Today’s trend toward multi-generational living is fueled partly by the tide of Baby Boomers — people age 65 and over — headed toward retirement. By 2012, there were 47 million Americans age 65 and older, per the United States Census Bureau. That’s a lot of people who typically have one foot in the workplace and one foot pointed toward their “golden years.” They also often have the income to address their home-buying needs.

Many baby boomers also plan to care for elderly parents and want to help their children and grandchildren through life transitions.

The economic downturn in the mid-2000’s is another factor. A soured economy, dried-up employment prospects and evaporated investment and retirement resources forced many families to share living space out of necessity. Unfortunately, that often meant shoehorning additional family members into too-small homes — with make-do solutions such as hasty attic and basement renovations.

As the economy has re-bloomed, the financial efficiency of multi-generation homes has evolved from a coping process into a viable trend. Baby boomers’ intent to help other family members helps to make this work for everyone.

Read on to discover why new homes built for several generations are in big demand.

Existing homes are too small

Multiple generations can live together when there’s plenty of space and privacy. Elderly parents can relax knowing someone is around. The college graduate or younger person struggling to establish themselves knows they have a landing spot.

Grandpa and Teenage Grandson might fight for laptop space at the only desk in the house. Sharing a bathroom with multiple generations is not an ideal arrangement either.

New homes built to house several generations provide space and facilities for everyone.

Privacy is premium, especially in bathrooms

Perhaps no room in a house works harder than the bathroom. Having to schedule showers or clear toddler toys from the tub gets old. Toys in the tub also makes access for older family members much harder. A private bathroom incorporating safety grips or a gated fixtures makes life easier on everyone.

Everyone has a different definition of comfort

Homes built for several generations give homeowners the option of installing separate heating and air conditioning systems in the home. As a result, controlling an area’s temperature makes everyone less hot under the collar. Therefore, separate HVAC works especially well when it’s an in-laws suite or guest bedroom

Not everyone wants to play together

Not everyone wants to watch TV in a bedroom. In existing homes inhabited by several generations, the bedroom often is the only option for a family member who wants to watch a different program or play a different video game. New homes built for extended family members can include a separate entertainment area for television, games, crafts or reading.

Given the burgeoning statistics and scenarios above, new homes that cater to more residents than the nuclear family will be in demand. ICI Homes offers many communities and home plans where multi-generation living is a breeze.