Multi-Generational Housing Is Making Its Way Across the U.S.

By Warren Grant

Living with a different adult generation of one’s family has often been a comedy theme on television, from Archie Bunker and his combative son-inlaw to Frasier and his dad, and Seinfeld’s George Costanza living at home. The tensions of close living quarters leave us boiling over in laughter.

But, the reality of more and more baby boomers entering into their silver years is a serious matter, so creative and welcome solutions are emerging as multigenerational living becomes an increasing reality.

Multi-generational living is described as at least two adult generations over the age of 25 living together. That could entail grandparents living with their children, an adult child moving back home for a while, an adult child with special needs, or even a fourgeneration home. All of this comes with the goal of gaining quality family time, increasing family safety, perhaps sharing responsibilities and expenses, and balancing togetherness and privacy.

One of the leaders in the design of multigenerational homes—also referred to as multi-gen or next-gen homes—is New York-based homebuilder K. Hovnanian, whose chief marketing officer, Ron Nelson, has been tracking the burgeoning interest in next-gen homes for several years. population, now live in multi-generational households. That number is up from just 12 percent in 1980,” says Nelson.

“A study from the Pew Research Center describes that 64 million people, fully 20 percent of the U.S.

He adds that, “Our entry into next-gen homes began to grow organically over five years ago after several homebuyers requested we design additional private living space for aging parents. We progressed in earnest with the concept three years ago, developing dedicated floor plans for the increasing demand for multi-generational living.”

K. Hovnanian, which was founded in 1959, has communities in 15 states across the country, all of which are inviting destinations for building a next-gen home. While a variety of floor plans are available, the company website (www.khov.com) features the Extra Suite and Extra Suite+ layouts, both of which offer a spacious living room, bedroom, and bath. The Extra Suite+ also includes a kitchenette with refrigerator, sink, and dishwasher.

I n most cases, their next-gen suites can be accessed by both a private entry off the front porch and through a door that opens from the interior of the main house.

Nelson offered one caveat on the dual entry. “We actually build a couple of different ways, as some municipalities allow a second door main entrance while others require you to enter the entire home through one main entrance.”

T he effect of the single entry regulation is to discourage homeowners from creating a rental unit or Airbnb. Be sure to check the local ordinances before getting started.

K. Hovnanian will shortly be adding a feature to its website that will allow you to identify through an icon which of their communities currently has an Extra Suite model or spec home to tour or purchase. For those active adults with aging parents, it’s even possible to build a next-gen home at one of KHov’s Four Seasons communities designed for 55+ homebuyers.

T he resort-like Four Seasons communities dot the Atlantic coast and range all the way to Arizona and California. A regional sales center in Edison, NJ, is a convenient place for homebuyers in the northeast to virtually explore floor plans, amenities, and lifestyle benefits of the Four Seasons without having to travel far.

I nterestingly, some people choose a multi-generational home for nontraditional reasons, as the extra private space works wonderfully for relatives or guests on an extended stay, or for an au pair or nanny. Sometimes roommates will even buy a next-gen home to share expenses while building equity instead of renting an apartment.

But, for Terri and Russell Ashe of Summerville, SC, just outside Charleston, the choice was fundamental. With an aging mother, the couple opted to move just 23 minutes up the road from their longtime home in Goose Creek to KHov’s Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay 55+ community.

T here, they had their architect change the wall layout and convert an office space into an extra suite for Mom. Says Russell, “We were able to create a comfortable space with a living area, bedroom, bathroom, microwave, and sink.”

T he couple also created a separate HVAC zone for mom’s suite, as “she likes to keep her space toasty warm.”

Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay is just 40 minutes from the historic charm, worldclass dining, and ocean breezes of Charleston, the country’s most decorated city. Lakes of Cane Bay itself offers resort-style living with countless amenities, including a 300-acre lake system, lakefront clubhouse, marina, saline pools, amphitheater, pickleball courts, and more.

For more information on K. Hovnanian’s multi-generational living opportunities and Four Seasons communities, call 866-718-2997 or visit KHovFourSeasons.com