Clients looking to house multiple generations under a single roof? They’re not alone. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of multi-gen households has quadrupled since the 1970s, accounting for 18% of all U.S. households as recently as 2021. Multi-generational households can take a variety of forms, but the common denominator is the need for a contemporary home with sufficient space to accommodate this lifestyle.
These homes need to be flexible and spacious enough to allow different generations to coexist without feeling crowded or uncomfortable. Whether your clients need a full guest suite or just enough bedrooms to house everyone in the family, their home should be designed with this living situation in mind.
At Richmond American, we’re proud to offer an inspired array of floor plans designed with today’s multi-generational household in mind. These plans boast functional layouts that can include spacious shared living areas, versatile finished basements, and other useful features. Some also showcase a Modern Living™ guest suite on their main floor. This suite has its own bedroom and bathroom and, depending on the floor plan and community, may also offer a laundry closet, a living room with a kitchenette or coffee bar, and a private exterior entry. With the addition of this space, residents can live in the same house while still maintaining independent lifestyles.
The appeal of multi-generational living
The multi-generational household is becoming a more common reality in the U.S., a trend driven by several factors. Data from the National Association of REALTORS® shows that the primary reasons for this kind of living situation include cost savings, caregiving for elderly relatives, and accommodating children over the age of 18 who may be returning home. Some buyers looking for a multi-generational home are part of what’s called the “Sandwich Generation.” These individuals are often middle-aged and are “sandwiched” between aging parents and children of their own. Members of the Sandwich Generation are frequently tasked with taking care of the two generations above and below them, therefore requiring a home that can accommodate all three groups. A house with a guest suite, for instance, could eliminate the need to place older relatives in an assisted living facility.
The advantages of multi-generational living range from the financial to the emotional. With the right home, everyone can live independently, while still benefiting from the strength of family connections.
Key benefits of multi-generational homes
Here are just a few reasons why multi-generational living can be so appealing to today’s homebuyers:
- Built-in childcare: Families with young children often find it convenient to have grandparents or other older relatives around to help with child-rearing. This arrangement reduces the need for expensive daycare and provides a support system that could improve everyone’s quality of life.
- Caring for aging parents: For buyers who need to look after elderly family members, the added space of a multi-generational homes makes it easier (and less costly) to do so. A guest suite, for instance, can allow these older individuals to have their own living quarters while still being close to the family. Our Modern Living™ suites are always built on the first floor, which eliminates the need for going up and down stairs.
- Financial savings: It’s not uncommon for young adults to choose to move back home after they’ve completed their education or started their careers. Additional space in their family’s home can offerthem the freedom to live comfortably and relatively independently, while saving money for future plans. Parents can also benefit from extra help around the house when their older children live under the same roof as them.
- Increased family bonding: With more generations in the same household, there could be a greater opportunity for quality family time. Shared experiences, such as meals, game nights, and even day-to-day interactions, may help strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
- Versatility for hosting and entertaining: Homes with multi-gen features can benefit smaller families as well. More traditionally structured households (parents and their school-age children, for example) could use the additional space to host friends, out-of-town relatives, and other visitors.
Curious about our available options for your multi-gen clients? Let’s check out three of our most popular floor plans that fit the bill:
The Darius plan
Typical specs:
- Single story
- 3 to 6 bedrooms
- 3 to 5.5 bathrooms
- Approx. 2,830 to 2,920 sq. ft.
- 3-car garage
The Darius offers generous living spaces, perfect for housing multiple generations. These include an impressive great room, a well-appointed kitchen with a convenient center island, and an inviting dining nook. Additionally, this home may be built with a study or a formal dining room, depending on the community. The highlight of the Darius plan, however, is its Modern LivingTM guest suite. This exciting feature may come with a private exterior entry, a living room, a kitchenette, and a bedroom with a walk-in closet and attached bath.
See where we’re building the Darius plan.
The Emerald plan
Typical specs:
- Single story
- 3 to 5 bedrooms
- 3 bathrooms
- Approx. 2,080 to 2,260 sq. ft.
- 2- to 3-car garage
As part of our sought-after Seasons™ Collection, the Emerald plan has a lot to offer a variety of different buyers. Multi-gen families will particularly enjoy the relaxing great room with center-meet sliding glass doors and a thoughtfully designed kitchen boasting a center island. The spacious Modern Living™ guest suite showcases an ideal blend of comfort and privacy and may include a living room, a laundry closet, and a bedroom with an attached bath.
See where we’re building the Emerald plan.
The Pinecrest plan
Typical specs:
- Single story
- 3 to 5 bedrooms
- 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms
- Approx. 2,390 to 4,170 sq. ft.
- 3-car garage
The single-story Pinecrest plan was built to impress. Between its expansive great room, beautifully appointed kitchen, elegant study, and tranquil covered patio, this home offers buyers plenty of space to live, work, and entertain. Young adult children and elderly relatives alike are sure to appreciate the Pinecrest’s Modern Living™ guest suite. This convenient space boasts a living room, a bedroom with a walk-in closet, a private bath, and, in select regions, may feature a laundry closet and/or a kitchenette.
See where we’re building the Pinecrest plan.
Your clients may also be interested in these other Modern Living™ floor plans:
How to find listings with a Modern Living™ guest suite
When helping clients find a home that fits their multi-generational needs, the search filters on our website can be an excellent tool. By selecting the Modern Living™ option under the Sort/Filter menu, you can easily narrow down available listings that feature a guest suite and other relevant features. This will allow you to find homes that offer the ideal layout for your buyers and help them make an informed decision.
If you’d like further assistance in finding the perfect plan for your clients, our New Home Specialists are happy to help! They can pinpoint floor plans and listings that offer a layout and features suitable for a multi-generational household. Get in touch today by calling 888.996.3060 or starting a chat online.
The bottom line: The future of multi-generational homes
The shift toward multi-generational living will likely continue as more families look for ways to save money and stay connected with their loved ones. Our homes with Modern Living™ guest suites and other multi-gen features offer the perfect solution for households in need of more space, more privacy, and a flexible layout. Whether your buyers need a home for caring for aging relatives, providing a retreat for adult children, or simply having more room for entertaining, we have options to suit their lifestyle.
It’s important for you, as a real estate agent, to stay on top of this trend and effectively understand the needs of multi-generational clients. With the right floor plan, buyers can have the space and flexibility to provide a comfortable, versatile home for all members of their family.
What makes our floor plans Lifestyle Approved?
Our architects put a lot of thought into designing homes that fit the way homebuyers live today. Learn more about our in-demand features and options.
