More Homes Have Extra Living Spaces for People

By Newsroom | Housing, Real Estate |

A growing need for more living options is leading to changes in how homes are built and used.

People are looking for different ways to live, especially when it comes to having enough space and keeping costs down. This is leading to new ideas in home building and design. One way this is happening is through "add-on" living spaces, also called Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). These are smaller homes built on the same land as a main house. Builders are starting to offer these, and people are finding them useful for many reasons, like housing family members or earning extra income.

Understanding the Rise of Add-on Living Spaces

The idea of adding extra living areas to existing homes, or building them as part of new homes, is becoming more common.

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  • Metric Homes, a company that builds homes, is seeing more interest in these types of units. They are putting secondary units in basements, often with their own side entrance. From the outside, these homes can look like regular single-family houses. Metric is adding more homes with these basement units, including a model home in Kanata.

  • Beyond just single-family homes, the idea of shared living and extra spaces is expanding.

  • Multi-family buildings are starting to include more than just places to sleep. They are adding spaces for studying, working, and communal activities. This is because people are spending more time at home for different reasons, not just living.

  • Pets are also a key part of modern homes, and living spaces are being designed to accommodate them, supporting people's well-being.

  • Technology is being used to make shared work areas function smoothly.

How Modern Living Spaces Are Changing

The definition of "home" is evolving beyond just a place to rest.

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  • Homes are now expected to support a variety of activities, including work, study, and leisure. This shift is influencing how homes are designed.

  • Co-living spaces, which offer shared amenities, are becoming a way to make modern living more affordable and social. These spaces aim to create environments where people can connect and have access to shared resources.

  • The design of these spaces focuses on creating comfort, functionality, and a sense of community.

New ways of building and designing homes are helping to meet these changing needs.

  • Modular design is being explored as a way to create flexible and sustainable living spaces. These homes can be adapted easily to changes in family size, work needs, or personal preferences.

  • The ability to reconfigure spaces makes modular homes a thoughtful choice for modern living.

  • Companies are looking at how to apply consistent design standards across many properties to ensure a good living experience for everyone. This includes working with vendors early in the process to consider both current needs and future trends.

Expert Views on Adaptable Housing

Experts and builders see these trends as important steps toward addressing housing challenges.

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"Metric Homes, a pioneer in ADUs, is seeing the same increase. They’re available at each of its developments where single-family homes are sold." - Article 1 Summary

This statement suggests a direct link between builder offerings and growing demand for ADUs.

"Residential buildings are incorporating community spaces that support many different working styles in a public shared area." - Article 2 Summary

This points to a change in how shared spaces in multi-family buildings are viewed and utilized.

"Co-living and communal living arrangements have become increasingly popular as individuals seek cost-effective, socially engaging, and flexible housing solutions." - Article 6 Summary

This highlights the core reasons behind the rise of co-living.

Conclusion: Adapting to New Living Demands

The current housing landscape is showing a clear trend towards more flexible and diverse living arrangements.

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  • The increased interest in add-on living spaces (ADUs) suggests a desire for more affordable and adaptable housing options.

  • Multi-family buildings are evolving to offer more than just residences, incorporating spaces for work, study, and social interaction.

  • Co-living models are gaining traction as people seek ways to live affordably while also being part of a community.

  • Modular design principles are being explored for their ability to create adaptable and sustainable homes.

  • These developments point to a broader shift in how we think about and use our living spaces, moving towards environments that support a wider range of life activities.

Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are add-on living spaces?
These are small homes or apartments built on the same land as a main house. They can be in basements or separate buildings.
Q: Why are people building more of these?
They help make housing more affordable and give people more options. They can be used for family or to earn extra money.
Q: Are only houses getting these spaces?
No, new apartment buildings are also adding more shared spaces. These are for working, studying, and meeting others.
Q: What is co-living?
Co-living means sharing a home with others. It offers shared spaces and can be cheaper and more social than living alone.
Q: What is modular design?
Modular design uses factory-made parts to build homes. These homes can be changed easily to fit different needs.