These eco-friendly bathroom upgrades cut energy costs and help attract today’s sustainability-minded buyers.

It may come as no surprise that American households use most of their water in the bathroom. Approximately 24% of a household’s water use can be traced to the toilet alone, and another 20% goes down the shower drain. But water isn’t the only resource used in the bathroom. There’s electricity from lighting and temperature control, too.

Today’s homeowners are increasingly interested in sustainability—reducing their use of resources and making their living spaces more friendly to people and the planet. If you or a client want to go green, a resource-guzzling bathroom is the perfect place to start making changes.

Why Focus on Sustainability in the Bathroom?

“With all the advancements in energy saving technology, the bathroom is the easiest place in the home to accomplish a sustainable environment and, in many cases, the most economical,” says Sheryl McLean, president and creative director of McLean and Tircuit, a design firm in Laurel, Md.

Selling homeowners on the benefits of sustainable bathroom design doesn’t have to be complicated. Green bathrooms offer a lot of value:

• They reduce water and energy costs.
• They attract more of today’s sustainability-minded buyers.
• They are healthier for homeowners.

Whether you’re tackling your own home renovation or advising clients on theirs, sustainable bathrooms ultimately offer a lot of bang for one’s buck.

5 Sustainable Bathroom Features

Smart Showerheads and Faucets

Switching to low-flow showerheads and faucets is perhaps the easiest, quickest, and most cost-effective bathroom upgrade. The energy savings are immediate.

“Not only does this conserve water, but it is also conserving gas and electricity. Running hot water uses gas and electricity, and by lowering the flow rates you are using, [you] will conserve energy with gas and electricity,” says Brooke Moore, an interior designer with Freemodel, headquartered in Burlingame, Calif.

If you’re unsure how to spot a genuinely sustainable fixture, McLean has a tip: Look for faucets and showerheads with a WaterSense label. These products meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency criteria for water efficiency.

Radiant Heated Floors

Want to slash energy costs in the bathroom? Install radiant heated flooring, says Moore.

Ripping up the bathroom floors to install radiant heating is a major project, but it’s also a great choice for clients already tackling a bathroom renovation. Radiant heat is always more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating, according to the Department of Energy. The cherry on top? Radiant heating is excellent for buyers with allergies. It’s easy to clean and does not stir up allergens like forced-air heating.

Lighting Upgrades

Most people get ready for their day in the bathroom. A mix of whole-room and task lighting is key. There are three easy ways to boost the eco-friendliness of bathroom lighting:

• Go LED. “Replace your lighting with LED bulbs or fixtures,” says McLean. “They use less electricity and last much longer.”
• Install vacancy sensors. “Vacancy sensors turn lights on by sensing movement in the bathroom and will turn off automatically when no more movement is sensed,” explains Moore. “You don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn off the bathroom light anymore!”
• Use natural light. Natural light sources should be considered whenever a home is being built from the ground up or completely renovated. Clerestory windows—rows above eye level—are a great option for large bathrooms because they invite plenty of sunlight without compromising privacy.

Low-VOC Paints and Finishes

Eco-friendly home design often focuses on reducing energy and water waste. But air quality matters, too. McLean recommends choosing low–volatile organic compound paints and finishes to reduce environmental and indoor air pollution.

“One of my favorites is the Benjamin Moore [line of] low-VOC paints,” she says. Glidden Premium is also recommended for bathrooms, as this no-VOC paint is suitable for high-humidity spaces.

Sustainable Bathroom Countertops

Not all countertops are created equally, so it’s important to pay attention to the material, manufacturing and transportation required to deliver them to a homeowner’s door. In general, it’s a good idea to opt for natural materials that are sourced as locally as possible.

Sustainable countertop materials may include:

• Natural stone
• Concrete
• Certified porcelain tiles
• Recycled glass

But remember, the goal is to use a truly sustainable material, not a material that merely looks sustainable. “This is the trickiest because many stones appear to be natural but may be a composite made with lots of adhesives,” warns McLean.

Greener Flooring

These days, homeowners searching for sustainable bathroom flooring have many options. It’s important to consider:

• The sustainability of the material
• The sustainability practices of the company or brand
• The ability to clean the floors with eco-friendly products

So, beyond a natural material, homeowners should look for durable, water-resistant flooring. McLean suggests concrete, cork, or bamboo tiles for green bathroom flooring.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

An increase in costs and continued focus on maximizing space has homeowners making intentional decisions about how to use their outdoor spaces.

