Building homes for multigenerational living

The current cost of living on Oahu has generated a common problem for many residents: finding an affordable home in a desired location. The steep housing costs have inevitably led many families to consider living together. When that situation arises, many times the existing house is not designed to accommodate multi-family living. This is when families contact S. Tanaka Construction, a locally owned design-build contractor that has been rebuilding homes on Oahu since 1984.

Sometimes, the best option for many of the company’s clients is to tear down their old home and rebuild one designed to fit the needs of two or more families.

Here is the story of a Kaimuki family that decided to rebuild a home to accommodate three generations of their family. Unlike most situations, they already had two homes on the lot and were living separately. However, the homes were showing signs of aging, and this led the family to consider living together in one large house as opposed to renovating the two homes individually.

The family made their visit to S. Tanaka Construction to discuss their options. The design meetings led them to the decision that the father would get the first floor to himself, and his daughter, her husband and their two young kids would get the second floor. The house is still considered a single-family dwelling, but designed for multigenerational living.

The house is approximately 4,500 square feet built on 6,100 square feet of land. The first floor consists of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a den and a wet bar. The second floor has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry room and a kitchen.

The family has graciously opened their doors and allowed S. Tanaka Construction to showcase their home for one day only: Sunday, Feb. 15 from noon to 5 p.m. The open house is by appointment only and limited to those considering building a brand new home. If you fit into this category and would like to visit this home, call the company’s office to be put on the schedule.

*The pictured home is not the open-house site.

S. TANAKA CONSTRUCTION
contact // 848-5010