If you're like many homeowners, you may be considering ways to make your home more accommodating for your growing family. One option that is gaining in popularity is the construction of a backyard mother in law suite. This can be a great way to provide extra living space for extended family members or guests while also maintaining some degree of independence. But what many homeowners may not actively realize is that having an accessory dwelling units (ADU) can also offer some great benefits to a multigenerational family lifestyle.
Our mission and vision are what keep our team at Acton ADU going. We love to make a positive difference in the places we love and help California homeowners throughout the Bay Area, build personalized ADUs for their families, as well as achieve the long-term financial benefits of owning one. We'll build the backyard mother in law suites that your family will love for years to come.
What is a Multigenerational Home?
A multigenerational home is simply a property that is designed to accommodate, and is occupied by, more than one generation of family members. This can include features like separate living quarters, kitchens, and entrances for privacy and independence. These separate living spaces may be different sections of one large house but are increasingly seen in detached ADUs such as backyard mother in law suites and granny flats.
Benefits of a Multigenerational Home
The traditional family structure has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Once, it was common for three generations to live under one roof. Now, it's not uncommon for families to be spread out across the country. However, in the last few decades, multigenerational homes have become increasingly popular as family life continues to grow and evolve. According to Pew Research Center, around 60 million Americans now live in multigenerational households!
This shows us that there are still many benefits to multigenerational living, even if it's no longer the norm. Here are a few advantages of living in a multigenerational home.
More Hands on Deck
One of the primary benefits of multigenerational living is that there are more hands on deck when it comes to raising children and taking care of people. For example, if both parents work full-time, grandparents can help with things like homework, carpooling, and cooking dinner. Or if one parent is deployed in the armed services or away on frequent business trips, other family members can step in to fill the role.
Additionally, multigenerational homes provide a sense of security and stability for children. Having grandparents or other relatives nearby can provide a welcome source of support and guidance, especially during their formative years of growing up. Trustworthy family caretakers help drastically reduce the stress that is involved with day-to-day child care.
A Richer Family Life
In today's fast-paced world, finding time to spend with extended family members can be hard. But when you live in close proximity to them, it's easier to schedule regular family dinners or game nights. Grandparents can also play a more active role in their grandchildren's lives, which can benefit both generations.
Research has shown that grandkids who spend time with their grandparents have better social skills and academic performance. And grandparents who are involved in their grandchildren's lives tend to live longer and stay healthier overall.
Increased Support During Hard Times
Times of difficulties—including divorce, job loss, or illness—can be especially tough on families. But when your loved ones live next door in backyard mother in law suites, they can offer emotional and practical support when you need it most. That might mean help with day-to-day tasks or simply being there to lend a listening ear.
Knowing that you have a safety net of family members nearby can provide great peace of mind during whatever difficulties life throws your way.
Better Family Finances
There are plenty of reasons to love living in a multigenerational household. For one, it can be a great way to save on living expenses. With multiple generations under one roof, everyone can pitch in and share the cost of bills, groceries, and other necessary household expenses.
Not only does this help ease the financial burden on each individual family member, but it can also help to create a stronger sense of community and togetherness. In a world that often feels increasingly isolated and divided, multigenerational households offer a chance to connect with loved ones on a deeper level.
Better Mental and Physical Health
Multigenerational living can help to improve the mental and physical health of your family members. Studies have shown that older adults who live with their adult children or grandchildren tend to be happier and healthier than those who live alone. They also tend to have lower rates of depression and anxiety.
If you're considering multigenerational living, there are many things to take into account. But overall, there are so many great benefits to this type of arrangement. If you have the space and the desire to open your home to extended family members, it could be a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Downsides of a Multigenerational Home
Now that you've heard all the great things about multigenerational lifestyles, don't jump the gun yet. Before you make the decision to build backyard mother in law suites, there are a few downsides you should consider.
Limited Privacy
One of the biggest challenges of multigenerational living is maintaining a healthy balance between togetherness and privacy. When everyone is living in close quarters, it can be challenging to find time and space for yourself. If you're someone who values alone time, multigenerational living may not be for you.
More Noise
Another potential downside of multigenerational living is the increased noise level and general chaos that comes with it. If you're used to having a quiet home, sharing your space with multiple generations can take some getting used to. In addition, younger children in the home may not always be respectful of others who are trying to sleep or study.
Increased Financial Responsibility
While multigenerational living can help improve your family's finances, that also means that you are responsible not only for yourself and your immediate family but also for your extended family. If you're unprepared for in-laws or aging parents to live in your backyard mother in law suites, it could put a considerable strain on your finances.
