An old tradition of multigenerational living is
becoming quite popular in North America.
Whether it be for financial reasons or keeping
parents and grand-parents close, this trend is
here to stay.
As a result of overheated housing markets and stagnant wages in
major cities such as Vancouver and Toronto, the composition of the
average Canadian household is changing. According to a recent report
conducted by Pollara, 40 percent of first-time buyers will have to look
to their parents to assist in their home purchase, in addition to making
lifestyle cutbacks or seriously delaying their purchasing time-line due
to financial constraints. In response, an increasing number of families are
choosing to pool funds and share accommodations, returning to the
old tradition of multigenerational living.
Multigenerational living has extended to include parents,
grand-parents, children and extended family who choose
to stay together for a myriad of reasons – for instance, as an
alternative to sending aging parents and grand-parents
to retirement facilities.
The physical format of this co-inhabitance has also changed.
Rather than sequestering parties to basement suites, families
are instead opting to make serious modifications to their
homes, in the form of side, back or second floor additions.
For many families choosing to go this route, it will be a major,
and sometimes difficult adjustment.
Though the economic benefits of this lifestyle trend are plain,
making a multigenerational living situation work takes patience,
flexibility and planning. In a long-term situation, families might
want to consider financing additions to their homes. “Having
somewhat truncated spaces within the home will allow everyone to
design their space uniquely, ultimately easing the transition.” says Bole
Cirovic of Modular Home Additions. “We work with many families that
are in transition and are looking for ways to bring their family together
under one roof while still maintaining some sense of individuality and
privacy.”
Working with experts like those at Modular Home Additions will make
the process much easier. They can suggest the most cost effective, and
time saving options to add more space to your home. Modular Home
Additions works with clients from start to finish; from designing a space
customized to your needs right down to the last final touch. They use a
unique process that allows them to do a lot of the work in advance,
keeping the on-site renovation process as short and sweet as
possible. Using their system, they can add a full second storey to
your home and have everything ready for interior finishing by the
third day!
Having adequate space available for the whole family, designed
to accommodate each person’s needs, will help to ensure that
each family member feels at home. Adding an addition, especially
in the more popular neighborhoods, is often a more affordable
and more desirable alternative to moving into a larger home. You
can create a space that accommodates everyone while remaining
in the home you love, with only a short interruption to your home
thanks to Modular’s unique process! - Text Zakiya Kassam
RENO survival guide
Looking to renovate
your kitchen? Here
are a few tips to help
make the process
easier.
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CANADIANHOMETRENDS.COM
When emptying your
kitchen cabinets, take this
opportunity to dispose of,
sell or giveaway anything
that you haven’t used in the
last six months.
Renovations don’t happen
overnight. Ease the pain of a
kitchen renovation by setting
up a temporary kitchen. A table
with a working area, coffee
maker, slow cooker and toaster
oven is a must!
Set realistic expectations when
renovating! If your kitchen is out
of order, don’t expect to cook a
gourmet meal or host a dinner
party. Sit back, relax and get
familiar with takeout menus.