Three key takeaways:

• Cost is always a factor, so homeowners should prioritize their top outcomes for their yards when deciding on how to use the space
• Sustainability and local-specific options are popular for gardens and plants
• Outdoor amenities should be intentionally designed, fitting the needs and goals of the homeowner

The desire to spend more time outdoors remains a priority for homeowners. The trend of transforming outdoor spaces into distinct  “rooms” maximizes square footage with areas to cook, dine, relax, garden and be active.

While the old rule of budgeting suggested 10% of a home’s value for outdoor improvements, that number is on the rise. Steve Chepurny, landscape architect, at Southampton, N.J.-based Beechwood Landscape & Construction notes an increase of 20-25%. Denver-area landscape designer Abby Rupsa of Botanical Living puts the number in her market closer to a 15% average.

Part of the uptick is also due to labor and cost of materials, says landscape designer Michael Glassman, whose eponymous firm is based in Sacramento, Calif. “Costs have doubled and tripled in recent years,” he says. “To cut back, some homeowners do some work themselves or scale back projects. Those who stay put also put in more sustainable features that will last,” Glassman says.

Yards are often versatile spaces that can offer everything from leisure to fun. Sometimes though, it’s hard to know where to start. Seasoned homeowners offer the following tips to help:

• Plant according to a local climate, water and soil specifications.
• Develop a cohesive design plan up front.
• Forgo features that require lots of maintenance and will detract from leisure time, unless hiring help is part of the budget.

Below is a compendium of popular options.

Pools and Water Features

Pool trends continue to shift, but it is clear that homeowners continue to prioritize water features. Chepurny has had several clients who asked to remove their existing pools for modern designs with better materials such as gunite instead of vinyl. Updates to tile and surrounds are also in demand. The classic rectangle is again gaining traction. John Algozzini, senior design associate at Chicago area Hursthouse, says 90% of his firm’s clients want a rectangular pool. Smaller pools and spools—splash pools—are popular based on available space and lot coverage restrictions, he adds.

Many pools may incorporate water jets and walls, sun shelves in the shallow end, deeper diving zones, an adjacent spa, lights for night-time use thanks to LED technology and an area for a cabana to give a resort feel. Even in urban areas, water features are popular. Designer Amber Freda of New York-based Amber Freda Landscape Design says clients like the zinc fountains from Restoration Hardware, which recirculate and don’t require plumbing. “All you do is refill them with a garden hose,” she says.

Plants and Landscaping

With concern about the survival of bees, butterflies and birds, more professionals encourage the use of plant species that attract them such as native cone flowers, native black-eyed Susans and milkweed, says Algozzini.

Go native

A native landscape encourages local pollinators, which means plants are heartier and healthier and can conserve water. Because of her Denver area’s high desert plains elevation, Rupsa says her palette is narrow, so she tends to repeat choices such as Hardy geranium, Hyssop, Yucca, Manzanita and Spirea.

Conserve water

More homeowners are cognizant of water usage in their homes and their gardens. To conserve water, Rupsa focuses on xeriscape gardens with drought-tolerant plants. She also incorporates small pocket lawns with new lower water Bermudagrass called Tahoma 31 rather than Kentucky Bluegrass, which requires more water than other cool grasses.

Keep it wild

Rupsa also sees a trend toward a more natural even wild look, though sometimes it can be a challenge for HOAs to appreciate. She uses ornamental grasses such as Grama Grass, Switchgrass and stipa. She also incorporates pollinator-friendly perennials that have interesting structure and provide seed heads for hungry birds. She inserts boulders and smaller rocks in faux riverbeds to add winter interest and break up plantings. She will often recommend clients not clean up their fallen leaves during dormancy to provide cover for beneficial insects.

Make it edible

Edible landscapes remain popular, and Freda has had success with blueberries, strawberries, figs and grapes for her New York area clients, some of whom garden on rooftops.

The key to a flourishing edible garden is to pay attention to two factors: what grows well in which seasons and what works for a homeowner’s specific location.

