# Arlington Multigenerational Home: Designing a Home That Works for Everyone — Without Compromising Anyone > Expert multigenerational home design and renovation in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Create a home that works for every generation under one roof. - **Source:** https://berrizdesign.com/services/adu/multigenerational-home/ - **Company:** Berriz Design Build, LLC — Design-build home remodeling and landscape design contractor, founded 1994 - **Contact:** (703) 552-7565 · bob@berrizdesign.com - **Based in:** Arlington, VA - **Service:** Multigenerational Home - **Service area:** Arlington, VA, McLean, VA, Vienna, VA, Great Falls, VA, Oakton, VA, Alexandria, VA, Clifton, VA, Fairfax Station, VA ## Questions and answers **What makes a home truly multigenerational?** A truly multigenerational home provides each generation with genuine privacy and independence while maintaining shared spaces that work for everyone. Key design elements include separate entrances, acoustic separation between living areas, universal design features for aging family members, and shared spaces (kitchen, outdoor areas) that accommodate different schedules and preferences. **What are the best multigenerational home configurations in Arlington?** Common configurations include: main home with attached in-law suite, main home with detached ADU (backyard cottage), split-level designs with separate floor entrances, and whole-home renovations that redesign the floor plan for multigenerational use. The right configuration depends on your family's specific dynamics and your property's constraints. **How much does a multigenerational home renovation cost in Arlington?** Costs range from $100,000 for a focused in-law suite addition to $600,000+ for a comprehensive whole-home multigenerational renovation. Key cost drivers are the extent of structural changes, the number of independent living spaces, and finish level. Use our Pricing Guide for current ranges. **What universal design features should a multigenerational home include?** For aging family members, key features include zero-threshold entries, wider doorways (36"), walk-in showers with grab bars, first-floor bedroom and bathroom, and lever-style door hardware. Berriz Design Build is experienced in universal design and can integrate these features seamlessly. **How do you ensure privacy in a multigenerational home?** Privacy requires acoustic separation (sound-rated assemblies between units), independent entrances where possible, separate HVAC zones, and thoughtful layout design that minimizes shared walls between sleeping areas. Berriz Design Build addresses all of these in the design phase. **Why choose Berriz Design Build for a multigenerational home in Arlington?** Arlington renovation experience since 1994, in-house design expertise in multigenerational configurations, and a genuine understanding of the family dynamics that determine whether a multigenerational home becomes a source of connection or conflict. ## Page content The Berriz Perspective The demand for multigenerational living in Arlington has never been higher — and the design failures are just as common. Most contractors approach a multigenerational renovation like a standard addition. That's the wrong frame entirely. A multigenerational home requires thinking about acoustic separation, independent entrances, shared utility infrastructure, universal design accessibility, and the social dynamics of families who love each other but need their own space. Berriz Design Build has designed and built multigenerational homes throughout Arlington since 1994. We understand that the goal isn't just more square footage. It's a home that actually works for everyone in it. Common Questions ## What Arlington Homeowners Ask About Multigenerational Home ### Discovery & Eligibility What makes a home truly multigenerational? A truly multigenerational home provides each generation with genuine privacy and independence while maintaining shared spaces that work for everyone. Key design elements include separate entrances, acoustic separation between living areas, universal design features for aging family members, and shared spaces (kitchen, outdoor areas) that accommodate different schedules and preferences. What are the best multigenerational home configurations in Arlington? Common configurations include: main home with attached in-law suite, main home with detached ADU (backyard cottage), split-level designs with separate floor entrances, and whole-home renovations that redesign the floor plan for multigenerational use. The right configuration depends on your family's specific dynamics and your property's constraints. ### Cost & Permitting How much does a multigenerational home renovation cost in Arlington? Costs range from $100,000 for a focused in-law suite addition to $600,000+ for a comprehensive whole-home multigenerational renovation. Key cost drivers are the extent of structural changes, the number of independent living spaces, and finish level. Use our Pricing Guide for current ranges. What universal design features should a multigenerational home include? For aging family members, key features include zero-threshold entries, wider doorways (36"), walk-in showers with grab bars, first-floor bedroom and bathroom, and lever-style door hardware. Berriz Design Build is experienced in universal design and can integrate these features seamlessly. ### Process & Partnership How do you ensure privacy in a multigenerational home? Privacy requires acoustic separation (sound-rated assemblies between units), independent entrances where possible, separate HVAC zones, and thoughtful layout design that minimizes shared walls between sleeping areas. Berriz Design Build addresses all of these in the design phase. Why choose Berriz Design Build for a multigenerational home in Arlington? Arlington renovation experience since 1994, in-house design expertise in multigenerational configurations, and a genuine understanding of the family dynamics that determine whether a multigenerational home becomes a source of connection or conflict. Explore the Practice ## Related services ### Detached ADU Expert detached ADU design and construction in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Build a pr… Explore → ### Basement ADU Expert basement ADU design and construction in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Convert yo… Explore → ### Garage Conversion Expert garage conversion in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Transform your underused gara… Explore → ### In-Law Suite Expert in-law suite design and construction in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Create a c… Explore → ### Universal & Aging-in-Place Design Expert universal design remodeling in Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Create a home that … Explore → ### ADU Cost Transparent ADU cost information for Arlington, VA. Design-build experience since 1994. Understand what driv… Explore → All ADU & Accessory Living → ## Build it with a team that has done it since 1994 running. Design, permitting and construction handled by one accountable group — no hand-offs, no finger-pointing. Request a Consultation Call (703) 552-7565 Chat With Us Now Pricing Guide ↗ The Berriz Way ↗ See Our Work --- *Berriz Design Build, LLC, Arlington VA. Design/build remodeling since 1994. (703) 552-7565*