An estimated 60.6 million Americans now live in multi-generational homes, defined as "a household with two or more adult generations," and it shows no signs of slowing down. There are many reasons for a household to turn into a multi-generational home.

With a large number of baby boomers that are financially able to include their parents or adult children in their homes, it allows for families to strengthen relationships with one another while living under the same roof. For many, it gives a "peace of mind" knowing that they can see their parents or children at home.

Some reasons why in-law suites are beneficial:

Cut down on childcare costs

Spend more time with family

Peace of mind

Some things to consider when building an in-law suite:

Accessibility

By building the addition on the first floor, it will make it more accessible for the in-laws. Even if your parents or in-laws do not currently have mobility issues, it is a good idea to think ahead in the event that mobility becomes an issue.

Privacy

A separate entrance is typically preferred since the transition of moving in with a parent or in-law can be tough in some cases. Adding in a separate entrance to the suite can be a good solution.

Amenities

A large factor to consider when designing an in-law suite addition are the amenities. It is extremely important to assess what all needs to be included in the addition, and also note some items that may not be necessary now but could come in handy later on. For example, grab bars for the shower and wider doors could be necessary.

Kitchen

The choice to include a kitchen, or kitchenette, in the addition's design is huge. It is important to determine what eating arrangements will typically be like for your family. Do you plan to have all meals separately? Eat every meal together? A mixture of the two? This will determine if you need to include a full kitchen with stove, a kitchenette with a microwave and small refrigerator, or no kitchen at all.

When considering building a home addition, whether that be an in-law suite, or just an addition to create more living space for your family, consider Balducci Additions and Remodeling. We have been serving the Richmond, Virginia area for over 30 years. Visit our page at balducciremodeling.com or call us toll free at 804-730-0982 to schedule an appointment for a free estimate.