Pops of color

Marc Nissim, landscape architect at Westfield, N.J.-based Harmony Design Group, advises aiming for color throughout the year. “Our goal is to design a garden with four seasons of interest. He has a list of favorites that add color and texture to each season:

Spring – flowering trees such as cherry blossoms and magnolias, shrubs like forsythia and lilac and bulbs like daffodils and tulips

Summer – perennials like Catnip, Purple coneflower and Black-eyed Susan, flowering shrubs like hydrangea and roses, and flowering trees like Crape myrtle for color

Fall – red maple, a perennial like Amsonia or a shrub like Itea Sweetspire

Winter – the Paperbark maple or the movement of ornamental grass, a shrub like Lindera angustifolia spicebush or Cornus alba red twig dogwood

Outdoor Kitchens and Dining

Cooking outdoors remains a widespread interest, but some professionals note an uptick in homeowners requesting less elaborate, smaller kitchens. Algozzini sees interest in a range of sizes, sophistication and prices. “Some want one with just a grill, counter and refrigerator and others want the grill, refrigerator, storage drawers, warming drawer, pizza oven, smoker and more,” he says.

Adds Nissim, “Creating an outdoor kitchen often can include a bar with granite countertop. This adds another seating area and a spot to hang out with the chef!” Chepurny says the decision process is “really a quality-of-life decision. Many still work from home post-Covid and are willing to pay to have such features.” 

Relaxation Zones

Near a kitchen, most homeowners still favor a comfortable place to eat and entertain, with a cover to offer shade and shelter from rain and bugs. Nissim likes to use these spaces to add lighting. Algozzini sees interest in traditional cedar, composite materials and aluminum, the latter more expensive. Some add shades to pull down, which can be automated, a fan to move air and lighting for night-time use.

Furniture groupings can serve as the equivalent of an indoor wall to mark zones. Other features that remain popular are fire pits, art for color, soft seating and outdoor TV and sound systems, Nissim says. For those who have the space and the funds, pickleball courts or a combination pickleball/basketball court, putting green and tennis court are becoming more common.

Additional favorites: permeable hardscape, bigger sheds, better irrigation

Gardens aren’t all softscape and amenities. Popular options that conserve water include bluestone, limestone and gravel. Gravel allows for a semi-permeable surface that lets water recharge and soak into the soil, Chepurny says. Freda recommends nontoxic materials such as petroleum-free artificial turf, due to concern about pets and children being around materials that may be hazardous to their health. In between pavers, Chepurny plants “steppables” or creeping perennials like sedum that tolerate a little trampling, he says.

When it comes to irrigation systes, the good news is that many incorporate smart controls to track temperature and time of day, he says. Drainage should be prioritized; otherwise, there can be water damage, erosion and flooding, says Aaron Brundage, director of operations at Orange County, Calif.-based System Pavers, an outdoor living and installation company.  

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Heat pump water heaters are an energy-efficient solution to gas and electric pumps that could save homeowners money.

More home buyers than ever are choosing energy-efficient heat pump water heaters over fossil-fueled water heaters. In 2022, American homeowners installed over 4 million HPWHs, and sales of HPWHs increased by 26%. Sales of gas water heaters decreased by 17% for the same period. When homes switch from a standard electric or gas model to a HPWH, they can save as much as one ton of carbon emissions each year.

Not only do HPWHs perform up to three times more efficiently than conventional systems, they also last longer and cost less to operate. With the current rebates, tax incentives and low-interest financing options available, now is the prime time for real estate professionals to get up to speed on water heater efficiency to better serve clients.

What should home buyers know before making the switch?

How Heat Pump Water Heaters Work

The HPWH is a highly efficient way to heat water as it transfers heat rather than creating it. The unit is around three times more energy efficient than standard electric or gas models.

HPWHs use electricity to extract heat from the surrounding air to warm water in a storage tank. A fan pulls in the surrounding air and blows it across evaporator coils filled with refrigerant. The warmed refrigerant is pumped through a compressor to increase pressure and temperature before traveling through condenser coils to transfer the built-up heat to the water. After cooling, the refrigerant returns to the evaporator coils and repeats the process.

Benefits of Heat Pump Water Heaters for Homeowners

HPWHs are a cleaner, safer, more efficient and affordable option to heat water. Because the process of transferring heat also draws moisture from the air, HPWHs offer additional dehumidification benefits if installed in a humid environment like a basement.

