even home to three or more generations.

Photo: bathroom remodeling

There are many advantages to multi-generational homes, such as:

  • Lower housing costs for all
  • Being able to care for younger children or older parents by family
  • Reduced daycare, babysitting or elder care costs
  • Sharing chores around the house
  • The joys of being a bigger part of your family members' lives longer
  • The ability to invest money that would be used for assisted living in improving your home and increasing its value instead

To make this type of living arrangement most beneficial, you have to look at your home a bit differently. For example, you may have to take into account things like:

  • Privacy issues unique to multi-family living
  • Safety and accessibility for younger and older family members
  • Getting the best use of the space in your home now and in the future

So, what can you do to make your house ready for multi-generational living, even if it's not a part of your current plan for your family?

1. Integrate Universal Design: Universal design focuses on making living areas accessible to all – both young and old (and every age in between), as well as people with or without disabilities. Using universal design principles is a great idea, whether your elderly parents may move in with you or you just plan on living in your house as long as possible. Consider making doorways wider to allow easier access for wheelchairs or baby strollers. Install faucets, door knobs, and drawer pulls that pass what's referred to as the "closed fist test." If you can open the door or drawer with your fist closed, it is likely that someone with arthritis will be able to use it. This might mean a lever-type handle for a door, or a single handle or touchless faucet.

Photo: basement remodeling

2. Finish Your Lower Level: Finishing a basement is one of the most cost effective ways to increase the usable living space in your home. Not only will this give you more living space now, such as an entertainment room, play room, home office, or workout room, but it could double as a bedroom or second living/entertainment room for your potential future housemates. Include a full bathroom so there's an extra shower if needed. If you plan on using your basement as a bedroom, be sure to keep in mind your local building codes, which generally require a door to the outside, a large window or a below-grade window that has built-in stairs.

3. Remodel Your Kitchen: In addition to integrating universal design principles into your kitchen, there are a variety of different ways you can make your kitchen more adaptable to multi-generational living. Adding a second sink and more counter space, such as on an island, makes it easier for multiple cooks to work in one place at the same time. Allow room for a second dishwasher or refrigerator to be added to meet the needs to more people living under one roof.

Photo: kitchen remodeling

4. Build an Addition: If you are actively planning for a multi-generational household, considering putting on an addition. This will not only give you more space, but will give both you and your live-in family members more privacy. In addition to the necessities of a bedroom and full bathroom, a private entrance and small kitchen area go a long way towards making someone feel like they really have their own place in the house.

5. Think and Plan Ahead: If you would like to stay in your home for as long as possible, think ahead when modifying your home for multi-generational living. If you are putting an addition on your home's main level for your grown kids or aging parents, consider designing it so that it can be used as your master bedroom suite in the future. In between being an in-law suite now for your parents and your bedroom down the road, the addition could be used as a home office or study or exercise room.

If you are thinking of remodeling your home to take advantage of a multi-generation home living arrangement let us know. We can help you figure out the best ways to modify your home so that the experience is the best it can be.

Maintenance Tip: Inspect Your Heating System and Sump Pump

Your furnace should be inspected once a year so you can catch minor problems that could potentially become major ones in the winter. Also, change or clean filters monthly or following the unit's instructions. If filters are not changed often enough, they can become clogged. This forces your heating and cooling systems to work harder and less efficiently to maintain airflow, and increases your energy bills. Proper maintenance adds years to your unit's life and helps it run more efficiently.

While you're at it, get your sump pump checked out to avoid the risk of water damage and staggering repair costs if it fails. Consider getting a high-water alarm that will alert you of problems and/or a battery-powered back-up sump pump that kicks in if the power goes out.

Thank You for the Referral!

We'd like to thank Mr. & Mrs. Sartorius of Reston for referring Mr. Nelson, also of Reston, to us to help him with a remodeling project.

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See you next month!

Mike Winn

 

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