Over the past decade, more and more families across North America have found themselves reevaluating how they live—not just for convenience, but for care. Rising costs of assisted living, shifting family dynamics, and a renewed focus on togetherness have all played a role in the growing trend of multi-generational living. At W.L. Martin Home Designs, many of our house plans have naturally evolved to reflect this changing landscape, offering thoughtful features that make it easier to care for aging parents or grandparents right at home.
Rather than turning to costly care facilities or senior living arrangements, families are increasingly choosing to bring elder care into the heart of their homes. According to data from Pew Research Center, the number of Americans living in multi-generational households has more than quadrupled in the last five decades, with nearly 60 million people living in a home with three or more generations under one roof as of 2021. This shift is fueled not just by financial necessity, but by cultural values, emotional connection, and practicality. Home design has had to respond, and that’s where our plans at W.L. Martin shine.
Many of our plans include what we call “flexible living spaces” — rooms and layouts that adapt to a family’s changing needs. Bonus rooms above garages, finished basements with full bathrooms, and dual primary suites are just a few of the design features that can make a huge difference when you’re welcoming an older parent or relative into your home. These spaces are more than just extra square footage. They provide privacy, accessibility, and comfort while keeping family members close. Whether it’s a 1,800 square foot craftsman-style plan or a modern farmhouse closer to 2,400 square feet, these options help make caregiving not only manageable but often more meaningful.
This is not a new concept to us. In fact, we explored this topic in a past article titled The Rise of Multigenerational Living and Designing Homes for Extended Families. In that post, we discussed how there is a shift toward multi-generational living in response to economic pressures, but a longer-term cultural and generational evolution. The demand for floor plans that offer privacy, accessibility, and adaptable living areas continues to grow, and we’ve seen it become one of the most common design priorities among both developers and individual homeowners. Our plans often incorporate thoughtful layout options that accommodate these needs without requiring oversized footprints or custom builds from scratch. That same trend is still going strong today, and the interest in building homes that bring multiple generations under one roof has only expanded since that article was first published.
We also see growing demand for plans that incorporate wider doorways, walk-in showers, and minimal-step entries, even at modest square footages. While these features were once reserved for “aging in place” designs, they’ve become increasingly common in homes meant for everyday families. One major reason is that these features future-proof the home. They allow families to adapt over time, instead of facing the need for a costly renovation or a stressful move down the line.
The costs associated with assisted living facilities can be staggering. According to Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey, the national median monthly cost for a private room in a nursing home was over $9,500. Assisted living facilities averaged around $4,800 per month. For many families, putting that kind of money into a monthly fee with no equity return makes less sense than investing in a home that can serve multiple generations.
But it’s not just about saving money. It’s about maintaining relationships. Families are increasingly prioritizing environments that encourage connection between generations. Studies from the National Institute on Aging show that older adults who live in intergenerational homes tend to experience improved mental health, better social interaction, and a stronger sense of purpose. For children, growing up with grandparents in the home can lead to emotional development benefits and a deeper understanding of family values.
At W.L. Martin Home Designs, we believe the best house plans aren’t just about square footage. They’re about building homes that reflect the realities—and the values—of the people who live in them. Whether you’re looking for a modest cottage with smart layout options or a modern two-story plan with intentional separation of spaces, chances are we have a design that can accommodate your family’s needs today and tomorrow.
If you’re considering bringing a parent or grandparent into your home, or just want the flexibility to do so in the future, let’s explore the possibilities together. Many of our existing plans are just a conversation away from becoming the perfect multi-generational solution. You don’t have to compromise on style or efficiency to build a home that includes everyone. Sometimes, all it takes is the right floor plan.