The little details that can make everyday life easier for years to come.
Searching for a multigenerational home? Discover 10 often-overlooked design features that can improve accessibility, privacy, flexibility, and everyday family living in Arizona.
When families begin searching for a multigenerational home, it’s easy to focus on the obvious things—square footage, number of bedrooms, neighborhood, and price.
Those are certainly important.
But after working with multigenerational families and researching homes specifically designed for multiple generations, I’ve noticed something interesting:
The homes that work best aren’t always the largest. They’re the ones that were thoughtfully designed for the way families actually live.
Some of the most valuable features are the ones buyers don’t notice until months—or even years—after they’ve moved in.
Whether you’re buying an existing home, building new, or remodeling your current home, here are ten often-overlooked features that can make a tremendous difference.
1. Wider Doorways and Hallways
No one likes to think about mobility challenges, but planning ahead can make a home far more comfortable for everyone.
Wider doorways and hallways make it easier to accommodate:
- Walkers
- Wheelchairs
- Strollers
- Moving furniture
- Everyday traffic when multiple generations share a home
Even if your family doesn’t need these features today, they can add flexibility for the future.
2. A Main-Level Bedroom and Full Bathroom
One of the most valuable features in a multigenerational home is a bedroom and full bathroom on the main floor.
This space can serve many purposes throughout the years:
- Aging parents
- Guests
- Adult children returning home
- Family members recovering from surgery
- Future accessibility needs
A home that can adapt to life’s changing seasons often serves families much longer.
3. Flexible Living Spaces
One of my favorite features isn’t labeled on a floor plan.
It’s flexibility.
Ask yourself:
- Could this office become a bedroom?
- Could this loft become a family room?
- Could this formal dining room become a caregiver’s suite?
- Could this bonus room evolve with our family’s needs?
The ability to reimagine a space is often more valuable than having additional square footage.
4. Separate Entrances
Privacy and togetherness don’t have to compete.
A separate entrance can provide:
- Independence for aging parents
- Privacy for adult children
- Comfortable accommodations for long-term guests
- Flexibility for caregivers
Families often tell me that having their own entrance helps everyone feel more comfortable while still remaining connected.
5. Storage Space
Storage rarely makes the “must-have” list—but it should.
Three generations often means three generations of belongings.
Consider space for:
- Seasonal decorations
- Medical equipment
- Hobby supplies
- Children’s toys
- Sports equipment
- Holiday entertaining
Good storage keeps shared living spaces feeling organized and comfortable.
6. Outdoor Living Areas
One of the wonderful things about living in Arizona is that our outdoor spaces often become extensions of the home.
A thoughtfully designed patio, courtyard, or backyard can become the heart of family life.
Imagine:
- Weekend barbecues
- Grandchildren playing while grandparents relax nearby
- Morning coffee together
- Holiday celebrations under the Arizona sky
Sometimes the best family memories aren’t made inside the house at all.
7. Laundry Location
It may not sound exciting—but laundry deserves more attention than it usually receives.
Ask yourself:
- Is the laundry room easy to reach?
- Will someone need to carry baskets up and down stairs?
- Can multiple people use the space comfortably?
Small conveniences become meaningful when several generations share daily routines.
8. A Kitchen Designed for Gathering
A beautiful kitchen isn’t just about finishes.
It’s about function.
Think about:
- Can two people cook together?
- Is there room for grandchildren to help bake cookies?
- Can everyone gather without feeling crowded?
- Is there enough seating for everyday meals?
The kitchen is often where family life naturally happens.
Choose one designed to welcome people, not just prepare meals.
9. Parking and Garage Space
As families grow, so do the number of vehicles.
Consider whether your home offers space for:
- Adult children’s cars
- Visiting family
- Golf carts
- Recreational vehicles
- Extra storage
Some Arizona builders even offer RV garages, providing valuable flexibility beyond simply parking a vehicle.
10. A Home That Can Grow With Your Family
Perhaps the most overlooked feature isn’t a physical feature at all.
It’s adaptability.
Ask yourself:
- Could a future casita be added?
- Is there room for an addition?
- Would the floor plan still work ten years from now?
- Can the home evolve as your family’s needs change?
The best multigenerational homes aren’t designed for today alone.
They’re designed for tomorrow, too.
The Most Important Feature Isn’t on the Floor Plan
Builders can measure bedrooms.
Appraisers can calculate square footage.
But neither can measure how well a home supports the people who live there.
The best multigenerational homes encourage connection while respecting privacy.
They make everyday routines easier.
They adapt as families grow and change.
And they create spaces where multiple generations can thrive together.
When you focus on those qualities—not just the numbers—you’ll be far more likely to choose a home that serves your family for many years to come.
Final Thoughts
Every family is unique, and every multigenerational home should reflect the people who live there.
Whether you’re searching for an existing home, building from the ground up, or remodeling the one you already love, looking beyond the obvious features can help you make a decision you’ll appreciate for years to come.
Sometimes it’s the smallest details that make the biggest difference.
For more help in designing your best multigen life check out some of these resources:
- Designing & Building Your Multigenerational Home
- What to Look for in a Multigenerational Floor Plan
- Designing a Home That Brings Family Together—Without Sacrificing Privacy
- Can I Add a Casita to My Home?
- Should We Remodel Our Home or Move?
- Not All Multigenerational Homes Are Designed the Same
- Search Existing Multigenerational Homes
Looking for a Home That Fits Your Family’s Future?
Whether you’re exploring new construction, considering a remodel, or searching for an existing multigenerational home in the Phoenix area, I’d be honored to help you evaluate your options.
Together, we can find a home that’s designed not just for today—but for every chapter still to come.
Kristin Geesey, REALTOR®, CLHMS®, SRES®, GRI
719-573-9657
info@azmultigenhomes.com
Helping Arizona families create homes that bring generations together.
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