More buyers in Southeast Michigan are choosing to build homes that accommodate multiple generations under one roof. Whether it is aging parents moving in, adult children returning home, or extended family visiting for extended stays, the demand for multi-generational floor plans with in-law suites, guest wings, and flexible living spaces has grown significantly over the past several years. If you are considering a custom home at Oaks of Tyrone in Tyrone Township, here is what you need to know about designing a home that works for everyone.
Why multi-generational living is growing in Southeast Michigan
The single-household model that defined suburban development for decades is no longer the only way people live. Across Livingston County and the greater Fenton area, more buyers are choosing to combine households — and they are discovering that a well-designed custom home handles multi-generational living far better than a retrofit of an existing house.
Several trends are driving this shift. The rising cost of senior living and assisted care facilities has made it financially practical for aging parents to move in with adult children. At the same time, young adults are staying home longer or returning after college, and buyers want dedicated space for them that still feels like part of the home. Add in the appeal of a Fenton address with Hartland Consolidated Schools, and it is easy to see why Oaks of Tyrone has drawn interest from buyers planning for the long term.
What a multi-generational floor plan looks like
Multi-generational floor plans vary widely, but the best ones share a common principle: separate space when needed, connection when wanted. Here are the most popular configurations for custom homes in Southeast Michigan.
In-law suites with private entrances
An attached in-law suite functions as a self-contained living space within the main home. It typically includes a bedroom, a full bathroom, a small kitchen or kitchenette, and a separate living area. The key feature: a private exterior entrance so the occupant can come and go without walking through the main house. For aging parents, this preserves independence and privacy. For adult children, it means peace of mind knowing Mom or Dad is close by.
Big Sky Development has built several variations of in-law suites across its communities. At Oaks of Tyrone, the one-acre wooded homesites provide enough space to orient an in-law wing with its own entry and views of the surrounding tree canopy — privacy built into the lot itself.
Split-bedroom and dual-owner's-suite layouts
For buyers who do not need a full separate apartment but want two primary bedroom spaces, a split-bedroom layout places the main owner's suite on one side of the home and a secondary suite on the opposite side. Both suites include walk-in closets and en-suite bathrooms. This configuration works especially well for a parent living with adult children, or for two adult siblings sharing a home.
Among Big Sky's floor plans, several ranch and two-story designs can be adapted to this arrangement. The Firethorn and Clearwater plans, for example, offer the square footage and open layout to accommodate dual suites with minimal structural changes.
Finished walk-out basements with separate living quarters
On the wooded one-acre lots at Oaks of Tyrone, walk-out basements are a natural fit. The lots slope gently in places, and a finished walk-out basement provides an ideal second living space — a bedroom, full bath, family room, and even a kitchenette on the lower level, with direct access to the backyard. For adult children returning home or for extended family visits, this option offers the maximum separation while still being under the same roof.
Because the full acre is included at Oaks of Tyrone, the lot gives your builder room to work with the natural grade rather than fighting it. Big Sky Development's experience with site-specific designs means your walk-out basement is integrated into the landscape from the start, not treated as an afterthought.
Main-level owner's suites for aging in place
A main-level owner's suite has become one of the most requested features in custom homes across Michigan, and it is especially important in multi-generational designs. When the primary suite is on the first floor, it accommodates aging parents today while also serving the homeowners as they get older. This is true "forever home" design — the house works for every stage of life without requiring a costly renovation or a move later on.
Big Sky Development was the first builder in Livingston County to introduce 9-foot first-floor ranch-style homes, and every ranch plan in their portfolio is designed around main-level living. Wider doorways, zero-threshold entries, and walk-in showers are available as options to make the home accessible without sacrificing the custom finishes that define a luxury build.
Multi-generational floor plans at Oaks of Tyrone
Not every new construction community is suited to multi-generational living. Many production-home subdivisions offer the same three or four floor plans on small lots with no room for customization. Oaks of Tyrone is different in several important ways.
The lot size matters. Every homesite is a full wooded acre. That means your builder has room to spread out a single-story plan with a guest wing, to orient the home for privacy on multiple sides, and to preserve the mature trees that give each lot its character. A one-acre lot also allows space for a walk-out basement configuration that a smaller lot simply cannot accommodate.
Custom building, not production building. Big Sky Development does not force you into a fixed set of floor plans with no modifications. You work directly with their in-house design team to adapt a plan — or design from scratch — to fit your family's specific needs. That flexibility is what makes a multi-generational floor plan possible.
The schools serve every generation. Hartland Consolidated Schools serves the area. Grandchildren benefit from a community served by Hartland Consolidated Schools. Grandparents get a quiet, wooded community with lake access nearby. Visit hartland.k12.mi.us for enrollment and academic information. Everyone wins.