• Cleaner & safer: HPWHs eliminate the risk of occupant exposure to carbon monoxide and other indoor air pollutants produced by combustion and also produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
• Efficient: HPWHs are two to three times more efficient than gas or electric options. Effciency means less running time thanks to faster heating. As a result, HPWHs can cut your water heating costs by as much as 50%, depending on how much hot water you use and the type of heater being replaced.
• Affordable: Nationally, heating water is usually the second-largest household energy expense after space heating and cooling costs and can account for as much as 20% of a home’s energy consumption. The average household spends approximately $400–$600 each year on water heating. Switching from a standard electric to a HPWH can cut that in half.

Some states offer rebates or other incentives to encourage your clients to upgrade to a more efficient option. In New York, for example, homeowners can save more than $3,000 between federal tax credits and utility rebates with additional rebates coming later this year when Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates become available.

To learn more about tax credits, rebates and incentives in your market, visit your state or local government’s energy authority.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

HPWHs are relatively simple to install without major disruptions to your home life. Water heaters are typically located in the basement or garage of a home, and the space must meet certain criteria:

• Maintains a temperature between 40°F and 90°F
• At least 500 cubic feet of air space around the water heater or a ducted air source
• Includes access to pipe condensate to a drain system
• Access to a 240-volt, 30-amp electrical circuit

For a typical single-family home, the tank will range in size from 50 to 80 gallons, and systems often include a backup heater. While you can find HPWHs sold at most large retailers, be sure to encourage clients to choose a professional installer who can recommend the best location for installation and size based on energy use needs for their homes. Professional installers will also provide any necessary plumbing or electrical needs for proper installation.

Like conventional water heaters, HPWHs require routine maintenance. Performing this maintenance or getting your HPWH serviced regularly can extend the water heater’s life and minimize loss of efficiency. Routine maintenance can include visual inspection for damage, draining once a year to avoid the buildup of sediment or checking the pressure relief valve and anode rod for functionality throughout the year. Alongside this routine maintenance, homeowners should be aware of a few HPWH-specific maintenance checks:

• Wash the filter: Homeowners should routinely check the air filters. Typically located at the top of the unit, air filters should be checked every few months or when a unit alerts them to the need for cleaning. Filters can be washed using mild detergent or soap. Make sure the filter is dry before placing it back in the water heater.
• Clean the condensate lines: It is important to clean the condensate drain annually to prevent any backup. To clean condensate drain lines, pour a cup of bleach into the access opening to ensure that no algae, mold, or mildew will form in the pipe throughout the year.
• Check the operations manual: Before performing any routine or HPWH-specific maintenance, make sure to consult the manufacturer’s operations manual for specific guidance and step-by-step instructions for your particular HPWH model.

Whether your clients are buying or selling, pay attention to the water heating system and consider whether it might be time for a replacement. If the water heater is more than 10 years old, has visible corrosion, or is leaking, it might be time for an upgrade. If a HPWH isn’t an option for the space, there are other energy-efficient options to consider, including electric storage water heaters, electric tankless water heaters, or solar water heaters.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

From “Japandi” to “kid zones,” find out what’s generating the latest buzz in home design.

Home designs are becoming a mishmash of many styles. On one end, there’s calming, Zen-like retreats in softer color palettes, while on the other end, it’s all about dark and moody colors that are bold and memorable.

Home remodeling site Houzz identified the top emerging home design trends seeing an uptick in attention this summer based on surveys of homeowners, designers and contractors.

