Chris Rapczynski is the founder and president of Sleeping Dog Properties, Inc, with over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. As a carpenter, Chris built his career by renovating homes and commercial spaces in Boston's Back Bay, eventually growing his company to handle larger, high-profile projects. In the following article, Chris Rapczynski explores the rise in demand for multi-generational homes and how this trend is shaping custom home designs to accommodate the evolving needs of modern families.
The home building market has seen a significant rise in the demand for multi-generational homes. This shift is changing the way families think about homeownership, as they opt for spaces that cater to the diverse needs of multiple generations living under one roof. This trend is not just about convenience; it reflects deeper societal and economic changes that influence family dynamics, financial decisions, and lifestyle preferences. From in-law suites to dedicated spaces for elderly relatives to age in place, custom home designs are evolving to support the complex and interconnected needs of modern families.
Multi-generational living refers to a household where two or more adult generations share the same home. Traditionally, this often meant parents, children, and sometimes grandparents living together. However, the scope has expanded to include a broader definition, incorporating a variety of living arrangements—such as adult children moving back home, aging parents living with their adult children, and even cousins or aunts and uncles sharing a home.
In custom builds, multi-generational spaces are designed with these living arrangements in mind, incorporating specific features that allow family members to maintain privacy while still fostering connection.
One of the primary reasons for the growing demand for multi-generational homes is the increasing need for family cohesion and support. Chris Rapczynski explains that families are discovering that living together offers emotional and practical advantages. For example, aging parents often need assistance with daily activities, and having them live with their children provides an opportunity for better care without expense, or the emotional strain of long-term care facilities. Similarly, adult children may return home to help with financial burdens, career changes, or child-rearing responsibilities.
Living together can strengthen family bonds and facilitate a greater sense of community and shared purpose within the household. Parents and grandparents can develop closer relationships with their grandchildren, and families can work together to provide the necessary emotional, social, and physical support.
Chris Rapczynski notes that in today’s economic climate, the cost of living, housing, and healthcare can place a heavy burden on families. Many millennials are struggling with student debt, high rental prices, and other financial pressures, making it difficult to live independently. By moving in with parents or other relatives, they can save money on rent, utilities, and other living expenses. Similarly, elderly parents can reduce living costs by sharing resources with their adult children.
According to the Pew Research Center, multi-generational living is becoming increasingly common due to economic factors, such as the high cost of housing and the financial strain placed on younger generations. In fact, approximately 1 in 5 Americans were living in multi-generational households as of 2021, with the number expected to grow.
For custom home buyers, designing a home with separate living spaces for different generations can offer long-term financial savings. Having a dedicated suite for an elderly parent, for example, can prevent the need for assisted living or nursing homes, which can be prohibitively expensive. Similarly, Chris Rapczynski says that having an adult child living at home might reduce the family’s financial burdens, as shared expenses can ease the load for everyone involved.
Multi-generational homes allow for a balance between privacy and togetherness. For instance, custom homes can feature distinct living spaces for each generation, such as a private in-law suite with its own bathroom and kitchen area, or even a fully self-contained apartment. These suites allow family members to live independently while still being close enough for frequent interaction and support.
For adult children or grandparents, having their own space ensures they can maintain a sense of independence, which is particularly important for mental and emotional well-being. Chris Rapczynski notes that younger generations might want their own living space with a separate kitchen and living area to avoid feeling too constrained. At the same time, communal areas such as shared kitchens and living rooms provide opportunities for families to gather and bond.
As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, more families are facing the reality of caring for aging parents. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, nearly 1 in 5 Americans provide unpaid care to an adult with a health problem or disability. As people live longer, many adult children find themselves balancing their work, personal lives, and caregiving responsibilities. Multi-generational homes can alleviate some of this pressure by providing space for aging parents to live with their adult children in a comfortable, accessible environment.
Custom features designed with accessibility in mind are becoming essential for these families. Universal design elements, such as wider doorways, step-free entrances, and accessible bathrooms, allow for easier mobility and greater safety for elderly family members.
With both parents working in many households, the need for childcare has increased, particularly among younger families. Multi-generational living allows for a more flexible approach to childcare, as grandparents can help with raising children. This can be especially beneficial for working parents, who may otherwise need to arrange expensive daycare or rely on external help.
Moreover, having multiple generations under one roof provides an added layer of emotional and social support for children. Studies have shown that children who grow up with active involvement from extended family members, such as grandparents, experience greater emotional stability and stronger social skills.
Chris Rapczynski reports that designs for these spaces often include specialized features that cater to the diverse needs of different family members. These homes are built with flexibility, accessibility, and privacy in mind. Some of the most common design features include:
One of the defining characteristics of multi-generational homes is the inclusion of in-law suites or separate living areas. These are typically self-contained units with their own living room, bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom. These spaces offer a high level of independence and privacy, while still being part of the larger family home.
Universal design focuses on creating homes that are accessible and functional for people of all ages and abilities. Features such as wider hallways, no-step entryways, accessible showers, and handrails are important for elderly family members or anyone with mobility challenges.
Custom homes built for multi-generational families often have flexible floor plans that can be adapted to suit changing needs. Rooms can be reconfigured to accommodate different family members as circumstances change. For instance, a home office may transform into a nursery or a guest room may become a living space for an elderly relative.
Outdoor spaces like patios, gardens, and lawns are important for fostering family interaction. These spaces can be used for gatherings, relaxation, and shared meals. Additionally, some families may incorporate shared amenities like a family movie theater, a game room, or even a dedicated area for children’s play.
As more families recognize the benefits of multi-generational living, the demand for custom homes designed for this purpose is likely to increase. Chris Rapczynski explains that builders are responding by offering more options for flexible, spacious homes that cater to the needs of multiple generations.
The rise in this trend can also be seen as part of a broader movement toward more flexible, interconnected lifestyles. Families are increasingly seeking ways to live together while maintaining independence, and custom homes are evolving to meet these demands.
In conclusion, the growing demand for multi-generational homes reflects a societal shift toward family-oriented living arrangements. Whether it’s the financial savings, the increased sense of family cohesion, or the ability to care for aging relatives, multi-generational homes offer numerous advantages for families. As custom home builders continue to innovate and adapt to these needs, the future of multi-generational living looks bright.
