If you’re part of the sandwich generation—those in their 30s and 40s caring for their minor children and their aging parents—home renovations come with unique challenges. On one hand, you have to consider the needs of your elderly parents who require safety and accessibility features like walk-in showers. On the other, you have to meet the needs of young children who still require bathtubs and play areas. You need gathering areas large enough for everyone to enjoy time together. But, you also have to ensure everyone has adequate personal space for when your home starts feeling a bit too crowded.
It’s tough to create a space where everyone—you, your spouse, your children and your parents—feels comfortable, safe, and independent.
But it’s not impossible.
The right home renovations can make the difference between a stressful household and a harmonious one. Here are some home renovation tips for the sandwich generation, to help you create a multigenerational home where everyone thrives.
Consider Safety Issues First
Even if they’re healthy and mobile now, your parents’ physical needs will naturally change as they age. So, it’s smart to plan for future mobility needs before they become urgent.
One way to do this is by keeping your parents' living quarters on the main floor, so they won’t have to navigate stairs. Climbing stairs can become difficult or even dangerous as they age.
You’ll also need to think about how close your parents and children should be to you at nightime. Older kids and teens should be fine with bedrooms upstairs or in the basement. But if you have toddlers, and your parents aren’t steady on their feet, you’ll need to figure out how to keep bedrooms near yours. This way you can be sure everyone is safe during the night.
Other Safety and Accessibility Considerations
Too-Narrow Doorways
Ensure that doorways are wide enough for walkers or wheelchairs.
Flooring Hazards
Check the flooring in your home for any uneven surfaces, such as warped boards, broken tiles, or gaps between different flooring types. These will need to be replaced. Also, look for height differences in the thresholds between rooms. They will need to be leveled out, so they don’t become foot grabs.
Bathroom Hazards
Bathrooms are common areas for slips and falls. Installing grab bars in showers and near toilets is a simple way to prevent accidents. Other bathroom upgrades take extra thought and cost more. But, it’s important to get your bathroom setup right, so everyone in your home can feel comfortable and safe.
Figure Out Your Bathroom Situation
Your children may still need or prefer a bath, but your parents might find it difficult or unsafe to step into a tub. Obviously, you shouldn’t get rid of all the bathtubs in your home if your children still need them.
This raises questions. Do you have enough bathrooms to remodel one to accommodate your parents? Or, do you need to add one?
If you have more than one restroom, designating bathrooms can be an effective solution. For instance, you might designate the master bathroom for your elderly parents, and equip it with a walk-in shower, grab bars and non-slip flooring. Then you can reserve the hall bathroom for your children. This helps minimize the risk of accidents for your parents while making sure your kids' needs are also met.
If you only have one bathroom, it’s worth the extra expense to add another one.
Adding a bathroom is generally more expensive than remodeling one, especially if you need to build an extra room onto your house. And if you’re like most in the sandwich generation, funds are tight. But there are ways to get creative with your space without building on to it. You can turn a garage into a bathroom. Or you can move your laundry room to the garage and then convert the old laundry area into an extra bath.
Sometimes you’ll need to think outside the box to make one house work for three generations.
Get Creative With the Space You Have
By using creative planning, you can turn rarely-used rooms into functional living areas. These transformations can maximize living space and help you cater to the differing needs of your family. Here are a few conversions to consider:
Attic Conversions
Though attics aren’t great spaces for elderly parents, this underutilized room can be converted to a cozy space for you or your kids, which frees up downstairs rooms for other uses.
Play Room:
An attic can serve as an imaginative playroom for younger children. It can become a magical retreat filled with colorful rugs, playful wall murals, and snug seating areas. Create zones for different activities—like a reading nook with bookshelves, a craft corner with art supplies, and an area for toys or games.
Teen’s Bedroom:
An attic can also be transformed into a comfy bedroom for a teen. Install dormer windows to add natural light and headroom. Use space-saving furniture like a murphy bed or a foldable desk to maximize floor space. With a few tweaks an attic can become a fun, personal retreat.
Home Office:
Alternatively, an attic can be an ideal space for a quiet home office. Add windows or skylights to let natural light through. And create a dedicated workspace with built-in shelves for books and supplies to make a comfortable environment to focus.
Garage Transformations
Converting your garage is another way to provide the extra room you need without the expense or hassle of a home addition. Here are a few conversions that can make the most of this underutilized area.
Full In-Law Suite:
A garage conversion can create an independent living space for aging parents. By adding insulation, drywall, and basic plumbing, you can create a comfortable studio apartment. If possible, you can include a small kitchenette and a bathroom to ensure they have everything they need and provide them with independence while keeping them close by.
Extra Bathroom or Laundry Room:
If your garage allows for plumbing, you can turn it into an additional bathroom or move your laundry room to the garage to free up extra space in the main part of the house.
Multifunctional Space:
If a bathroom or full apartment isn't feasible in your garage, consider creating a space that serves as both a guest room and an activity area. This can provide paid caregivers a place to stay if needed and free up space for hobbies or games when not in use by guests.
Need a Multigenerational Remodel in Middle Tennessee?
If you live in Middle, TN, Innovative Restorations can help you remodel any space in your home for multigenerational living. We'll work hard to understand your family's needs and devise a renovation plan that benefits everyone. All our contractors are state licensed, and we warranty our work. If you aren’t satisfied, we’ll come back at our own expense until you are. Call—or fill out the form at the top of this page—to schedule your free consultation!
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