Intergenerational houses: construction guide
- coraliefortin076
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
In Quebec, more and more families are looking to live together while maintaining their independence. The bi-generational home, also known as an intergenerational home, is emerging as an ideal solution to this modern reality.
At Plan Maison Québec, we understand that each family has unique needs and that designing a house plan adapted to intergenerational cohabitation must be meticulously considered. That's why we support our clients at every stage of their construction or renovation project, ensuring they have a harmonious, functional, and sustainable living space. so here is the construction of intergenerational houses in Quebec.
What is a bi-generational home?
A bi-generational home is a dwelling designed to accommodate two or more generations living under the same roof, while still offering them a degree of independence. It can take the form of a main residence with a fully self-contained secondary residence or partially shared units, depending on the family's preferences and needs. The goal is to foster family closeness, facilitate mutual support on a daily basis, while preserving the privacy and comfort of each individual.
The advantages of a two-generational home
1 ) Daily family support
One of the greatest benefits of a bi-generational home is the daily support it provides. Grandparents can help with childcare, while adults can support their elders with chores or medical needs. This closeness creates strong family bonds and a natural sense of mutual support that enriches the daily lives of all household members.
2 ) A significant reduction in costs
Sharing a roof also means sharing expenses. Costs related to the mortgage, property taxes, electricity, heating, and maintenance are spread between generations, resulting in substantial savings for all parties. This is a particularly attractive economic solution in a context where real estate and service prices are constantly increasing in Quebec.
3 ) A solution for aging at home
For families with elderly parents, the bi-generational home is an increasingly popular option. It allows seniors to remain close to their loved ones while maintaining their independence. This proximity provides reassurance and often avoids the need for expensive care facilities, while improving the quality of life of the elderly.
4 ) Intergenerational wealth
This type of cohabitation offers children the opportunity to grow up alongside their grandparents, which encourages the transmission of values, traditions, and know-how. This creates a rich family environment, where respect and solidarity take on their full meaning.
The challenges to be met
1 ) Careful planning required
Designing a bi-generational home can't be improvised. Consideration must be given to spatial organization, flow between common and private areas, soundproofing, and accessibility. Advance planning, supported by professionals like those at Plan Maison Québec, is essential to ensure a balanced and functional layout.
2 ) A higher initial investment
While a bi-generational home can save money in the long run, it can represent a higher initial cost than building a single-family home. Additional features (kitchen, bathroom, separate entrances, etc.) must be planned for, which can affect the overall budget. That's why it's crucial to establish a clear plan with a realistic financial estimate before starting work.
3 ) Managing family conflicts
Proximity can sometimes lead to friction if clear living rules are not established from the outset. It is recommended that you discuss as a family how the cohabitation will be organized to avoid misunderstandings and promote a harmonious atmosphere.
The budget to plan for a two-generation house
Building or converting a house into a bi-generational home requires a suitable budget. Costs can vary considerably depending on the type of configuration chosen (integrated or completely separate), the materials used, the complexity of the interior design, and current construction standards. As a guide, construction costs can exceed those of a traditional single-family home by 15 to 30%, due to the duplication of certain rooms and the special layouts required.
However, these costs must be weighed against the long-term savings on housing costs, as well as available government incentives. At Plan Maison Québec, we offer comprehensive budget planning support to maximize every dollar invested in your project.
The essential architectural details
The architecture of a bi-generational home must combine aesthetics, functionality, and modularity. One of the most important elements to consider is the layout of the living spaces: each unit must benefit from easy access, optimal natural lighting, and a layout that respects privacy while promoting shared moments. Good soundproofing between units is also essential to maintain everyone's comfort.
At Plan Maison Québec, we design personalized plans that take into account both current and future family needs. For example, a child's bedroom can become an office or a guest bedroom, depending on the growth of the family unit. Integrating separate entrances, double garages, or even home automation systems can also add considerable value to your property while facilitating cohabitation.
Current trends in Quebec
The popularity of multi-generational homes has fostered the emergence of new design and construction trends. We are seeing the emergence of modern homes with vertical (main floor and basement) or horizontal (duplex-like) separation, often equipped with green technologies:
solar panels,
heat recovery ventilation systems,
and high-performance insulation.
These features not only reduce the home's ecological footprint but also increase its resale value.
Furthermore, some government programs offer tax credits or grants for home renovations for multi-generational purposes, making this an even more accessible option for many families.
Conclusion: construction of intergenerational houses in Quebec
The bi-generational home is emerging as a smart, humane, and sustainable solution to address the economic and social challenges facing today's families. It brings generations together, pools resources, and offers a flexible living environment tailored to each individual. However, to fully benefit from this type of housing, professional and well-thought-out design is crucial.
Plan Maison Québec is your trusted partner for custom bi-generational home plans. Whether you're building a new home or adapting your current residence, our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process—from the first sketch to the final technical details.
Do you have a project in mind?
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