Arlington Multigenerational Home: Designing a Home That Works for Everyone — Without Compromising Anyone

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

36+ years of Arlington renovation experience, 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.