Thinking long-term ensures a safe and stable future for you and your family, especially when it comes to your shelter. Most multi-generational houses have two master suites and plenty of sleeping spaces, but they are also built to withstand the challenges that come with time passage. Take a look at the following 6 best multi-generational house plans, they have been picked by our expert team for you.
6 Best Multi-Generational House Plans
The best multi-generational house plan is 54228HU because the design offers so much on a single level. However, here are other worthy contenders.
1. 270058AF
SPECS
Total Heated Area | 3,538 sq ft |
First Floor | 2,008 sq ft |
Second Floor | 1,530 sq ft |
Garage | 2 bays |
Floors | 2 |
Bedrooms | 4, 5, 6 or 7 |
Baths | 3, 4 or 5 |
This Newport-style house plan has a lot to offer, but it also comes with an optional finished lower level at your disposal. The main level is focused on functionality and it doesn’t host any sleeping space. Here you will find a large 11’x8’1″ laundry, a playroom for the kids and a study room to set up your own library. The 16’x12′ dining area is separated from the kitchen and great area, which are joined together in an open floor concept.
Upstairs, three bedrooms and a master suite are ready to accommodate your family. A massive 23’x21’8″ optional finished bonus room can be included in the layout to maximize the space on the second level. And if you decide to include the finished basem*nt as well, you’re getting a total of seven bedrooms and five and a half baths.
Pros:
- 10′ ceiling on the first floor
- 2,000 square feet in the optional lower level
- We love the 15’x18′ rooftop patio
Cons:
- For a house of this size, we expected a 3-car garage
- Some people will not like to have the dining room separated
2. 54228HU
SPECS
Total Heated Area | 3,832 sq ft |
Floors | 1 |
Bedrooms | 3 |
Baths | 3.5 |
Garage | 3 bays |
Ceiling Height | 10’ |
With so much total heated area, this option is ideal for big and small families. Each member will find plenty of space inside this ultra-modern farmhouse which is built in a unique format. The spacious living room measures 22’2″x22’4″ and it is joined with the kitchen and dining area. Since this property features the farmhouse style, a much-needed pantry is included.
The master suite is situated at the back of the house, so there’s a bit of walking for you to do before you reach the 14’x17′ office. While the garage can hold three cars, notice how its shape isolates a space from the other two bays. Overall, we think this property is best suited for families because it has a lot to offer on one single level.
Pros:
- Laundry is conveniently placed near the garage
- The kitchen has a pantry attached to it
- Back-to-back fireplaces in the living room and external porch
Cons:
- The master suite is at the back of the house, too far from the rest of it
- Some people will not like the garage layout
3. 800001GDP
SPECS
Total Heated Area | 2,495 sq ft |
Optional Lower Level | 2,495 sq ft |
Bedrooms | 3, 4 or 5 |
Baths | 2 or 3 |
Half Baths | 1 or 2 |
This farmhouse ranch with a vaulted interior could be your new home at an affordable price. You get 2,495 square feet of living space on one level and a maximum of 5 bedrooms if you choose the optional basem*nt to be included in the plan. The master suite measures 18’x14′ and its vaulted ceiling will give you a sense of spaciousness.
Whether you want to store your tools, set up a workshop or park two vehicles, the large 25’8″x28′ garage is a useful addition to this home. The other two bedrooms are equal in size so your kids won’t fight over who gets the bigger room. An in-law suite is available downstairs, which is the ideal place for a guest’s sleepover.
Pros:
- Covered terrace at the back of the house
- Wine storage in the optional basem*nt
- The office can be turned into a bedroom
Cons:
- Electrical layout is sold separately
- The workshop is isolated from the garage
4. 35140GH
SPECS
Total Heated Area | 2,384 sq ft |
First Floor | 848 sq ft |
Second Floor | 1,536 sq ft |
Bedrooms | 3 |
Baths | 3 |
Half Baths | 1 |
You don’t have to spend a fortune to build a multi-generational home. This 2,384-square-foot shop house plan with two connected apartments is the most affordable option on our list. The floor plan is conveniently designed with the lower level featuring a guest room, an open floor area and a 21’x25′ garage that can also be used as a shop.
