The Gracelyn in San Antonio

What’s a multigenerational home?

At its core, a multigenerational home brings two or more adult generations under one roof with a balance of shared and private spaces. Common arrangements include grandparents, parents and children, or parents living with adult children and partners.

Multi-gen floor plans are designed to offer autonomy and privacy while keeping family close. Many of Drees’ customizable floor plans offer independent living suites that future-proof your custom home. The goal: connection when you want it, privacy when you need it.

Benefits of building a multigenerational home

• Privacy & comfort: Creates a private space that respects independent routines and lifestyles.
• Flexibility for evolving lifestyles: Adapts to changing family needs, from housing aging parents close by, to apartment-style living for young adult children.
• Cost savings: With everyone under one roof, you'll save on housing, utilities and caregiving. Depending on your arrangement, you can save time with shared meal prep and household maintenance.
• Value addition: Increases home practicality and value, providing long-term versatility.

The McKennan in Austin

Designing your independent living suite

Drees Homes offers many floor plans that can be customized for multigenerational living. These custom home spaces often include: 

• Bedroom in a private wing
• Ensuite bathroom
• Walk-in closet storage
• Sitting area or living room
• Kitchen or kitchenette

You can also customize your layout for improved accessibility, such as wide doorways and spacious walk-in showers.

Whether you’re looking for an in-home studio apartment or finished lower-level retreat, Drees’ flexible floor plans accommodate all lifestyles. Our favorite multigenerational floor plans with independent living suites:

• Austin – The Grandview
• Dallas – The Eastland II
• Houston – The Leighton
• San Antonio – The Lynmar II
• Cincinnati – The Bedford
• Columbus – The Champlain
• Cleveland – The Oak Hill
• Indianapolis – The Lyndhurst
• Nashville – The Marshall
• Raleigh – The Dresden
• Jacksonville – The Crestmoore II
• Washington, D.C. – The Birkhall

The Lynmar II in Austin

The Grantley, Texas’s favorite multigenerational floor plan

For example, this first-floor independent living suite is featured at our new Grantley model home at Wolf Ranch in Georgetown, TX. Privately located just off the foyer entrance, the mother-in-law suite features a full kitchen, eat-in breakfast table, sitting area, private bedroom, full bathroom and walk-in closet.

The Bedford, designed for flexible living in the Midwest

The Bedford is a ranch floor plan that offers an optional second primary suite on the main level. Located in a private wing with convenient access to the garage and laundry room, the suite includes an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet and can be customized for studio apartment style living, just like this custom home built in Cincinnati.

The Bedford also offers a spacious finished basement that can be customized into your dream multigenerational living quarters.

Ready to start designing your dream home?

From Instagram inspiration and Pinterest pins to your final floor plan, Drees makes it easy to bring it all together. We know your home is more than a dwelling. It’s an expression of who you are and what you value. Designing a custom home is a very personal endeavor, and we want to be here to help you every step of the way. To get started, click here.

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