1. Organic modern styles. “Organic modern design elements form a balanced mix of sleek lines and crisp white or neutral-colored surfaces, contrasted with natural forms and materials,” Houzz notes in its trend report. For example, Houzz reports that online searches have more than tripled year-over-year for “organic modern bedrooms.” Also, over the past year, “organic modern” searches for dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms also are rising significantly.
2. Dark and moody colors. While some styles are getting more muted, others are getting bolder. Searches for “moody living rooms” and “moody kitchens” have doubled compared to a year ago, according to Houzz.  Also, searches for “dark ceiling” styles are up 60% compared to a year ago. The darker tones are in sharp contrast to the bright whites and light grays that have been dominating interiors in recent years. “We see designers on Houzz use dark and moody colors to help make spaces feel cozy and intimate, or bold and dramatic,” the study notes. For example, designers are layering in rich browns and deep reds for a “moody bedroom.”
3. Reading rooms. “Dark academia” is a scholarly subculture style devoted to reading, writing and learning. It was a popular look in fashion and has now entered the home. Houzz reports that searches for “dark academia” home styles tripled in the first quarter of this year compared to a year earlier. For example, online searches are soaring for the British style “snug” as homeowners look to wall off a cozy area for reading or solitary relaxation. Searches also are rising for terms like “library wall,” “reading corner” and “book nook.”
4. “Japandi” style. Japanese design is inspiring more home interiors, borrowing from its signatures of simplicity, natural elements and harmonious living spaces. “Japandi” is a term that relates to a hybrid design style of Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, Houzz notes. Online searches are growing for Japandi kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. Also, design aesthetics like “wabi-sabi” and “Zen garden” also are seeing an uptick in online searches, researchers note.
5. Wellness. Wellness continues to be a top focus in home interiors, with “cold plunge,” “indoor saunas,” “home spas” and “backyard saunas” all gaining more attention from remodelers. Homeowners also want their renovations to bring in more natural light, such as with large windows and skylights, Houzz’s report notes.
6. Leisure spaces. Hangout spaces are trendy: For example, online searches for “listening rooms” have more than doubled. Also, “living room pianos” are trending, another sign of a stronger desire for specialized areas to enjoy music within the home. Outdoor leisure activities also are gaining popularity, with searches for “bocce court” up 23% and indoor recreational spaces, such as a “bowling alley” and “game room,” up 18% and 16%, respectively.
7. Kid zones. Along with a growing desire for leisure spaces, areas in the home specially designed for children are growing in popularity. For example, “race car beds,” “Jack-and-Jill bathrooms,” “teen lounge” and “kids’ gaming bedroom” are all seeing an uptick in online searches, according to Houzz’s report.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Experts say a home’s eco-friendly features—and their selling points—can extend to outdoor spaces, too.

Real estate professionals nationwide have reported that home buyers are increasingly curious about houses’ eco-friendly features. When considering a home’s environmental friendliness, it’s natural to think first of Energy Star appliances and water-saving bathroom fixtures. But outdoor spaces can be sustainable, too.

Decks and patios already offer up to an 80% return on investment for homeowners, according to U.S. News & World Report. Learning to identify eco-friendly patios and balconies can help position you as an expert on the selling points of sustainable housing and, ultimately, help you close sales faster.

Understanding the Value of Green Patios

Eco-friendly patios help preserve resources and protect the environment. Not only does this appeal to today’s buyers—who are increasingly interested in sustainable living—but these features have practical value, too.

Homes with green patios offer several selling points:

• Sustainable patios boost buyers’ perception of the home.
• Sustainable patios with rainwater harvesting reduce water bills.
• Sustainable patios with passive cooling features minimize air conditioning use.
• Sustainable patios extend the livable area of the home without increasing energy costs.

5 Sustainable Patio Design Features to Know

These sustainable patio design ideas can help new builds stand out in crowded markets. They’re also helpful considerations for homeowners who want to renovate or add value to their existing patios. And finally, real estate pros who can identify the practical benefits of these features can help educate buyer clients on the actual value of eco-friendly listings.

Use sustainable materials

The most sustainable materials for any construction or renovation project are those that already exist. In other words, recycle and reuse.

“Existing deck boards may only need to be refreshed and can be brought back to life by sanding and staining or painting them,” says Corey Chetcuti, a designer and project director at Freemodel in Sacramento, Calif. “You can also ask friends, family or neighbors if they have leftover materials from a previous project and put those to use.”

If you can’t find local boards or bricks to reuse, opt for building materials known for their eco-friendliness: reclaimed wood or concrete for flooring and recycled glass for decorative mosaic tilework or inlays in heavy-duty concrete tables or benches.

Install a rainwater harvesting system

Adding a rain barrel is a great way to boost a patio’s eco-friendly factor, as long as it’s not completely sheltered.

Harvesting rainwater can save on water bills because the rainwater can be reused to water plants and for landscaping. But there’s also a potential money-making benefit for seller clients: Ten percent of homeowners saypdf landscaping that integrates energy conservation is “very important” to them. In competitive markets, this green patio feature could attract more buyers, especially if the rain barrel is beautifully integrated into the design of the patio.

Opt for sustainable lighting

Built-in deck lights, string lights, and lanterns, oh my! Beautiful lighting is often the difference between a lackluster patio and an inviting space that homeowners use for gatherings, summer dinners and more.