Design considerations for a multi-generational custom home
If you are planning a custom home for multiple generations, here are the practical details that make the difference between a floor plan that works on paper and one that works in daily life.
Sound separation
When multiple generations share a home, sound travels. The in-law suite or secondary living area should be separated from the main living spaces by a buffer — a hallway, a utility room, or a garage. Insulated interior walls and solid-core doors also help. Your design consultant at Big Sky Development can show you where sound attenuation is built into the plan and where it needs to be specified.
Separate HVAC zones
Different generations have different temperature preferences. A multi-generational floor plan should have at least two HVAC zones — one for the main house and one for the in-law suite or finished basement. This is straightforward to specify during the design phase and nearly impossible to add later. Big Sky Development's in-house team coordinates HVAC zoning as part of the standard mechanical planning.
Kitchenette or wet bar
A full kitchen is not always necessary in a secondary suite. A well-placed kitchenette with a sink, mini-fridge, microwave, and counter space gives the occupant independence for everyday meals while keeping the main kitchen available for family gatherings. In a walk-out basement configuration, a wet bar with a sink and beverage refrigerator serves the same purpose with a smaller footprint.
Laundry accessibility
Multi-generational homes generate more laundry. A main-level laundry room near the primary bedrooms is standard in most custom homes, but consider adding a secondary laundry hookup in the basement or near the in-law suite. The plumbing rough-in is inexpensive during construction and expensive to add later.
Future-proofing for accessibility
The best time to plan for accessibility is before the foundation is poured. Blocking in bathroom walls for future grab bars, 36-inch-wide doorways as standard, lever-style door handles, and a zero-threshold entry at the main entrance are modest upfront costs that eliminate the need for expensive renovations down the road. These features do not compromise the home's aesthetic — they are invisible until they are needed, and essential when they are.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best floor plan for multi-generational living in a custom home?
The best floor plan depends on your specific needs. Ranch plans with split-bedroom layouts and separate in-law suites work well for aging parents. Two-story plans with finished walk-out basements suit buyers with adult children. Big Sky Development's design team can adapt any of their plans or create a custom design for your situation.
How much does it cost to add an in-law suite to a custom home in Michigan?
The cost varies based on the size and complexity of the suite. A basic in-law suite with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette typically adds 10 to 15 percent to the total home cost. Because Big Sky Development builds custom homes from $629,900 at Oaks of Tyrone, the overall value often compares favorably to buying a separate smaller home or paying for assisted living.
Does Tyrone Township have zoning restrictions on in-law suites?
Tyrone Township allows attached accessory dwelling units within custom homes, and Big Sky Development handles all permitting and zoning compliance as part of the building process. The one-acre lot size at Oaks of Tyrone meets or exceeds all local setback and density requirements for multi-generational configurations.
Can I design a custom home with two owner's suites at Oaks of Tyrone?
Yes. Big Sky Development builds fully custom homes, and dual owner's suites are one of the most common requests. Several of their floor plans — including the Firethorn and Clearwater — can be adapted to include two primary suites with en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets.
What is the advantage of a one-acre lot for multi-generational living?
A full acre gives you room for a single-story plan with an extended wing, a walk-out basement configuration, separate entrances, and space between living areas for privacy. The mature trees on every lot at Oaks of Tyrone provide natural separation between the main home and a guest wing, making the house feel larger than its square footage.
Does Big Sky Development offer ranch homes with in-law suites?
Yes. Big Sky Development was the first builder in Livingston County to introduce 9-foot first-floor ranch-style homes, and ranch plans are a specialty. Their ranch designs can be configured with in-law suites, split-bedroom layouts, or dual owner's suites, all on one floor with no stairs.
How far in advance should I start planning a multi-generational custom home?
Ideally, 12 to 18 months. The design phase alone takes four to eight weeks when you are working through multi-generational requirements. With one-acre wooded homesites becoming harder to find in Livingston County, touring the available lots early gives you the best selection and the most time to plan a home that fits your family.
Start the conversation
Multi-generational living is not a compromise. With the right floor plan, the right lot, and the right builder, it is an upgrade — more space, more flexibility, and more time with the people who matter most. Big Sky Development's 30 years of custom home building experience in Southeast Michigan means they have built homes for buyers at every stage of life. They know what works and what does not.
The first step is simple. Walk the wooded one-acre homesites at Oaks of Tyrone, look at the available floor plans, and have a conversation about what your family needs. Available homesites are limited, and the lots that work best for multi-generational designs — those with gentle slopes for walk-out basements and mature tree cover for privacy — tend to sell first.
Ready to design a home for your whole family?
Rob Moen has helped hundreds of buyers in Southeast Michigan navigate the custom home building process — including multi-generational floor plans with in-law suites, guest wings, and flexible living spaces. Contact Rob to schedule a private tour of the wooded one-acre homesites at Oaks of Tyrone and start the conversation about what your household needs.