Upstairs, another apartment awaits you with a 17’6″x13’4″ master suite with an oversized walk-in closet attached. Keep in mind that here is the only place where you’ll find a laundry room, which can be a disadvantage for two families living separately. For this low price, you also get a 12′ covered patio with a 12′ covered deck on the second floor.
Pros:
- Most affordable house plan on our list
- Two separate apartments that are connected
- The second bedroom has a personal walk-in closet
Cons:
- Only one laundry for both apartments
- No pantry for the downstairs kitchen
5. 623153DJ
SPECS
Total Heated Area | 2,214 sq ft |
Optional Lower Level | 1,806 sq ft |
Bedrooms | 1, 2, 3 or 4 |
Baths | 1, 2 or 3 |
Half Baths | 1 |
Ceiling Height | 10’ on the main floor, 9’ on the lower level |
Here’s an option for those who prefer a modern style for their home. This layout offers 2,214 square feet of living space and it has an expansion option. For an additional price of $250, you can add a furnished basem*nt measuring 1,806 sq ft. On the main level, the master bedroom, en-suite bathroom and an oversized walk-in closet are connected with the rest of the house by an 18’x6′ hall.
If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen you will be pleased to find that it comes fully equipped with everything you need – including a 5’x7′ island. The spacious pantry has shelves on each side and they are built to hold heavy weights. Outside, a wrap-around porch extends to a covered deck with sloped ceiling in the backyard.
Pros:
- There is a lot of exterior space with covered decks and side porches
- Fireplaces in the great room and master suite
- The garage is large enough to hold three vehicles
Cons:
- The bedrooms in the basem*nt are smaller than average
- Although connected by a hallway, the house is split into two different sides
6. 85363MS
SPECS
Total Heated Area | 5,367 sq ft |
First Floor | 3,431 sq ft |
Second Floor | 1,944 sq ft |
Bedrooms | 4 or 5 |
Baths | 4 |
Half Baths | 1 |
Garage | 3 bays |
Here’s an option for those who are willing to spend more on their future multi-generational home. With a total heated area of 5,376 sq ft, we’re sure you will find plenty of space for each member of your family. Three bedrooms are almost similar in size and a master suite is conveniently placed on the main level. The kitchen has an oversized pantry which measures 14’6″x7’6″.
Upstairs, most of the space is open to below. With the 31’x16′ loft featuring a vaulted ceiling, your creativity can turn this space into something special. Your guests can sleep in the 31’x28’3″ in-law suite that comes with a small kitchen, a closet and a decent-sized bath.
Pros:
- Most rooms can be found on the main level
- A spacious three-car garage that can also be turned into a shop
- The living room has a two-story vaulted ceiling
Cons:
- External porches are too small
- Most expensive option on our list
Factors To Consider
The decision to build a multi-generational home will mark the following decades or even centuries. It is an important task and you’ll want to get everything right for your family, children and grandchildren. Consider the following factors before you make a final decision.
External Spaces
If you love to spend a lot of time outside, look for a house layout that features a porch or a patio. You can turn this space into a playground for the kids or set up a grill for those parties in the summer. If the deck is covered, turn it into your personal space of relaxation which is sheltered from the rain and sun.
Number Of Stories
Multi-generational houses that are built on a single level take up a lot of horizontal space. You will need a large lot that has enough space, and that’s why it is important to be aware of the exact measurements. If you prefer a house on two levels, keep in mind the stairs which you’ll have to climb up and down every day.
Finished Basem*nt
Some of the layouts on our list offer you the opportunity to include a basem*nt for an additional price. It is a great choice for those who want to extend the total heated space. By bringing beds to the rooms downstairs you can further increase the total sleeping capacity in your home.
Why You Should Trust Us
There are countless house plans on the market and it’s easy to get overwhelmed with such an abundance of choices. Our expert team of architects sorted dozens of layouts and designs for multi-generational homes before coming up with the most promising ones. This way, you’re saving valuable time by only looking at the top options that are suitable for any budget.
How Much Do These Designs Cost?
The average price for a multi-generational house plan is $1,295. You will also find affordable options at the expense of the total heated area which will be reduced. Luxurious layouts are also available for those with a higher budget and those plans cost up to $3,000