Family Living
Multigenerational Living with ADUs in Los Angeles: A Growing Trend and Ideal Solution
Multigenerational living, where two or more adult generations—or even grandparents and grandchildren—share a household, has steadily gained popularity across the U.S. over the past five decades. According to a Pew Research Center analysis, the number of Americans living in multigenerational homes quadrupled from 1971 to 2021. As of March 2021, nearly 60 million Americans (18% of the population) lived in multigenerational households, compared to just 7% in 1971. This shift is largely due to rising housing costs, evolving family dynamics, and an increased focus on sharing resources and caregiving responsibilities within families.
As the trend of multigenerational homes continues to rise, especially in diverse cities like Los Angeles, families are searching for ways to accommodate multiple generations comfortably. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become a perfect solution, offering independent living spaces while keeping loved ones nearby.
Why ADUs Are Perfect for Multigenerational Living
ADUs offer numerous benefits that make them ideal for multigenerational living in Los Angeles. They provide flexibility and privacy for different family members, from grandparents to adult children or even caregivers, while maintaining a sense of connection.
Privacy for Each Generation
One of the main advantages of a multigenerational ADU is that it offers privacy for each generation. ADUs function as self-contained living units, complete with kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms, allowing older generations or young adults to live independently while staying close to family.
Flexibility
ADUs offer flexibility in living arrangements. As family needs change—whether due to a growing or shrinking household—a multigenerational ADU can adapt to accommodate shifting family dynamics over time.
Financial Benefits
Building a multigenerational ADU can also have financial advantages. Families can use the ADU to generate rental income when it’s not being used by family members, helping offset housing costs. Housing elderly parents or adult children on-site also reduces the need for costly senior care facilities or student housing. Learn more about ADU ROI and how it can benefit your household.
Supporting Family Members
ADUs enable intergenerational living while ensuring independence for each family member. Whether helping grandparents with childcare or supporting aging parents, multigenerational ADUs allow family members to live close by while maintaining their own space. This setup can also provide comfort and security for families with special needs members, ensuring they're never far from assistance.
Facilitating Intergenerational Connections
A multigenerational ADU encourages daily interaction and support between family members, fostering stronger relationships and a sense of community. This setup allows generations to share responsibilities and enjoy closer connections.
Multigenerational Living Across Demographics
Multigenerational households are becoming more common across all demographics in the U.S. In 2021, around 24% of Asian Americans, 26% of Black Americans, and 26% of Hispanic Americans lived in multigenerational homes, compared to 13% of White Americans. This living arrangement, prevalent in many cultural groups, is now growing among all populations.
Property Management and Maintenance
Living in close proximity makes it easier for family members to share responsibilities, such as property maintenance, utilities, and other household tasks. This arrangement allows older family members to age in place while having assistance readily available.
Optimizing Property Use
ADUs maximize your property by turning unused backyard space into functional living areas. This optimization allows for a multigenerational setup without the need for purchasing new property or making significant alterations to the main house.
Future-Proofing Your Property
A multigenerational ADU offers long-term flexibility. Whether housing aging parents, generating rental income, or accommodating future needs, having an ADU ensures your property can evolve with your family.
Designing an ADU for Multigenerational Needs in Los Angeles
When designing a multigenerational ADU, careful planning is essential to accommodate the varying needs of each generation. Here are some key factors to consider:
Maximizing Buildable Space
Understanding your property’s buildable envelope is critical. This includes local ADU size limits, setbacks, and utility placement. A feasibility study will help determine the best use of your available space and ensure compliance with Los Angeles regulations.
Designing for Privacy and Flexibility
The goal of multigenerational ADUs is to maintain privacy and independence. Features like separate entrances, private living spaces, and individual walkways allow each generation to enjoy their own space without interfering with the main household. Open floor plans provide flexibility, enabling the space to adapt to evolving family needs.
Managing Costs with Smart Design Choices
To manage costs, consider using pre-designed ADU floor plans with minor modifications instead of starting from scratch. Incorporating value engineering—such as using standard-sized windows and doors—can also help reduce construction expenses. Smaller ADUs may qualify for waived fees, saving thousands on permits. Learn more about choosing the right ADU size for your project.
Incorporating Future Needs
Plan for future accessibility by including wider doorways, step-free showers, and other mobility-friendly features. Additionally, adding extra bedrooms or designing flexible spaces that can serve multiple purposes over time ensures the ADU remains functional for years to come.
Key Considerations When Building an ADU for Family
If you’re building an ADU for a family member in Los Angeles, there are several financial, legal, and logistical factors to address:
Financing Options
Explore ADU financing options, including HELOCs, construction loans, and other funding methods. Make sure to understand how the loan ties to the primary home and repayment terms if a family member moves in or out.
Property Title Arrangements
If family members are contributing financially, consider structuring the property title to reflect their investment, potentially through a tenants-in-common arrangement. This ensures clarity in ownership and decision-making.
Ongoing Maintenance and Utilities
Establish clear expectations for shared costs, such as utility bills, property upkeep, and taxes. This will help avoid conflicts down the road.
By carefully planning these factors, you can ensure your multigenerational ADU project runs smoothly and meets your family’s needs.
Incorporating Future Needs
Plan for future accessibility by including wider doorways, step-free showers, and other mobility-friendly features. Additionally, adding extra bedrooms or designing flexible spaces that can serve multiple purposes over time ensures the ADU remains functional for years to come.
Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Multigenerational ADU
When building a multigenerational ADU in Los Angeles, selecting the right contractor is critical to ensuring the project meets both immediate and long-term needs. Key qualities to look for in a contractor include:
Familiarity with Local Regulations
The right contractor will be well-versed in Los Angeles ADU zoning, permitting, and building codes. This knowledge can help prevent costly delays or compliance issues.
Experience with Multigenerational ADUs
Look for contractors experienced in designing and building ADUs specifically for multigenerational living. They’ll understand the need for balancing privacy, functionality, and accessibility to accommodate multiple generations.
Customizable and Flexible Designs
Your contractor should offer customizable ADU plans that can be adapted to your family’s needs. Whether it’s adding accessibility features for aging parents or designing separate entrances, flexibility is key.
Strong Communication
A good contractor will keep you informed and involved throughout the project. Clear communication ensures your vision for the ADU is realized and meets all family members' needs.
Alto Builders Multigenerational Projects in Los Angeles
At Alto ADU, we specialize in designing and building multigenerational ADUs in Los Angeles. Contact us to explore how we can help create the perfect living solution for your family. Whether you’re looking to bring aging relatives closer, accommodate young adults, or simply optimize your property, a multigenerational ADU can offer the perfect balance of privacy and connection.