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Alt: A multigenerational family hugging and smiling in front of their home

It might come as a surprise, but multigenerational homes have been on the rise in America in recent years. Although seniors usually decide to downsize, some choose to live with family members and be close to their children and grandchildren. If you are looking into buying a multigenerational home in North Carolina, you've come to the right page. This article will explain what a multigenerational home is, what the benefits of living in one are, and what you should consider if you are looking to purchase one for yourself and your family.

What's a multigenerational home?

As per U.S. Census Bureau, the federal government's largest statistical agency, a multigenerational home is a household with at least two adult generations living in it. In another way, it's a home where grandchildren under the age of 25 live with their grandparents. These types of homes can be of different sizes - from single-family homes to multi-family buildings.

In an average multigenerational, family members have their own private and equal space together and share communal rooms such as living room, kitchen, or dining room. They usually have an open floor plan concept and large family rooms where everyone can spend quality time together. Some multigenerational homes even have separate entrances so that every family member can have their privacy.

Caption: If you thought that buying a multigenerational home in North Carolina would mean losing your privacy, you're wrong. You will still have space for yourself and different communal areas to spend quality time with your family.
Alt: A multigenerational family sitting next to a bonfire and playing charades

What most people worry about is how to handle moving to a multigenerational home. Moving with family can be pretty stressful, so you can imagine how relocation with seniors and kids can multiply that stress. Therefore, make sure to find experienced movers to help. If you search on Verified Movers, you'll quickly find the professional help you need.

Benefits of living in a multigenerational home

If you are still not sure if buying a multigenerational home in North Carolina is for you, here are the benefits that come with it that might help you make up your mind:   

• Sharing financial expenses - Paying for two homes is more expensive than paying for one, regardless of the size. By having your family under the same roof, you can share expenses.
• Sharing homeownership responsibilities - All responsibilities regarding home maintenance and cleaning can be shared between household members. Of course, make sure they're age-appropriate.
• Strengthening family relationships - By being together every day, you'll develop feelings of attachment and closeness. Your kids will grow up having their grandparents as role models. On the other hand, your elderly parents won't feel lonely and will have someone to take care of them in case of any health issues.
• Improving your family's safety - Safety is of utmost importance, especially when it comes to home safety for seniors. For example, if anything happens to an elderly family member, there is a big chance someone else is there to help instantly.

Caption: Families that live in multigenerational homes have much stronger relationships and family values.

Alt: Grandson holding his grandfather and father

What to pay attention to when buying a multigenerational home in North Carolina

If you are leaning towards buying a multigenerational home, below you can find the most important things to consider.
Choose a good location

Before you start looking for a property that will suit your multigenerational family's needs, make sure to thoroughly consider the location. For example, living in a secluded and remote, rural area might not be a good choice. It would be best if you kept in mind your elderly family members and their needs.

Therefore, make sure to look for a location close to a healthcare facility. Another thing to consider is the closeness to different amenities such as supermarkets and pharmacies. As your senior parents might not be able to drive soon, you need to have these conveniences within walking distance.

On the other hand, you should research the schools nearby. It's imperative to choose a neighborhood with good schools as you want to ensure quality education for your kids. Therefore, picking a perfect location needs to be your priority.

When you choose a neighborhood you want to move to, it will be that much easier to start planning your interstate relocation. You can find help getting here from Florida very easily as there are plenty of reliable and experienced interstate movers to choose from.

Make sure everyone is on the same page

After you've decided on the location, make sure to sit down and have an honest conversation with all future members of your household. You need to be sure you are all on the same page as you'll probably have different requests and requirements. For example, your kids will probably insist on privacy, while your elderly parents will focus more on accessibility.

Things seniors look for in a home are different from yours and your kids, so it's crucial to find a middle ground. You should agree on a “must-have” list and not go home searching without it. Otherwise, you might end up in stressful and frustrating situations.

Accessibility is crucial for seniors

As you plan to live with seniors, remember that they might have specific requirements depending on their health and overall fitness. For example, a good idea is to dedicate a room for them on the ground floor so they can avoid climbing the stairs.

Also, if needed, be prepared to invest in certain accessibility features. You might need to consider getting widened doorways for walkers and wheelchairs, grab bars in the bathroom, lower sinks, counters, or entrance ramps. You could get lucky and find a home that already has everything you need but since that rarely happens, look for a home where these features can easily be added.

Look into floor plans and potential for expansion

It's essential to thoroughly check floor plans. That way, you'll see if you can fit in your family's requests and envision yourselves living there. Also, if you plan on expanding the number of people living in the multigenerational household, make sure that you have room for expansion.

Caption: Search for a home with floor plans that are suitable for your family's needs.
Alt: A large house being built photographed from above

The ideal floor plan depends on how you want to share your home, which you earlier discussed with your family. People usually search for two areas where the entire family can spend time together. However, as you won't want anything winding or cramped, make sure there is a lot of open space. This is especially important if anyone in your home has mobility issues.

In conclusion

Buying a multigenerational home in North Carolina could be a perfect choice for you and your family. Your kids will grow up in a close and tight family that nurtures good values. On the other hand, your elderly parents will never feel lonely, and you'll never have to worry if they have all the help they need in case their health declines.

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If you are considering buying a multigenerational home in North Carolina, we've prepared valuable tips and advice to help you decide.

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