Multigenerational living, where two or more adult generations, or a “skipped generation” of grandparents and grandchildren, share the same household, has steadily grown in popularity in the U.S. over the past five decades. According to a Pew Research Center analysis, the number of Americans living in multigenerational homes quadrupled from 1971 to 2021. In March 2021, nearly 60 million Americans (or 18% of the population) lived in multigenerational households, compared to just 7% in 1971. This shift is driven by rising housing costs, changing family dynamics, and an increased focus on intergenerational living as a way to share resources and care for loved ones.
As the trend toward multigenerational homes continues to grow, particularly in diverse areas like San Diego, families are looking for ways to accommodate multiple generations comfortably under one roof. Backyard ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) have emerged as an ideal solution, providing separate living quarters while keeping family members close.
Why ADUs Are Perfect for Multigenerational Living
ADUs offer numerous benefits that make them a perfect solution for multigenerational homes in San Diego. These multigenerational ADUs provide families with the flexibility to create independent spaces for grandparents, adult children, or caregivers while maintaining the familial bond.
Privacy for Each Generation
One of the biggest advantages of a multigenerational ADU is the ability to offer privacy for each generation. The ADU functions as an independent living space with its own kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, allowing older generations or young adults to live close but still retain their autonomy.
Flexibility
ADUs provide flexible living arrangements. Whether the family is growing, shrinking, or transitioning, a multigenerational ADU can easily accommodate the changing needs of the household over time.
Financial Benefits
Building a multigenerational ADU can also help with the family’s finances. It can be used to generate rental income when not occupied by family members, helping offset housing costs. The ability to house family members on-site also reduces the need for expensive senior care facilities or student housing. Read more about the return on investment of an ADU.
Supporting Family Members
ADUs allow for intergenerational living while still keeping family members close. Families with adult children with special needs also see ADUs as a compelling option. Grandparents can be nearby to help with childcare, while adult children can support their aging parents – all while maintaining their own independent space. Read how ADUs compare to assisted living options.
Facilitating Intergenerational Connections
Living in proximity encourages stronger family bonds across generations. A multigenerational house fosters daily interactions and support between family members, creating a sense of community and shared responsibility within the family unit.
Multigenerational households, common among many cultural groups in the U.S., have become more popular across all demographics. About a quarter of Asian (24%), Black (26%) and Hispanic (26%) Americans lived in multigenerational households in 2021, compared with 13% of those who are White.
Maintenance and Management
Having family close in a multigenerational home makes it easier to manage property upkeep and ensure that maintenance tasks are shared. Additionally, older family members can age in place with more ease, knowing that help is always nearby.
Property Utilization and Optimization
ADUs maximize the use of your property by transforming unused backyard space into livable areas. This optimization allows for a multigenerational living setup without the need for purchasing additional property or making significant alterations to the primary home.
Future-Proofing Property
A multigenerational ADU offers a future-proof solution for your property. As your family grows or your living needs evolve, having an ADU on your property ensures flexibility and adaptability for years to come. Whether you plan to house aging parents or rent it out for additional income, an ADU provides long-term value.
Designing an ADU for Multigenerational Needs
When designing a multigenerational ADU for your family, careful consideration should be given to the specific needs of each generation. Here are a few important design factors to keep in mind:
Maximizing Your Buildable Space
Before choosing a layout for your multigenerational ADU, it’s essential to determine the buildable envelope on your property. This includes understanding local ADU size limits, property setbacks, and any other site-specific factors like utility placement. Conducting a feasibility study is crucial for evaluating where your ADU can be built, and it can help you make the most of the available space.
Designing for Privacy and Flexibility
The purpose of most multigenerational homes is to provide privacy and separation from the primary residence while keeping family members close. Features like separate entrances, dedicated living spaces, and private walkways ensure that each generation can enjoy their own space without interfering with daily life in the main house. Additionally, open floor plans are a great way to design for flexibility, ensuring that the space can adapt to changing needs over time.
Managing Costs Through Smart Design Choices
When designing a multigenerational ADU, it’s important to stay mindful of your budget. One of the easiest ways to reduce ADU project costs is by choosing a pre-designed floor plan that suits your needs and making minor modifications, rather than starting from scratch. Opting for value engineering, such as using standard-sized windows and doors or planning for common utility setups, can also help keep construction costs under control. Additionally, consider the local ADU size thresholds. Smaller ADUs (e.g., under 750 square feet) may qualify for waived fees, saving you thousands in permitting costs. Read more about choosing your ADU size.
