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Multi-generational Plan suggestions please!

Steph Castonguay

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

We are starting the process of building a custom multi-generational home in a Semi-Detached style to accomodate my in-laws. I am looking for any tips or suggestions to improve on this plan!! Nothing is set in stone, and I am happy to keep tweaking it until it is perfect. Currently their half will be 24wx32d (768sf), 1bed + den, 1 bath, south facing, with a 5ft crawl space basement for lots of storage. The idea being the kitchen/dining/living will be one entire half, approx 12x32 for the open concept to have the natural light flowing through that whole area. We have forested acreage so neighbours are not an issue. Also all the measurements are approximate since I didn't include wall thickness into this sketch. Thanks!! *** NOTES*** The front door HAS to be on the left side for local by-laws, and the Eastern wall is where my house will connect so no windows are possible there. And because this is pre-fab, the load bearing wall HAS to be at 16ft and cannot move. ***

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Comments (6)

Sonia
3 years ago
Bumping up your question.
rinked
3 years ago
Elderly people do not need a bath, but they do need more space to move around (helping eachother out washing, getting dressed). They could be perfectly healthy right now, but might not always be. Do they wish a second bedroom? For it could be sacrificed to gain better flow.
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rinked
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
And crawlspace storage space is great for those who still dare going up and down. My gran got arthritis by 65, could walk for +15km but refused to go down her (massive) cellar.

Quick example scetch:
Jonathan
3 years ago
I also think you should consider their changing needs. I know my Grandparents used to prefer separate bedrooms because of snoring, you may want to consider if they want a full kitchen, you might consider wider doors and a bigger shower room if either of them need a wheelchair later.

Also I don’t know what your weather is like but perhaps it would be good to have a vestibule.
Wumi
3 years ago
I like your plan. My suggestions would be:

- Increase size of bathroom so it can include a bath and a walk in shower.

- Increase the size of the master bedroom

- Rotate the entire left side around 180 so the master is south facing.

- Put linen, washing machine and dryer in bedroom 2.
Jonathan
3 years ago
I agree with Rinked that stairs become a bigger issue in later life. If the basement is going to get infrequent use perhaps move the stairs to outside or knock through from your basement so that the smaller grandparents house doesn’t have stairs eating up valuable square footage.

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