At Shelter Solutions, more than 60% of the ADUs we build are designed for Aging-in-Place or Multi-Generational Living. More and more families are choosing to build ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) to stay connected across generations.
Over the years, we’ve had countless conversations with families navigating this decision. Through that experience, we’ve noticed a few key discussions that tend to come up time and time again—conversations that are just as important as the design and build process itself.
Whether the goal is to support aging parents, offer independent space with nearby care for a family member, or simply share resources in a more intentional way, ADUs can create a beautiful balance of closeness and independence.
Before breaking ground, it’s important to have honest, thoughtful conversations about what this transition might look like. This guide is here to help you explore both the many benefits of multi-generational living and the important topics to talk through—so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and connection.
Check out this great reveal video of a multi-generation ADU we recently completed
Why Families are Choosing Multi-Generational Living:
If you’re considering an ADU to bring family closer, you’re not alone—and for good reason. There are so many beautiful benefits to multi-generational living, and while the most obvious might be proximity and financial savings, families often discover that the true value runs even deeper.
Here are some of the most meaningful reasons families decide to live nearby through an ADU:
1. Stronger emotional connection
Living close by creates more opportunities for connection—whether it’s daily check-ins, spontaneous visits, or watching grandchildren and grandparents build lasting bonds.
2. Support through life’s changes
From helping with a ride to the doctor to just being there during life’s curveballs, it’s easier to show up for one another when you’re nearby.
3. Independence with connection
An ADU allows each generation to maintain their own space, routines, and privacy—while still enjoying the comfort of closeness.
4. Reduced isolation
Especially for aging parents, having loved ones nearby can make a world of difference in staying socially and emotionally engaged.
5. Financial savings and flexibility
Compared to the high and rising costs of assisted living or retirement communities, ADUs can be a cost-effective long-term investment that adds value to your property. (see the comparison chart below).
6. A thoughtful legacy
In some cases, building an ADU can be a meaningful way for parents to transfer wealth to their children during their lifetime—sometimes with fewer tax implications than a traditional inheritance. *
7. Stronger family bonds
Living in close proximity encourages connection, support, and a deeper sense of shared life between generations.
*Be sure to consult with a financial advisor or estate planner to explore how this might apply to your unique situation.
In many of the families we work with, parents sell their home and use the proceeds to fund the ADU build on their adult children’s property. In other cases, the roles are reversed: the adult children move into the parents’ main home, and an ADU is built in the backyard for the aging parents to downsize into. Either way, the goal is the same—a living arrangement that brings peace of mind, mutual support, and lasting connection.
Cost Comparison – ADU vs Retirement Living:
When a loved one begins to need more support, families are often faced with difficult choices. Retirement communities and assisted living facilities can seem like the obvious next step—but they can also feel like a loss of familiarity, comfort, and connection.
An ADU offers a different path—one that keeps family close, preserves independence, and creates a space that truly feels like home. And while it’s a meaningful emotional choice, it’s often a wise financial one too. Instead of ongoing monthly fees that offer no long-term return, an ADU is a one-time investment that adds value to your property and opens the door to a future built on togetherness.
In many cases, families find that building an ADU pays off both financially and emotionally in the long run.
Important Conversations to Have in Planning Your Build:
Choosing to live near loved ones is a beautiful decision—but like any big transition, it works best with strong communication around the subject. Here are some of the key topics we encourage families to talk through together as they begin dreaming up their ADU.
1. Talking About the Investment
“How can we make this work financially for everyone?”
Whether the ADU will be funded by parents, adult children, or both, it’s helpful to talk openly about expectations. Will it be a shared investment, a gift, or something else? Are there any long-term hopes or plans tied to the financial side of the project?
2. Clarifying Ownership and the Future
“Who will own the property—and how do we want that to look long-term?”
Conversations around ownership can bring clarity and peace of mind. Discuss who will legally own the land and the ADU, and how that could impact future decisions like inheritance, selling the home, or transferring ownership later on.
3. Honoring Everyone’s Needs Over Time
“What are we hoping this arrangement will look like in the years to come?”
Some families see this as a long-term solution, others as a steppingstone. It’s helpful to talk through possible changes—like shifts in health, living needs, or family dynamics—and how you might handle them together.
4. Creating Space for Connection and Privacy
“How can we stay close while still honoring each other’s independence?”
One of the gifts of an ADU is the ability to create both togetherness and personal space. Talk about what healthy boundaries might look like—visits, shared time, quiet moments—and how everyone can feel respected and at ease in the arrangement. Beyond the ADU itself, consider how your hardscape and landscape design can help support this balance, creating natural spaces for connection as well as moments of solitude.
5. Supporting One Another with Care
“If needs change, how will we care for one another?”
While not every family will need hands-on caregiving right away, it’s good to explore what support might look like in the future. Is caregiving part of the plan? Will outside help be considered? Opening this conversation early can help prevent confusion or overwhelm later.
An ADU can be a life-changing addition to a property, offering both independence and connection for families. Thoughtful planning and design will ensure that your ADU meets current and future needs while enhancing your home’s value and functionality.
A Team That Truly Understands What Home Means:
At Shelter Solutions and Stone Creek Building, we don’t just design and build ADUs—we live the lifestyle ourselves.
Builder, Mark Beirwagen runs the company alongside his wife, Kalin, with their daughter Daisy leading Sales and Costing as Vice President, and daughter Sascha heading up Site Services—often found on-site, skillfully operating heavy equipment and leading the excavation team with confidence and care. Mark and Kalin’s home sits side-by-side with Sascha’s, while Daisy’s land next door is currently in the planning phase—together, they’re living the very lifestyle so many of our clients are hoping to create.
When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a builder—you’re partnering with a team that holds family at the center of everything we do. We bring heart, intentionality, and decades of experience to every project, understanding the emotional and practical layers that come with building for aging in place or multi-generational living.
We know these decisions are about more than square footage—they’re about legacy, connection, and care. That’s why we approach every build with the same thoughtfulness and respect we’d want for our own family.
Whether you’re just starting to dream or ready to move forward, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—with the care, clarity, and craftsmanship your family deserves.
