How to Navigate Multigenerational Projects
Houzz shares tips in this webinar on incorporating feedback from multiple decision makers
One factor that renovation professionals may encounter on multigenerational housing projects is balancing the needs and wants of multiple decision makers. Compared with a nuclear family home, a multigenerational home is likely to have more adult residents who may be financially vested in the project. Houzz’s Industry Marketing team put together the webinar “Renovating for Multigenerational Living” to explore the issue, which we’ve reshared below. Here are some ideas from the presentation on how to manage input from the whole family.
Compare Desired Features
Understanding each person’s priorities and comparing them can be tricky — especially if decision makers disagree.
“We ask all of the decision makers to create lists of must-have features, nice-to-have features and icing-on-the-cake features independently. Then we compare their lists to see where the family members agree and on what other items they must come to a conclusion,” Jim Brophy of October 5 Fine Home Builders says. “We pay attention to why the clients like certain features so we can factor that into the design as well. If clients ever disagree with one another, it’s important that we not take sides but instead ask the clients to clarify their points to promote understanding.”
Another way to facilitate this communication is to encourage family members to make Houzz ideabooks. You may find it helpful to have each member of the family create one so you can compare and contrast their preferences. Or you could ask every decision maker to work on one communal ideabook as a tool to come to a consensus together.
Understanding each person’s priorities and comparing them can be tricky — especially if decision makers disagree.
“We ask all of the decision makers to create lists of must-have features, nice-to-have features and icing-on-the-cake features independently. Then we compare their lists to see where the family members agree and on what other items they must come to a conclusion,” Jim Brophy of October 5 Fine Home Builders says. “We pay attention to why the clients like certain features so we can factor that into the design as well. If clients ever disagree with one another, it’s important that we not take sides but instead ask the clients to clarify their points to promote understanding.”
Another way to facilitate this communication is to encourage family members to make Houzz ideabooks. You may find it helpful to have each member of the family create one so you can compare and contrast their preferences. Or you could ask every decision maker to work on one communal ideabook as a tool to come to a consensus together.
Determine Whether It’s a Democracy
Another way to balance feedback from multiple residents is to ascertain upfront whether the family will make decisions in a democratic style. Ask if everyone has an equal vote or if certain decision makers have more influence — and weigh decisions accordingly. Every family dynamic is different; perhaps for one project, Grandma and Grandpa’s preferences are the priority, while on another home, the family wants all residents to agree before committing to something.
In some cases, decision making may depend in part on who’s footing the bill. If someone is investing all or most of the funds for the project, they may feel like they should have the final say if a design element comes down to a stalemate. Ask who will be funding the project and if that means their preferences carry additional weight. If it’s an equal investment across the board, you can use that to reinforce the importance of coming to a consensus.
Learn Your Client’s Thinking Style
Another way to balance feedback from multiple residents is to ascertain upfront whether the family will make decisions in a democratic style. Ask if everyone has an equal vote or if certain decision makers have more influence — and weigh decisions accordingly. Every family dynamic is different; perhaps for one project, Grandma and Grandpa’s preferences are the priority, while on another home, the family wants all residents to agree before committing to something.
In some cases, decision making may depend in part on who’s footing the bill. If someone is investing all or most of the funds for the project, they may feel like they should have the final say if a design element comes down to a stalemate. Ask who will be funding the project and if that means their preferences carry additional weight. If it’s an equal investment across the board, you can use that to reinforce the importance of coming to a consensus.
Learn Your Client’s Thinking Style
Tell us: How do you work with multiple decision makers, especially on multigenerational living projects? Let us know in the Comments.
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Homeowners may not always be able to articulate their needs and wants or to bring attention to any accommodations they may need. Paying close attention to their actions can reveal a lot.
“My first step is to meet with the decision-making adults, including caregivers, and discuss their needs and wants. We then begin the assessment and walk through their house, with them always leading the way,” Curt Kiriu of CK Independent Living Builders says. “Following them gives me time to look at the details of the house and observe each family member’s physical movements. This way, I can see if the residents have any issues walking, bending or reaching, which also helps me with the design.”
In the case of residents with outside caregivers, you may consider asking for their input on the residents’ needs or what features would allow them to do their job most effectively.
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