More Homes Accommodate Multi-Generations
Building and modifying homes to accommodate multiple generations is increasingly popular as more Americans struggle to accommodate both their older parents and their grown children under the same roof.

The National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders Show this year featured a single-level residence with a master suite at each end.

"The grandparents' suite included universal design elements along with a small kitchenette," says Stephen Melman, director of economic services at the NAHB. "The concept for this home was that the parents could get help with their kids from the grandparents, while the grandparents benefited by having household maintenance chores and meals taken care of for them.”

Melman said that it is difficult to predict whether this trend will diminish when the economy improves, but he pointed to the growing number of ethnic groups where multi-generational living is expected as a sign that the trend may stick.

Source: Washington Times, Michele Lerner (07/09/2010)