The idea of multi-generation households has gathered tremendous support among families that have become carers for their elderly relatives.
Now, the constantly growing demand for extra living spaces for family members necessitates upgrading an existing room or adding a one-room apartment to the building structure.
Data compiled by AARP, an advocacy group for the 50+, showed an “increase in multigeneration households, from 4.8% in 2000 to 18% in 2021.” Today, over 60 million households are living with multiple generations under one roof.
Self-Contained Apartments (aka In-Law Suites)
These private quarters are small, comfortable, and efficient. They may, or may not, be attached to the main house.
Depending on some factors, the space can be a converted bedroom, a studio flat, or a small apartment. They all come with the necessary amenities, and some come with kitchenettes, private bathrooms, bedrooms, and storage space. A luxury few have one-car garages and private entrances.
Space-wise, a detached private apartment need not be more than 850 sq. ft. or 79 sqm of land space. In the case of a private bedroom, 270 sq. ft or 25 sqm is a sufficient and comfortable space.
These spaces are also known as:
- Mother-in-law apartment.
- In-law suite.
- Granny flat/suite.
- Accessory apartment.
Maintaining Privacy
Privacy is crucial. Having private interfamily space in your household or as an add-on to your property is a good way to maintain control over personal space, in this case, both the live-in guest and the host. The guest will not harbour a sense of intrusion, and the host (or primary household) will not feel intruded on.
Having boundaries and respecting other people’s privacy is key to living together harmoniously.
As more property holders are converting their residences into multigenerational homes for themselves, their children, and their ageing parents, they now prefer to ensure the guests' apartment permits privacy and independence for all.
(This article was originally published by the author on Luxury Dream Home Designs in October, 2018)
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