A Home for All Ages – How to Create Multi-Generational Spaces
Safety in numbers is no longer only about being physically safe in a new situation. The rising costs of housing combined with the natural desire to stay close to family has made this adage come true in housing too.
As more Canadians consider living in the same house on a long-term basis, multi-generational homes are becoming pretty commonplace. Whether you’re caring for elderly parents, sharing living costs with adult children, or simply prefer a close-knit family environment, expanding your home to accommodate the needs of multiple generations is a given.
Given the outcome of a peacefully co-existing family, this can be rewarding though the process can be tiresome. To make things easier, we walk you through the key considerations and approximate costs of doing so. Take a quick look at tax initiatives like the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC) which can make it financially better, too.
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Do You Need to Convert Your Home for Multi-Generational Living?
This may seem like a dumb question, but it is a necessary one. You could take a look at your home and go – Ok, we can just clear out the basement for my son. But is it toddler-proof and safe for your grandchildren?
Or you are thinking of shifting your parents to your home so that you are readily available for any help they may need. Rugs and carpets may be a disaster if they have mobility issues.
We are thinking of the worse rather than better case scenarios, but these are practical issues. It is naïve to believe that just clearing a space is all that is needed for a multi-generational family to live.
Making your home suitable for different generations will mean some changes – renovations or home improvements to ensure that the space is safe for all your family members, regardless of age or mobility.
So, how do you go about deciding what needs to be done and what can be safely parked for another time? Well, like always, there is a sort of blueprint that will help you do this and being the nice guys we are, we are sharing it with you.
Let’s begin!
Step 1 – Assess All Your Needs
And we do mean needs, not wants.
Before you get bogged into renovation plans and costs, assess two things – one, who will be living in the home long term and two, what their specific needs are. Are you accommodating aging parents, adult children, teens or young children?
Understanding who lives there will help you do the next part – determine how much extra space you need and how you can get it.
There are several ways of doing this – An existing basement or attic can be converted into an in-law suite or apartment. You can also consider an add-on, such as a new wing or a floor.
Step 2 – Research Local Legal and Zoning Laws
While you are exploring how to expand your living space, you should also check local zoning laws and building regulations.
To legally house multiple generations on your property, you will need permits for building additions, creating separate entrances, or adding secondary units like basement apartments or in-law suites. Ensure that you comply with all the legalities and avoid any potential issues.
Step 3 – Set Your Budget Limits
Renovation costs can be high, depending on the extent of the changes you’re making.
Simple modifications such as installing handrails, widening doorways and adding soundproofing should not cost you more than a few thousand, especially if you can do some of the work yourself.
More ambitious renovations such as making over a basement or attic into a liveable space will be about CAD 15,000-20,000. Major additions, including adding a new wing or separate unit can set you back by upwards of CAD 50,000.
These are rough estimates, and the total cost will depend on several factors like location, size of your home, and the complexity of the renovation. The point is that you need to be mentally and financially prepared to shell out this amount for the changes you want to make.
If you don’t have the money saved up, you can consult a mortgage broker or your bank and explore loans. Make sure that your current outflow as well as payments on this additional loan do not ruin you financially.
Some Ideas for Your Multi-Generational Home
Though everyone has unique needs, some things are common.
Privacy is Underrated!
When planning a new space, remember that everyone is entitled to privacy – as much as possible.
Ideally, you’ll create separate living areas but separate entrances, if they can be managed, are an excellent idea, too. Distinctly separate spaces such as an attic, basement or even an add-on, will help maintain autonomy between the different generations.
However, this may not always be possible. You can consider smaller modifications like adding room dividers, soundproofing walls, or designating separate bathrooms for different generations.
Keep an Eye on Access and Safety
The needs of family members who are elderly or have mobility issues will need to be catered to when you plan renovations.
Some ideas you can consider are:
- Installing ramps or stairlifts for easier movement between floors.
- Widening doorways and hallways to allow space for wheelchairs or walkers.
- Adding grab bars in bathrooms and using slip-resistant flooring.
- Removing unnecessary steps and ensuring common areas are brightly lit.
These improvements will go a long way in ensuring that your home remains safe and comfortable for everyone, especially as more family members grow older.
Open-Concept Common Areas
Privacy needs to be balanced with communal space.
An open floor design for shared areas like the kitchen, living room, and dining area, especially on the same level will help make family gatherings and shared meals easier. If space permits, they can also provide enough room for wheelchairs or walkers to move around with minimal blockage.
Maximize Available Space
More the people live under one roof, the more the need for storage space.
Trust us, there is no such thing as too much storage space. Plan on converting underused spaces like the attic, garage, or den into functional areas such as playrooms, home offices, or guest bedrooms. You can also bring in multi-functional spaces, such as a basement that serves as a media room and an extra bedroom.
At a pinch, consider hiring outside storage for seasonal items or family keepsakes that cannot be accommodated in your home.