More People Means More Chaos
If you're used to a neat and tidy home, multigenerational living can be quite an adjustment. With more people comes more mess—it's simply unavoidable. From dishes in the sink to toys on the floor, you'll have to get used to a less-than-ideal level of cleanliness.
And when you're constantly bumping into each other and tripping over each other's belongings, it's no surprise that tempers will start to flare. From screaming matches to full-blown arguments, living in close quarters with multiple generations can be downright stressful for everyone involved. Unfortunately, if you're not careful, all that pent-up frustration can lead to some serious conflict.
Although there are some potential drawbacks to multigenerational living, it's ultimately a decision that each family must make based on their own unique needs and circumstances. So if you're considering opening your home to another generation, be sure to weigh all the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
How Backyard Mother in Law Suites Can Alleviate the Downsides
Traditionally, multigenerational families have lived together under one roof. However, as years go by and families grow, this arrangement can become cramped and stressful. If you're looking for a way to maintain closeness with your extended family while still giving everyone the space they need, a backyard mother in law suite could be the perfect solution. Here's why:
More Privacy for Everyone
One of the benefits of having an ADU is that it provides privacy for everyone involved. Young adults can have their own space to retreat to when they need a break from their parents or grandparents. Similarly, grandparents can have their own space to relax in without being interrupted by noisy grandkids. And parents can have some much-needed time alone without feeling like they're neglecting their loved ones.
Improved Relationship with In-Laws
Living in close quarters can improve your bond if you have a good relationship with your in-laws. However, if you don't get along so well, it can make things very uncomfortable. By giving them their own space in a backyard mother in law suite, you can improve communication and create more opportunities for quality time together. The key is to respect each other's space and give everyone the privacy they need.
Increased Property Value
Another great benefit of adding a backyard mother in law suite is that it will increase the long-term value of your home. If you ever decide to sell your home, potential buyers will be impressed by the extra living space and see it as an added bonus. In fact, throughout California’s San Francisco Bay Area more and more buys are looking for homes with ADUs. These properties help you fetch a higher price, setting your own family up for future success.
A backyard ADU can provide many benefits for a multigenerational family household. If you're considering making some changes to accommodate your growing family, this could be a great option.
How to Make Multigenerational Living Work for the Whole Family
As you've seen throughout this ADU blog, there are a wide variety of positive and negative aspects of multigenerational homes. As we just discussed, some of those negative aspects can be resolved thanks to the space that backyard mother in law suites can provide to the different generations living under your roof. However, some of those "cons" can only be resolved through providing the space you need to improve relationships. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
Define Expectations Early On
Before anyone moves in, it's essential to sit down and talk about what everyone's expectations are. For example, will your parents have a set curfew? Will your adult children be expected to help with chores around the house? By setting clear expectations from the start, you can avoid a lot of frustration—and arguments—down the road.
Establish Some Ground Rules
In addition to defining expectations, you'll also want to establish some ground rules that everyone will need to follow. For example, you might set a rule that there is no smoking inside the house or that all visitors must be approved by the head of the household before they're allowed to stay overnight. Doing this can help everyone feel more comfortable in their living situation.
Create Separate Spaces When Possible
If at all possible, try to create separate spaces for each generation in your home. This could mean giving your parents their own bedroom and bathroom or setting up a livable area in the basement for your young adult children to call their own. Or better yet, hire a professional contractor to build backyard mother in law suites that will create ample room for everyone to coexist. These separate spaces can mean the difference between a failing and a successful multigenerational home. People need space and boundaries!
Communicate Openly and Often
In any family situation, communication is key—but it's especially important when dealing with multiple generations under one roof. If someone is feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, take the time to talk it out and see if there's anything that can be done to ease the situation. By communicating openly and often, you can help prevent minor problems from turning into big ones.
Go Multigenerational Today!
Multigenerational home life is becoming increasingly popular, and for a good reason. As you've seen in this blog, it is an excellent way for families to stay close—but it's not without its challenges. Thankfully, detached living spaces like backyard mother in law suites and other ADUs can help alleviate most potential downsides.
And once you've decided to take that step towards ADU ownership and multigenerational living, there's no one in the Bay Area better equipped to build it for you than Acton ADU here in Campbell, CA. Acton ADU operates in over 45 cities throughout the Peninsula, Silicon Valley, and Easy Bay. With over 30 years of experience in residential construction, you'll be hard-pressed to find another company that can build backyard mother in law suites as well as we can.
So give us a call today, and one of our helpful team members will be there to answer any further questions or talk about your future ADU design!
