Designing for Every Generation: Accessible Home Features That Work for Everyone
Need help remodeling or building a multigenerational home?
More American families are living together under one roof than at any point in recent memory. In 2026, multigenerational households account for 17% of all home purchases, up from 11% in 2021. Around 60 million Americans, roughly one in five, now share a home with two or more adult generations. For many, it comes down to simple math: pooling resources makes more financial sense than going it alone in today's housing market.
But combining generations under one roof raises a real design question: how do you build a home that works for aging parents or grandparents without it feeling institutional? The good news is that most accessible design features are just good design. They make life easier for everyone, and they add long-term value to the home when it eventually goes on the market.
Here are some of the most practical features to consider when planning a multigenerational home.
How Do You Make Entries and Exits Work for Everyone?
Step-free access is one of the most valuable things you can build into a home. Ideally, that means no steps between the garage, the front entry, and the outdoor living areas. If that's not possible everywhere, a gradual slope to the deck or patio is a reasonable alternative. Someone who struggles with stairs shouldn't feel like the layout of the home is working against them.
And this isn't just a concern for older residents. People over 40 face a significantly higher risk of orthopedic issues, and the average age for knee replacement surgery is 50. Easy entries benefit just about everyone at some point.
Small hardware choices matter too. Lever-style door handles are easier on arthritic hands, but honestly, anyone carrying groceries or coming in with full hands will appreciate them.
What Makes a Bedroom Accessible Long-Term?
A first-floor bedroom with its own bathroom is one of the most useful features you can include in a multigenerational home. It gives aging family members independence and privacy without requiring them to navigate stairs daily. When laying out the space, leave enough room around the bed for easy movement, whether that's for a caregiver or simply for someone who needs more space to get in and out comfortably.
In the bathroom, a curbless shower, where the floor transitions seamlessly from the bathroom without a raised threshold, eliminates a tripping hazard and gives the space a clean, modern look. If grab bars aren't needed yet, a builder can install blocking behind the drywall during construction, making it easy to add them later without tearing into walls.
This room can also pull double duty. Many homeowners design it as a guest suite or home office, with the bathroom accessible from both the bedroom and a common hallway, so visitors can use it too.
Does a Wider Hallway Really Make a Difference?
Building code requires residential hallways to be at least three feet wide, but four feet is worth the extra space if the layout allows it. Wider hallways accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, and they also just feel better to walk through.
If you're working with a tighter floor plan, wider interior doors are a good compromise. A three-foot interior door is only a few inches wider than standard, but it makes a noticeable difference in accessibility and also simplifies moving furniture in and out.
How Does Lighting Factor Into Accessible Design?
As eyes age, they need more light and benefit from clear contrast between surfaces. Better lighting is also just better design. Low pathway lighting along stair treads and floor surfaces is worth considering. It reduces fall risk and lets people move around the house at night without flipping on overhead lights.
What Other Features Are Worth Thinking About?
Accessible design goes beyond the big structural decisions. An induction cooktop, for example, stays cool to the touch even when it's on, which reduces the chance of burns for people of any age. Hard-surface flooring is easier to navigate in a wheelchair than carpet, and it also tends to be better for air quality by reducing dust and allergens.
The broader point is this: accessibility doesn't have to be the whole conversation, but it should be part of it. Even if only a few of these features make it into the final plan, thinking through them early on leads to better decisions and a home that holds up well over time.
Ready to plan a home that works for your whole family? Call HomeSource Builders at 828-252-1022.