After the end of the Second World War, it was expected that each generation of your family could and would move out of the family home and into one of their own. This does not seem to be the case anymore for many families in the Vancouver area and beyond. According to Statistics Canada, building permits for single-family homes have been in steep decline since the early 2000s. On the other side of the coin, multi-generational families are one of the fastest-growing household types according to the 2016 Canadian Census. So what has led to this rising trend of multiple generations living under one roof? Each family has their own reasons, but here are some of the primary benefits to having a multi-generational home.
Build Family Relationships
Being in close proximity to family members can help further strengthen familial bonds. For instance, your children will be able to spend more time with their grandparents and vice-versa, in turn bringing everyone closer together.
Safety and Security
Through multi-generational living, it is easier for adult children to give the proper care and attention to both your elderly parents and your own children. This generation is often referred to as the “sandwich generation”.
Financial Savings
With growing concerns about housing affordability, having multiple generations in the same household can have significant financial benefits. A big factor is that the entire family only needs to pay for one home. Even if you are planning on doing a large renovation project or addition to make the home suit everyone’s needs, the costs often still are lower than that of purchasing and maintaining a second home.So, how do you get started creating a multi-generational household? Multi-generational living can be made possible in a few different ways. These can include renovations to your existing home, new construction or a combination of both. This may involve customizing your existing home into a duplex or even renovating your home to include an in-law suite to adapt to your needs. If your property and local zoning allow it, you may wish to explore infill housing, a laneway house or even a coach house. These options are a great way to add a secondary home on your property and give your family members their own spaces, yet they are still close by.
Well Balanced Designs can help you design the multi-generational home that will function best for your family’s needs. Do you have a multi-generational construction or renovation project in mind? Do you want to make your living space work better for your family? Are you planning a new build? George Martin of Well Balanced Designs is one of Vancouver’s leading Design-Build experts, with over 46 years of experience in construction and renovations. He is familiar with Vancouver’s building types and materials, from laneway homes and Yaletown condos to Westside single-family homes and larger homes on the North Shore. Schedule a call with George today to discuss your needs.
