Future-Proofing Your Home: A Complete Guide to Multi-Generational Living
As we grow older, the desire for connection and the comfort of familiar surroundings becomes increasingly important. Many people may find themselves feeling lonely or isolated as they age, but a multi-generational home offers a solution to this issue by bringing family members of all ages together under one roof.
By sharing a living space with relatives, older adults can enjoy daily interactions and a strong support system, while younger family members benefit from the wisdom and care of their elders. However, creating a living space that accommodates the whole family can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, we will introduce you to simple yet effective methods to adapt your home and create a welcoming environment for all ages — ensuring that everyone feels comfortable as they grow older.
What is a multi-generational home?
A multi-generational home is a living arrangement in which relatives across different generations live together in a single home. This can include grandparents, parents, children, and sometimes even great-grandchildren living in the same household.
In a multi-generational home, areas of the property may be customised to provide privacy for each family member while still allowing for shared common areas where everybody can gather and enjoy their time together. This setup allows everyone to remain in a familiar and supportive environment as they age while also allowing younger generations to benefit from the wisdom and guidance of their elders.
What are the benefits of a multi-generational home?
There are many benefits to living in a multi-generational home beyond offering companionship for older family members, including:
Affordable living
It’s no secret that living costs have increased drastically in recent years, with consumer prices alone rising by over 20% in a three-year period. Living together in a single house can help everyone split their living expenses and create a more affordable solution. Whether you own your property or are simply renting, pooling your finances means that utilities, groceries, and even the housing cost itself are shared between adult residents.
Closer family relationships
Naturally, living together under a single roof is guaranteed to enhance your familial bonds and strengthen relationships between relatives. Each generation has something to offer to another, whether it’s life experience, knowledge, or even just their time as a live-in babysitter. This, in turn, means that you are more likely to have shared memories to look back on together.
Quality of life
Studies have shown that multi-generational living positively impacts the quality of life for both children and adults. Children who are raised in a home with other family members receive stronger social and mental support, which can lead to better mental health and cognitive function. Additionally, older family members can also benefit from having their loved ones close by at all times, helping them stay occupied and socialise.
Why is multi-generational living becoming more popular?
In recent years, the number of multi-generational households has significantly increased, with around 2.1% of all UK households being multi-generational in 2021 versus 1.8% in 2011. This has also resulted in a growing demand for properties that can sustain large families of all ages. One study conducted by the National House Building Council revealed that there is a potential demand for as many as 125,000 purpose-built homes in the UK that can cater to intergenerational family needs.
There are several reasons for this lifestyle becoming more common, from rising housing prices to a greater need for affordable childcare. The average cost of renting a private property, as of July 2024, was £1,279 per month, and research has found that a quarter of households spend £800 or more each month on childcare costs alone. These figures quickly add up, highlighting a need for families to find alternative ways to split costs and supply consistent childcare for working parents to continue their careers.
How to create a multi-generational living space
Creating a multi-generational home needs thoughtful planning to make sure that the space meets the needs of every family member — from the oldest to the youngest. By considering the specific requirements of different generations and making the right adjustments, you can design a home that creates a harmonious space for everyone.
1. Consider different generations’ needs
Start by considering the unique needs of each generation living in the home. For example, older adults may require features that help them get around safely — such as handrails, non-slip flooring, and easy-to-reach storage. Younger children, on the other hand, might need safe play areas and lower countertops or shelving. Additionally, working adults may prioritise spaces for them to work from home or relax. Understanding everyone’s needs will help you create a balanced environment where each family member feels comfortable.
2. Prioritise accessibility
Accessibility is key in a multi-generational home, especially for older family members or those with mobility challenges. Architect and later-life design specialist Emma Luddington of multi-award-winning Living Well at Home Ltd says:
“There is no need for unsightly adaptations, the principle is that future-proofing should seamlessly blend with your home décor and style at a budget to suit you. And, with so many attractive products and solutions — like the home lifts range by Stiltz — it’s possible to make your home age-friendly and give you peace of mind for the future.”
Consider installing ramps to any doorways with a step, widening doorways to accommodate wheelchair users, and adding walk-in showers with grab bars. While many feel restricted to a bungalow for their multi-generational residence, installing a home lift gives you more freedom to explore properties with multiple floors. This means you can choose a home with enough space to fit everyone comfortably.
And there’s more to consider than just the larger fixtures: even the smallest details require careful thought to ensure every family member can navigate the house undisturbed. Lever-style door handles are easier for people with arthritis or limited grip strength to use, while carpeted floors or large rugs reduce slippery surfaces. Thoughtful design choices like these ensure that every part of the home is usable for everyone.
Emma adds: “Unfortunately, many households do not make these changes in good time, leading to unexpected life-changing loss of independence, expensive care costs and even having to leave the much-loved family home for a residential care setting.”
