Complete guide to the bigeneration house
- coraliefortin076
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
In Quebec, the multigenerational home is gaining popularity for many reasons. With changing family needs, the rising cost of living, and the desire to strengthen intergenerational bonds, this cohabitation option is attracting more and more families. At Plan Maison Québec, we are attentive to these new realities. Specializing in the design of custom plans for the construction or renovation of houses, cottages, and garages, we guide you in making your multigenerational project a reality.
Multigeneration house: what exactly are we talking about?
A multi-generational home is designed to allow two families—usually parents and their adult children, or grandparents and grandchildren—to live under the same roof while maintaining a degree of independence. Unlike a standard single-family home, it includes two separate living units, often with separate entrances, separate kitchens, and bathrooms for each generation.
At Plan Maison Québec, we are seeing more and more clients interested in this lifestyle model, which combines family proximity with respect for privacy.
Why consider a multi-generation house?
The reasons for choosing this type of housing are varied, but several trends explain its growth in Quebec:
1 ) Cost reduction
One of the main reasons is financial. Sharing housing costs—mortgage, electricity, heating, municipal taxes—allows two families to live in a shared space while reducing their financial burden. Many Plan Maison Québec clients consult us to optimize their family resources through this model.
2 ) Family support and mutual aid
A multigenerational home encourages natural mutual support between generations. Grandparents can get involved with the children, while young adults can support their elders with certain tasks or during more difficult times.
3 ) Aging in place
With the aging population, many families are looking for housing solutions that allow seniors to remain independent while having support nearby. A well-designed multi-generational home can meet these needs, with adapted and accessible spaces.
4 ) Long-term profitability
A multi-generational home often represents a good investment. Its configuration can easily be modified in the future to accommodate tenants or to completely separate the units, increasing flexibility of use and resale value.
Different types of configurations
There are several ways to design a multi-generation home. At Plan Maison Québec, we can help you choose the option that best suits your needs:
Adjacent unit: The secondary unit is added to the back or side of the main house, with its own entrance.
Stacked unit: Each generation occupies a separate floor, usually connected by a lockable stairwell.
Basement addition: Often more economical, the basement is converted into a complete living space for one of the families.
Each configuration requires careful planning. The goal is to ensure privacy while promoting harmonious coexistence.
Disadvantages to consider
Despite its many advantages, the multigenerational home also presents certain challenges that should not be overlooked. Cohabitation by two families, even if architecturally well-designed, can create friction due to differences in lifestyles, noise management, or the sharing of common areas. Furthermore, reselling a multigenerational home can sometimes prove more difficult on the real estate market because it targets a smaller segment of the population.
Finally, the complexity of the project often results in higher construction or renovation costs due to additional technical requirements (soundproofing, separate entrances, duplicate equipment). This is why professional support like that offered by Plan Maison Québec is essential to anticipate these challenges and design a home truly tailored to your needs.
The budget: a key element to plan well
Building or renovating a multi-generational home often involves a larger investment than a traditional single-family home. Additional costs must be considered for the design of two separate living units: duplicate kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems, and sometimes even separate entrances.
Soundproofing, enhanced insulation, and accessibility adjustments can also increase the cost. However, at Plan Maison Québec, we know how to maximize every dollar invested. Thanks to our personalized plans and rigorous support, you benefit from a well-thought-out project, tailored to your budget, while respecting quality and comfort standards. A good plan from the outset helps avoid unnecessary cost overruns.
Regulatory aspects to consider in Quebec
Before starting your project, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with municipal regulations. Some cities impose strict standards regarding multi-generational homes:
minimum unit size
number of permitted kitchens
parking regulations
etc.
Plan Maison Québec supports you through all the administrative steps to ensure your project complies with current regulations. We regularly collaborate with municipalities and inspectors to ensure complete compliance from the planning phase onward.
The key elements of a good bigenerational plan
The success of a multi-generation home project depends on the quality of its design. Here are some key points that we systematically integrate into our plans at Plan Maison Québec:
1 ) Privacy and autonomy
The balance between common and private spaces is fundamental. We ensure separate entrances, distinct living areas, and good soundproofing between units.
2 ) Accessibility
We anticipate mobility needs, especially for seniors. This includes wide hallways, curb-free showers, smooth circulation plans, and sometimes even the inclusion of a residential elevator.
3 ) Energy saving
Our plans incorporate the principles of energy efficiency, with optimized insulation, sustainable materials and efficient mechanical systems, which helps reduce long-term costs.
4 ) Modularity
Some families want to convert their home into a rental property in the future. Our plans are designed to allow for this easily, adding to the value of the project.
Insurance and taxation: not to be neglected
Another often overlooked aspect is the impact of this type of housing on home insurance and taxes. Some insurance companies require specific policies for homes with multiple dwelling units. Furthermore, if part of the house is rented out, this can have tax implications, both in terms of deductions and resale.
Plan Maison Québec recommends consulting a tax expert and an insurance broker from the early stages of your project to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Plan Maison Québec expertise at your service
For several years, Plan Maison Québec has been a key player in the field of residential construction and renovation plan design. Thanks to our expertise, we are able to offer you customized plans that meet the unique challenges posed by intergenerational cohabitation.
We offer a turnkey service, from needs analysis to delivery of the final plan, including administrative support, technical adjustments, and optimization advice. Our clients choose us for our attentiveness, our creativity, and our ability to deliver plans that truly meet the expectations of the Quebec market.
Conclusion: Take action with Plan Maison Québec
The multigenerational home is much more than a trend: it's a concrete response to the current challenges facing Quebec families. Whether it's to care for your parents, save on housing costs, or strengthen family ties, this type of project deserves special attention.
At Plan Maison Québec, we are ready to support you in this adventure. Our team of specialists is ready to listen to you and design a plan that reflects your values, your goals, and your reality.
Don’t wait any longer to bring your multi-generation home project to life.
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