A multigenerational home is a residence or household where there are multiple generations of adults living there. It’s not to be confused with the terms “single-family home” or “multifamily unit,” which refer to types of real estate. Common examples of these households include those where grandparents and grandchildren live together or adult children live with their parents. According to the Vanier Institute of the Family, the number of multigenerational homes in Canada has increased by over 50% in the past 20 years, with rising costs and aging populations being two of the biggest factors. Here are some things to consider about sharing a residence with multiple generations.
What’s Great About Multigenerational Households
Multigenerational homes provide certain advantages. From immigrant families establishing roots in a new country to adult children looking for a place to land after college or a divorce, there are benefits to this household that are worth considering:
- Shared Expenses: When you live with other adults who earn income, you can divide up certain living expenses and save money. While an increase in household members may increase monthly bills associated with energy and water usage, things like mortgages, taxes, and insurance aren’t based on occupancy.
- Savings on Child or Adult Care: Daycare is a significant expense for most Canadians, especially those with children who are too young for school. Assisted living facilities can also be very expensive. Multigenerational homes help families defray or eliminate these costs as other adults can help take care of children or the elderly.
- Improved Relationships: There are mutual benefits when grandparents and grandchildren are a part of each other’s lives. The presence of children can help with feelings of isolation and loneliness. Being around older relatives helps children with speech development, learning, and empathy.
What’s Not So Great About Multigenerational Households
Sharing a home with adult children, adult relatives, and other parents also comes with challenges you should consider.
- Lack of Privacy: More people in the home increases the difficulty of finding time and space for solitude. Where do you go when you need some time to yourself? You have to be more intentional about “alone time.”
- Establishing Boundaries: Respect is a critical element of a successful multigenerational household. If you’re an adult and living with your parents, you may get unsolicited feedback about your choices. Sometimes parents forget that you’re an adult and need a gentle reminder that you’re entitled to your own opinions and decisions, especially when it comes to raising kids and taking care of a home.
- More Disruption: Living with more people in your home means a potential increase in noise and clutter. Horseplay, loud music, and video games may be uncomfortable for older adults. Toys and other objects can take over certain living spaces. Separating rooms with drapes or noise-reduction devices can be useful in homes shared by multiple generations.
What You Should Consider
If you’re contemplating a multigenerational household, think carefully about the things that an existing or future residence will need for a better experience. Some home builders now offer multigenerational or next-gen floor plans that accommodate other relatives. This can include basement apartments, exterior buildings, multiple kitchens and living areas, separate entrances, and more. Before you commit to this living situation, it’s important to have an honest conversation with your spouse and current household members about the changes needed for a healthy and happy home life.
For Canadian couples old and new, multigenerational living offers several advantages. For many families, these households are the new normal, providing tangible and intangible benefits for everyone involved. But such a household is not without its challenges, especially when it comes to respect, boundaries, and relationships. Consider these plusses and minuses before you make a decision.