3. Have multiple points of access
Multiple entrances and exits can enhance both privacy and autonomy for different generations. For instance, older adults may appreciate having a separate entrance to the home that’s close to their living area, allowing them to come and go without disturbing others. Separate access points can also be beneficial if the home includes an annexe or “granny flat”. This is part of the home that has been transformed into a self-contained unit — giving older family members the independence to go about their day-to-day as they please.
4. Opt for sound-proofing measures
In a bustling multi-generational home, noise can quickly become an issue — whether it’s the rough and tumble of children playing or the corporate jargon of young professionals working from home. Sound-proofing measures, such as insulated walls, double-glazed windows, and solid-core doors, can help maintain peace and quiet — especially between bedrooms and living areas. Carpeting, rugs, and soft furnishings also help to absorb sound, reducing noise levels and creating a more serene environment.
5. Create extra or separate living spaces
Consider creating additional or separate living spaces within the home to accommodate different generations more comfortably. This could be an additional living room, a second kitchen, or even a small apartment within the house — such as a converted garage or basement.
These spaces allow family members to enjoy time together while still having areas where they can retreat for privacy and personal time. Separate living spaces are especially important to avoid feeling overcrowded, which is critical to maintaining a happy household.
6. Think about home adjustments
Making home adjustments is essential in a multi-generational living space. These can range from minor tweaks, like installing night lights in hallways, to more significant changes — like lowering light switches or adding a wet room.
Smart home technology, including voice-activated assistants and automated lighting, can also enhance the home’s convenience and safety, meaning there are fewer switches and dials to worry about. Regularly reassessing the home’s suitability as family members’ needs evolve will ensure that the space remains functional and comfortable.
When you’re preparing the home for those of different ages and mobility levels, it’s important to weigh up how functional large modifications will be in such a busy space. For example, a traditional stair lift is a great way to help older family members travel throughout the home, but these bulky devices can also be a hazard for properties with young children running around. A home lift, on the other hand, is a much more family-friendly adjustment that can be used by any member of the family — including those with additional mobility devices, such as wheelchairs.
7. Consult building regulations
Before making any structural changes to your home, it’s important to check the local building regulations and make sure that any changes you plan to make to the property are allowed. This is particularly important when you’re thinking about adding an annexe or extension — both of which may require specific planning permission from your council. To find out more about whether your annexe needs special permissions, you can check the government’s building regulations online.
If you’re making any significant changes to your property’s structure, such as converting attic or basement spaces or making significant modifications like widening doorways, you should consult with a registered structural engineer to make sure that these modifications are carried out safely without compromising the property.
Additionally, if you’re planning to install a home lift, you’ll also need a standard building notice application, which involves a property inspection carried out by an authorised independent body during the building stage. Here at Stiltz, we organise this whole process on your behalf.
Tips for multi-generational living
Living in a multi-generational home can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Successfully navigating these challenges requires mutual respect, clear communication, and an understanding of each family member’s expectations.
Here are some practical tips to help ensure that everyone enjoys their cohabitation:
1. Respect each other’s space and privacy
One of the most important aspects of multi-generational living is respecting each person’s space and privacy. Even in the most close-knit family, everyone still needs time to themselves — whether it’s to enjoy a hobby or take a nap.
Around 40% of adults living in a multi-generational home report finding it stressful sometimes, which is why it’s vital for each member of the family to have their own private space — whether it’s a bedroom, a corner of the house, or even just a favourite chair. To make sure everyone’s privacy is respected, encourage a household policy in which everyone has to knock before entering each other’s spaces and be mindful of noise levels — especially during nighttime hours.
2. Set boundaries
Setting clear boundaries is crucial for avoiding tension in a multi-generational household. These might include agreed-upon rules about who is responsible for certain chores or who has access to shared spaces at a particular time.
For example, you might choose to establish guidelines about when it’s appropriate to enter someone’s room, especially if they’re not present, or how communal areas like the kitchen or living room should be used. Setting boundaries helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone’s needs and expectations are respected.
3. Communicate
Open and honest communication is the foundation of any successful cohabitation, which is particularly important in a multi-generational home. Regular family meetings or casual check-ins can be a great way to raise and discuss any issues, share feelings, and ensure everyone is on the same page about house rules.
Encourage all family members to express their needs and concerns openly and be willing to listen to each other with empathy. Maintaining clear communication where everyone feels heard is crucial to keeping tension to a minimum and teaching the younger generations about the importance of being empathetic towards others.
Future-proof your home today
“It is never too early to start future-proofing your home. It is one of the best investments you can make for yourself and your family and will pay dividends in convenience, independence and peace of mind,” Emma notes. “Not to mention the cost savings of being able to stay in the home that you love for longer, rather than be forced into a care home earlier than necessary.”
If you’re looking to future-proof your home and make it more accessible as you age, installing a home lift can be liberating. It provides independence and ease of movement between floors, making your home more adaptable for all. Explore our range of Stiltz home lifts today to fit seamlessly into your multi-generational living space.
Get in touch with our friendly team to learn more, or take a look at our blog for the latest home lift news and advice.