Technology Can Be a Cool Friend!
There is always one person in a family whose body seems to be in a different zone than the others. Make use of technology and consider individual heating and cooling controls for each living area to ensure they can set the temperature to their preference.
If multiple family members will be working or attending classes from home or spend a major chunk of the day home-bound, invest in high-speed internet connectivity. Apart from the convenience of being connected to the internet, you can install home automation systems, like smart lighting and thermostats, which can be very convenient for daily living.
The Nitty-gritty of Home Renovations
Ensuring your property’s renovation turns out well is not something you can just hope and pray for. This requires careful thought, attention to detail, and clear communication. Some things to keep in mind:
Define the activities for each space: Understanding what you plan to use the room for, will determine the other components.
If your hobby room requires daylight, check if the existing windows provide enough sunlight. In other spaces, general lighting solutions should be enough. Similarly, hallways that provide access to kitchens or bathrooms should not have a cluttered layout.
Before adding new square footage that will cost money, consider how to better use the existing layout. Removing or relocating walls, adding larger windows, or adjusting room configurations can sometimes be a good, cheaper solution.
Keep Long-Term Benefits in mind: Choose water-conserving fixtures and energy-efficient appliances such as energy-efficient lighting, high-efficiency heating systems, and electronic thermostats.
You should also consider doing the renovation in phases, allowing you to plan a timeline and budget that fits your finances without sacrificing quality.
Be Smart, Hire a Professional
Some tasks, like plumbing, electrical work, gas installations, or asbestos removal, should always be handled by licensed professionals. It is not only the mandate as per law but poses serious safety hazards if not done correctly.
Roofing and exterior work at heights also require specialized safety equipment, so hiring a pro is advisable. Of course, this doesn’t apply if you are experienced and licensed for this work.
Choose the Right Renovator
Select a renovator whom you trust and can comfortably communicate with. Always check references, visit past projects, and ensure the company is financially stable.
Ensure that you have a comprehensive contract (in written form) with all costs and timelines listed clearly. Some renovators offer design services, which can be a huge advantage if you do not want to deal with multiple agencies.
A good renovator is worth their weight in gold, as they can often offer practical solutions that save both time and money. However, you should stay in constant contact with them and be aware of the progress and any potential issues in the work.
Hope for the Best But Prepare for the Unexpected
Like many things in life, renovations rarely go entirely as planned.
You may come across problems like old wiring or structural issues, delays in materials, or bad weather. Be flexible and work with your renovator to find workable solutions when needed.
You also need to set aside a reserve fund for any higher-quality finishes or extra features during a renovation. Small touches of luxury or unexpected delays can cost you money.
Take Advantage of Tax Credits
If you’re renovating your Canadian home for multi-generational living, you may qualify for the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC).
The MHRTC is a refundable tax credit that helps cover the cost of qualifying renovations that establish a secondary unit within your home. The credit is 15% of eligible expenses up to CAD 50,000, which means you could receive up to CAD 7,500 in tax rebates.
Who Qualifies?
You qualify if you are 65 years or older before the renovation period ends, or 18 years or older and eligible for the disability tax credit.
A qualifying relation is a family member such as a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, or sibling who will live with the qualifying individual.
What Types of Renovations Qualify?
To be eligible for the MHRTC credit, renovations must:
- Create a self-contained secondary unit (with its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area).
- Be permanent and integral to the home (e.g., adding a basement apartment or constructing an in-law suite).
- Meet local building regulations for secondary units.
What Expenses Don’t Qualify?
Certain costs are not eligible for the MHRTC, including routine repairs and maintenance, purchase of household appliances or entertainment systems, housekeeping, gardening, or security monitoring services.
Financing costs or any work completed by a contractor who is not at arm’s length (such as a family member) will not qualify unless they are registered for GST/HST purposes.
How to Claim the MHRTC
You can claim the MHRTC on your T1 income tax return for the year in which the renovation is completed. Make sure to keep all receipts and documentation to support your claim and remember that only one qualifying renovation is permitted during the lifetime of a qualifying individual.
Start Planning
You now have a pretty good idea of what converting your home into a multi-generational living space can involve.
It is a practical and fulfilling way to bring your family closer while also addressing housing affordability and caregiving needs. Small accessibility upgrades or major renovations can make your home more functional and comfortable, though they will need to be carefully planned and budgeted for. Take advantage of tax credits like the MHRTC and check for any other government initiatives that you may be eligible for.
There is no doubt that you can do a good job on your own. However, no matter where your house is located – From Oshawa and Burlington to Welland and Sarnia, Save Max is ready to help if you need it.
And once you are successfully pre-approved, let Save Max help you find the perfect property. A detached home in Windsor, a Brampton condo or a semi-detached house in Mississauga – we have thousands of properties across Canada and ensure you get the right home.
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