There is a lot of talk right now about multi generational homes in Perth.

Costs are up, land is not getting cheaper, and more families are starting to think about how one home can work for more than one generation. For some, it is about bringing parents closer. For others, it is kids staying home longer than expected. And if I’m honest, I’ve already had the conversation about whether the kids are ever leaving or whether we should just plan for it.

So the idea makes sense.

But most people are still approaching it the wrong way.

They go straight to a designer or a Perth home builder, get something drawn, and then try to make the numbers work afterwards. That is usually where things start going wrong.

A multi generational home is not just a bigger custom home. It needs to function differently.

It has to allow independence within one residence. That means privacy, separation and a layout that actually works day to day without everyone being on top of each other.

If it cannot do that, it is not a multi generational home. It is just a crowded one.

In Perth, demand for this style of home is growing for very practical reasons. Cost of living, land values, ageing parents and changing family dynamics are all pushing things this way.

This is not a trend. It is a shift.

But here is the gap.

Most designs look right on paper, but they are not designed to work in real life or within a real build budget. That is where projects start to come unstuck.

The biggest mistake we see is people jumping into design too early.

They start drawing before they understand what type of home actually suits their situation, what it is going to cost to build in Perth, and how it needs to function long term.

By the time those answers come, the design is already done and the budget is already under pressure.

That is when things get expensive.

A well planned multi generational home can be one of the smartest decisions a family makes.

But only when it is approached properly from the start.

If you are thinking about building a multi generational home in Perth, the next step is understanding how to design it properly without blowing the budget.

Contact the NHBB team to learn more about how we can help you.

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About the Author

Tristan Kirkham | Managing Director

Tristan has managed some of Australia’s major building companies, both project and private. His commitment to customer service and providing market leading communication product for the home building industry has led to a role as regular Judge in the HIA Green Smart, HIA Kitchen & Bathroom Awards and the major Housing Awards. Winning multiple awards throughout his career in the housing industry, he is dedicated to improving the industry standards and practices. Tristan's vision is to provide a better way to build homes for all parties.