That said, good lighting is an investment. “Installing LED and solar lights will also help keep energy costs down,” says Chetcuti.

Solar lights work well in most places in the United States, but the U.S. Department of Energy emphasizes that outdoor solar light manufacturers’ estimates on the number of hours the lights will run vary according to outdoor conditions. The department estimates solar light operating times “may vary as much as 30% to 50%” in winter months.

Incorporate passive cooling elements

Many U.S. states have experienced record-breaking heat waves in the last few years. Incorporating passive cooling design into new or renovated patios can make a huge difference in the number of weeks per year that a homeowner can comfortably enjoy the space.

Passive cooling ideas for a patio include:

• Installing retractable awnings to control shade.
• Planting lush foliage around the patio or in pots on the patio helps absorb heat and offers pockets of shade.
• Adding a water feature can help cool the air directly around it.

“Limit the amount of hardscape—patios, paths, driveways—in the landscape,” Chetcuti recommends. “When the hardscape heats up, then it heats up the house, the neighborhood, and beyond. This is called the ‘heat island effect.’ Owners then turn on their air conditioning, which uses energy.”

Get selective about planters and greenery

Homeowners who want to beautify their patio spaces while also cashing in on the benefits of passive cooling should think carefully about which planters and plants they want to use. That may mean opting for plants that don’t use too much water. Another sustainable solution is using planters with water reservoirs, says Ashley Irene, the founder of Heirloom Potager, a boutique design firm creating bespoke gardens.

“The reservoirs allow the plants to drink at their own pace,” she explains. “Selecting high-quality planters with timeless styling in natural elements is also a verty eco-friendly way to transform a patio.” Irene says natural materials, such as stone or terra cotta instead of plastic, also wear well in bad weather conditions, developing a beautiful patina.

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

Multigenerational living is a sticky trend, though there’s not one solution to make it work. Families and builders are working to meet the needs with creative, flexible solutions.

Three key takeaways

• There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to making multigenerational living work, so homeowners and builders have to come up with myriad solutions.
• Right now, the United States is not ready to meet the demand of multigenerational living; individual communities, lawmakers, and builders will need to come together.
• Flexibility in the use of space and in the kind of space that’s needed helps make solutions viable for the long term.

Multigenerational living continues to gain popularity in the United States. Preservation of cultural traditions, burden of expenses and caregiving, and warding off loneliness all serve as reasons for the increase in this particular living arrangement. Aging in place maintains its appeal amongst the population, especially as people live longer.

In March 2021, there were 59.7 million U.S. residents who lived with multiple generations under one roof, compared with 58.4 million in 2019, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of census data. 

Different Options for Different Needs

Personal needs vary, which means multigenerational living looks different from one family to the next. A bedroom and private bath might work well for one household, while a freestanding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) might work best for another. But there’s a common denominator of what matters most: proximity to family members.

Despite the need for homes that can accommodate more than one generation, Jennifer Molinsky, director of the Housing an Aging Society program at Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, says only a small percentage of America’s housing is accessible for those who have ambulatory difficulties, a need not limited to age. Needs outside of mobility—features that compensate for such factors as poor eyesight, hearing loss and mental challenges, among others—are also in short supply. The bottom line: One housing typology will not serve all, Molinsky says.

Architect Bob Zuber, AIA, partner at Morgante Wilson Architects in Evanston, Ill., agrees, adding that more of his clients are asking for some type of multigenerational housing due to different needs.

An Addition With Private Access

Associate broker Shannon Diiorio, with Compass in Ardmore, Pa., had a client—a retired widow—who sold her home and used the proceeds to build an addition onto her daughter’s family home. “It’s the equivalent of an apartment with a door to the outside and a door to the home. [The space] includes a living-dining room, small kitchen, bedroom and bathroom,” say Diiorio, AHWD, EPRO. “They all have a good relationship, but it also works because she travels and loves returning home to her family and grandkids.” Diiorio has other clients who have made or are planning similar changes, she says.

A Basement Apartment

A Denver-area homeowner whose son and granddaughters wanted her and her husband closer to the family found that a walk-out basement did the trick. The space offers the right balance of proximity and privacy, says Marian Anderfuren. The grandparents retrofitted the house’s basement into an apartment that “doesn’t feel like a dungeon but is also far enough away so the generations don’t feel they’re on top of one another,” Anderfuren adds. Her husband and son transformed the space with universal design features like a microwave at countertop height, white cabinets, and insulation with sheetrock to block each generation’s noise. “The home that resulted is less of a factor in our happiness than with whom we’re living, and we love that we can help out with our granddaughters,” Anderfuren says.

