The Empty Nest Gives Way to Multigenerational Living

A lot of baby boomers and generation x-ers are discovering that the idea of an empty nest isn't so empty in today's household. Children that have gone off to college are returning afterward. Throw in aging parents that move in, and you've got a full nest.

In a recent report, Pew Research Center notes that in 2014 approximately19% of Americans lived in a multigenerational household. Some feel that is the way human beings have always lived. In extended families.

There are numerous reasons being set by experts forth for the shift,from the growing numbers of ethnic minority families, to the younger generations inability to save under the student debt they have accumulated. One thing is for certain, builders have been paying attention. Requests for a suite on the ground floor, with a kitchenette and perhaps a separate entry are on the rise.

The Houston, TX based company, Partners in Building, saw in increase in multigenerational home requests says CEO Jim Lemming. The company's clientele was about 15% multigenerational a decade ago, and now Lemming estimated 25 - 30% of his business is multigenerational. "That certainly is a trend that needs to be watched, " Lemming adds.