Multi-gen, next gen, mother in law suite, au-pair/nanny quarters or small apartment

Here’s how to get it right, as you work with your NC custom home builder to design build personal space that provides independence for your new multi gen, next gen, mother-in-law suite, au-pair/nanny quarters or small apartment home within a home.

7 multi-gen must-know build factors to discuss with your NC design build custom home builder:

#1 Multi Gen must-know: Local Regulations

As you consider which lot to purchase for your new home, your real estate broker can guide you through local regulations, zoning and community covenants that define build mandates at that location. Talk to your builder about lot requirements for your multi gen new home.

#2 Multi Gen must-know: Access

A home within a home in NC must have a door leading into the primary home. It can also have a private door to the exterior, to add more privacy and independence. In this floor plan, a separate door leads to the exterior (past the kitchen and mudroom):

#3 Multi Gen must-know: Space

How much space do you want to devote to a multi gen suite? Private bedroom and bath? Personal living room? Kitchenette? Second laundry room? Travars Built Homes can add the additional living quarters you would like to nearly any floor plan. Get floor plan ideas here  and let us know what else you would like.

#4 Multi Gen must know: Shared kitchen requirements

While some multi-gen arrangements include a kitchenette in the home within a home, it’s more common to share kitchen space. Huge kitchen islands with room for several people to share work space are especially popular. This kitchen pantry includes a second sink, separate microwave, built in cabinets and storage, all separated by a door:

White and Black Farmhouse Kitchen | Mebane NC New Homes

#5 Multi Gen must-know: Preparedness

Your NC custom home builder can put features in place to prepare for future disabilities. Travars Built Homes has a certified expert in aging-in-place to talk with about design, materials, colors, lighting, accessibility, and anything else that can be built into your home to provide additional comfort.

#6 Multi Gen must know: Flex Space

Make sure to allow enough space in shared gathering areas for everyone to feel comfortable together. Lofts, bonus rooms, sun rooms, keeping rooms and libraries all offer great opportunities to spread out in common areas.

Home Office Built In Bookcases | Mebane NC New Homes

#7 Multi Gen must know: Garage space

Design build capabilities enable NC custom home builders like Travars Built Homes to add another bay to nearly any garage. Talk with your builder about the possibility of a carriage garage, if you prefer separate garage space.

Chapel Hill Modern Farmhouse

Get started here:

What is a multigenerational home?

Multigenerational homes (sometimes called multi-gen homes, homes with a mother in law suite, or apartment within a home) are designed for families to live together within one single home family dwelling that has an extended guest suite intended for long term stays.

Multigenerational homes are one of the most common reasons why homebuyers choose to build a custom home.

New Home Builder Apex NC

Multi-gen homes can spread out the cost of living so that the combined living space is more affordable than having two separate homes.

Site costs for one home are less expensive than site costs for two homes, with one clearing, one footing, one septic system, and one foundation.

The size of the footprint impacts build costs, so multi-gen homes built with living space on additional floors are typically more cost effective than homes with everyone on one level.

Some multigenerational homes have a kitchenette in the secondary living quarters, for increased independence.

Other families choose to design a larger kitchen around expanded usage, with elements such as dual ovens, a huge island or even two islands for more prep space, and special arrangements such as a microwave below the counter for easier use and aging-in-place future accessibility. Learn more about making changes to your floor plan, here.

White and Black Farmhouse Kitchen | Mebane NC New Homes

Dual master suites give equal prominence to two large bedroom suites with ensuite private bathrooms, big closets and occasionally other private amenities such as a personal sitting area or attached office or laundry room.

The location of dual master suites can vary, with the most common arrangements being one on the main floor and one on the second floor, one in the basement, or both on the main floor. Get floor plans with dual master bedrooms, here.

Chatham County NC Custom Homes | Vaulted Ceiling Master Bedroom

Because schedules and lifestyles can vary within shared living arrangements, building in special features that add to privacy is a very good reason to build a custom home, so that you have the opportunity to include features such as sound dampening between walls or from one floor to another. Solid core door options can also lessen sound travel.

A private entrance so you can come and go without interrupting the main flow of the house is another way to increase that feeling of having your own space.

Depending on the plan and your homesite, you may include an exterior door with a small stoop or porch or another door from the garage to your private hallway.


Travars Built Homes can be built in custom home neighborhoods or countryside locations within about an hour of Chapel Hill. We work closely with you to:

Consider choices for cost effective floor plans that fit your lifestyle and budget

Modify your layout to add multi-gen, accessible or other custom changes

Build your new home with high quality materials, craftsmanship and passion for home building

Offer a wide array of selections, options and upgrades