Incorporating Future Needs into the Design
When designing a multigenerational ADU, it’s important to think about how your family’s needs might evolve. This means planning for accessibility features, such as wider doorways and step-free showers, to accommodate aging parents or other family members with mobility challenges. Additionally, consider adding multiple bedrooms or creating a shared living space that can easily be converted to a different use later on, such as an office or hobby room. A well-thought-out design will ensure that the ADU remains functional for years to come, whether for intergenerational living or other purposes.
Important Considerations for Building an ADU for Family Members
If you’re planning to build an ADU in your backyard for a family member, there are several important financial, legal, and logistical factors to think about before moving forward. Financing options, property title arrangements, and design considerations must all be handled thoughtfully to ensure a successful project. Here are some key questions to consider:
How will you finance the ADU?
Explore ADU financing options like Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs), Construction Loans, and other funding methods. It’s important to understand how these loans tie to the primary home and what repayment will look like if a family member moves in or sells their home.
What about property title arrangements?
If a family member is contributing to the ADU financially, they may want to protect their investment by holding a share of the property title. This could involve setting up a tenants-in-common arrangement to reflect their ownership stake, which can have long-term implications on property decisions.
Who will handle ongoing maintenance and utilities?
It’s essential to set clear expectations about shared costs and responsibilities. Deciding ahead of time who will manage utility bills, lawn maintenance, general upkeep, and taxes will ensure everyone is on the same page once the ADU is built.
By carefully planning for these factors ahead of time, you can ensure your multigenerational ADU supports your family’s needs while avoiding potential financial or legal issues down the road. Check out the full ADU Guide for Family Members for more detailed considerations & tips from families with ADUs.
What to Look for in a Contractor for Your Multigenerational ADU Project
When building a multigenerational ADU in San Diego, it’s essential to choose the right contractor to ensure the project meets both your immediate and long-term needs. Here are a few key qualities to look for when selecting a contractor:
Knowledge of Local Regulations
Building a multigenerational ADU in San Diego comes with unique zoning, permitting, and design restrictions. The right contractor will be familiar with local building codes, regulations specific to ADUs, and any additional requirements for multigenerational homes. This expertise helps avoid costly delays or issues during the approval process. Look up your local ADU regulations.
Experience with Multigenerational ADUs
Look for a contractor who has proven experience designing and building ADUs specifically for multigenerational living. These projects require a deep understanding of how to create spaces that offer privacy and independence for different generations while maintaining close proximity. Contractors with expertise in multigenerational ADUs will know how to balance accessibility, functionality, and design to accommodate a range of family needs. They will also know how to effectively manage inputs from many parties, typically through an extensive Feasibility Study process.
Customizable and Flexible Designs
Multigenerational living requires flexibility, so your contractor should offer customizable ADU plans that can be tailored to the specific needs of your family. Whether it’s incorporating accessibility features for aging parents or designing separate entrances and living areas, a contractor with experience in multigenerational ADUs will know how to create spaces that can adapt as your family’s needs change over time. Options like finish materials selections packages can also make the process more enjoyable.
Strong Communication and Collaboration
Clear communication and collaboration are essential when building a multigenerational ADU. Choose a contractor who values ongoing dialogue throughout the project, keeping you informed every step of the way. A strong partnership ensures that your vision for the ADU is fully realized and that all family members’ needs are addressed.
Snap ADU Multigenerational Projects
Snap ADU has successfully designed and built multigenerational ADUs in San Diego that meet the specific needs of families. View all of our ADU projects for families. You can also filter to projects for bring aging relatives closer, or to house younger family.
“Snap ADU helped us create a space for our aging parents that feels like a home. The team was professional, attentive, and understood exactly what we needed for our multigenerational home.”
As families in San Diego increasingly move toward multigenerational living, ADUs offer a practical and flexible solution to accommodate different generations under one roof. Whether you’re looking to keep family close, optimize your property, or ensure privacy for aging parents, a multigenerational ADU is the perfect addition to your home. Contact us to discuss your ADU project.
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