Family Matters: managing extended family space

Multi-generational living never really goes out of style. There may be an ebb and flow of popularity according to broader economic conditions, but when things become more difficult for either an older generation such as grandparents or younger generations who find that living independently can bring considerable expense - the family home of secure and convenient living is still a preferred and often necessary choice.

Currently, steep house prices have resulted in children staying at home longer, some well into their thirties. In addition, the cost of retirement villages and care for the elderly has become prohibitive for many older citizens, with the result that elderly parents are moving in with their adult children in order to cope financially. The possibility of needing assistance further down the track is a persuasive factor for many. It simply makes sense for families to combine resources.

There are several considerations upfront when deciding to amalgamate the family. You would either be dealing with two generations: your family nucleus and your parents or parents-in-law. Or three generations when there are grandparents and grandchildren. There has to be attention paid to different needs and spacing. You are going to have to plan how you will cook and eat, how many bathrooms, and whether you will need separate TV rooms, or private garden space, etc.

Going up or going sideways

• If you are lucky enough to have a loft space that is suitable for conversion, this may be perfect for the younger generation. Alternatively, many people choose to build a flatlet on top of the garage. It's the fastest and least expensive way of gaining another room that is conveniently out of the way and which doesn't affect the structure of the house. It's also easier to install a separate entrance.
• Converting your garage itself is another choice that can be useful, especially for the older generation who prefer to remain on ground level, or who are plagued with mobility issues. It's often a good solution because you are keeping close, but ensuring a private space.
• However you decide to create more space (other than simply buying a bigger home) you must keep in mind how that space will impact on the value of your home, and how it may be used in the future. When designing for older parents, remember that they may have to access that space with a wheelchair.
• When preparing for adult children to stay on in the home or return, they will want their own private entertaining space, such as a living-room or balcony. If you have space to create a separate private garden, then including that in the design is a pragmatic way to go. Sometimes the younger generation may only require their accommodation for a while - while they are studying, or saving for their own home, so the simplest renovation may suffice.

Don't ignore legal matters

• Make sure you've got legal issues covered. Moving into a shared home without any formal agreement - even with your own family - has the potential to create acrimony regarding financial obligations or ownership and inheritance at a later date.

• It's important to check whether your local authority considers a property with an additional building of independent living space as liable for additional council tax.
• Set up a budget. Use an architect and work with a contractor in the early stages. This way you can control the development and the costs. Make sure you have the correct plumbing, drainage, and water supply, as well as safe electrical connections. You don't want to fight those battles at a later stage.

Design practically and aesthetically

Consider who you need to accommodate, and examine your home to see whether it's possible to reconfigure your existing layout without ruining the appeal of your house in overall appearance.

A self-contained studio in the backyard if there is enough room can be a great solution to housing more than one generation. If you can extend to a living-room, one bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchenette, you have a really useful addition to your living space. However, if an area will only allow one room, then fit a mezzanine sleeping platform or a wall bed as a nifty choice for a teenager.

Heating systems are a key consideration if you are planning for elderly people, so you may want to fit a system that allows you to set different temperatures in different zones. Good lighting, non-slip surfaces, handrails and lever doorknobs and tapware are among the inclusions that will make life easier and safer for both elderly and those relatives with very young children.

Benefits and drawbacks of multigenerational homes

• Living closely together presents the opportunity to get to know each other, reduce feelings of loneliness, and deepen relationships.
• More adults under one roof can also mean more help with child care. This can be very helpful for working parents, but be aware of the fact that grandparents obliged to help continuously may feel as though they are being taken advantage of.
• There are often emotive issues that must be faced - such as a young adult fighting feelings of failure because they have chosen to stay at home, or decided to move back in. It can be psychologically difficult for people because moving out is valued as a sign of growth and independence - and many may feel that returning home is an admission of defeat. Some young people may regress somewhat, and allow their parents to look after them as if they were still in school. And it can breed resentment.
• Older people used to living alone may feel they have lost their independence, and that the arrangement has an 'end of the road' feel to it. Depression is an aspect one must be aware of, and take measures to avoid.
• The middle generation may feel their privacy and freedom has been impinged upon.
• Parents and grandparents may argue about the upbringing of the grandchildren - and a sense of real disruption can cause great unhappiness.
• Children may feel that such close proximity allows their parents to pry into their lives, asking personal questions about their going out and coming in.

A multi-generational family can be difficult to satisfy - there is always the clash of dreams and desires. Satisfying different generations' ideas of lifestyle is tricky; emotional investment is always a very individual thing. So working in clever designs to ensure separate areas is important. Today interior designs can be very fluid, with an easy mix of classic, modern and hybrid to suit all tastes and comforts.

Leapfrog Property Group

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