A Case for ADUs

Author Sheri Koones’ recent book, ADUs: The Perfect Housing, includes examples of why accessory dwelling units work well for multigenerational living. A big factor: Being customizable, they can meet myriad needs based on available land, building codes, budget and other familial criteria. In one case, grandparents can help with babysitting and may someday benefit from help from their grown children. “It’s a way for many older people to avoid having to go into an expensive assisted living or other facility as they age or stay in their own home, which may be too expensive or impossible to care for,” she says. As a result, everyone enjoys their time together while still having privacy. The grandparents’ space has, for example, their grandchildren’s train set, so they have a chance to enjoy quality time together. A porch between the house and ADU is a great place for all to meet. 

In another case, a family wanted an addition that preserved a heritage tree in the backyard. They came up with what Koones calls a hybrid plan for an ADU that met local zoning laws. There’s also a self-sufficient accessory apartment on the lower level of the house and a bedroom suite on the upper level that serves as a guest room or office for the apartment or the house. The separate addition is linked to the house by a bridge built atop piers, so it doesn’t disturb the tree’s roots. In this case, the ADU was built for the owners’ father and his wife. 

In a third example, additional living quarters were built above the garage. After a fire that ruined the original garage, the couple decided to rebuild it with an ADU to bring their parents closer. Since the stairs could be difficult for the parents, the couple installed an elevator. The ADU was built with many amenities to make it easier to live there, from easy handles on kitchen cabinets to a barrier-free shower in the bathroom. 

In still other cases, when a family member can’t live independently, an extra bedroom and bathroom in the house may be the best option. This is what salesperson Lisa Rhodes, with Keller Williams Cedar Creek Lake Properties near Dallas, did for her mother-in-law. “We had her come live with us when she was 87, and we remodeled our first-floor bedroom suite for her and built another on the opposite side of the house,” she says.

Though ADUs are gaining popularity in municipalities across the country, the specifics vary greatly, and in many communities, residents balk at the idea of ADUs altoghter, says Jean-Marie Minton, SRES, a broker associate with Keller Williams Realty Evolution in Beverly, Mass. Some builders, however, are catching onto the trend.

Built-In Solutions

More builders are developing new plans or adjusting existing ones to offer solutions from the ground up, so homeowners don’t have to retrofit their quarters, Rhodes says. This can add to resale potential as the numbers of these households grow, she says.

For example, Cruz Companies, a family-owned construction, development and management business near Boston, is adding three- and four-bedroom homes in a new development in the Roxbury, Mass., neighborhood where it constructed affordable rental townhouses. “Some will be multigenerational homes, and down the road we will add condos to fill this need, too,” says Justin Cruz, the company’s COO.

In Glenview, Ill., Lexington Homes recently sold out a luxury single-family community where some of the units had been designed for multigenerational living. The homes include one or more bedrooms on the main level and more bedrooms upstairs, so the layout could work for several generations to live together, says principal Jeff Benach. At the company’s newest townhome community, Metro on Main in Morton Grove, Ill., the builder is offering a new home design with an optional private fourth bedroom and third bath on the lower level, and many buyers purchased the plan for this feature, says Benach.

Metro on Main complex

To be sure that any designs labeled as multigenerational really are and will work, real estate professionals and homeowners should verify that they include a good number of universal design features, says Nikki Buckelew, founder and CEO of Seniors Real Estate Institute in Oklahoma City. If space is converted to meet a family’s multigenerational needs, the family should have some idea of how they will use it going forward, since grown children move away and elderly parents pass on, says architect Diana Melichar, president of Melichar Architects in Lake Forest, Ill.

Before a solution is finalized, full approval must be in place to construct or remodel it, Koones says. Though more communities have approved ADUs, regulations vary, and there are still many areas that balk at the idea of accessory dwellings, says Minton.

To encourage more communities to get on board with solutions, Minton says, the profession should become involved in their local associations and governmental affairs committees. They should talk with builders, lawmakers and universal design experts to know what options might work best. “We need to find more solutions, especially affordable, accessible rentals for long-time homeowners,” she says. “The standards are higher than for an ordinary investment rental.” 

National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission