Retirement Homes Aren’t the Only Option: The Benefits of Multigenerational Living in Gig Harbor

As our parents and grandparents grow older, many families face an important question: How can we help our loved ones maintain their independence while keeping them close?

For families in Gig Harbor and throughout the South Puget Sound, building a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) in the backyard may offer another way forward. A thoughtfully designed DADU can provide aging parents with a private home of their own while creating opportunities for family connection and long-term property value.

At Gordon T. Jacob, we believe multigenerational living is worth considering. It can bring families closer together while giving each generation the space and independence they need.

The Financial Benefits of Building a DADU for Aging Parents

The cost of senior living is a significant consideration for many families. According to CareScout’s 2025 Cost of Care Survey, Washington’s median monthly costs are approximately:

• $7,600 per month for assisted living
• $13,155 per month for a semi-private nursing home room
• $15,969 per month for a private nursing home room

At $7,600 per month, assisted living adds up to $91,200 per year. Over several years, those ongoing costs can become a substantial financial commitment.

For families who already own property, building a DADU can offer a different approach. Instead of paying ongoing housing costs for a loved one, you can invest in a separate living space on your own property.

For example, Gordon T. Jacob’s Studio DADU plan costs $186,000 plus tax. That base construction price is equivalent to approximately two years of assisted living at $7,600 per month.

Rather than paying for housing indefinitely, your family can invest in a permanent structure that may continue to provide value for years to come.

Of course, a DADU is not a direct replacement for assisted living or nursing care. Construction expenses, site work, financing, maintenance, and the level of support a loved one needs should all be considered. But for families whose loved ones can live independently or with appropriate support, a DADU may be a compelling long-term housing option.

A DADU Is an Investment in Your Property and Your Family’s Future

One of the advantages of building a DADU is its flexibility. Your family’s needs will likely change over time, and your property can adapt with them.

A backyard DADU could serve as:

• A home for aging parents: Keep loved ones nearby while preserving their privacy and independence.
• A space for adult children: Give young adults a more independent living arrangement while they save for their own homes.
• A rental property: Generate potential rental income when the space is no longer needed by family, subject to applicable regulations.
• A home for another generation: Continue serving your family as circumstances change.

A well-planned DADU gives your property another purpose beyond your primary residence. Instead of building for just one season of life, you’re creating a space that can evolve with your family.

The Best of Both Worlds: Independence and Connection

The financial benefits are only part of the story. One of the greatest advantages of multigenerational living is the balance between independence and connection.

With a thoughtfully designed DADU, your loved one can have their own kitchen, bathroom, living area, and private entrance while remaining just steps away from family.

Imagine grandparents being part of everyday family life, sharing meals, watching grandchildren grow up, or simply knowing someone is nearby when help is needed.

Multigenerational living is near and dear to us at Gordon T. Jacob because we get to experience it ourselves. It’s become one of our family’s greatest blessings, and we love seeing other families discover the possibilities it creates.

For many families, the goal isn’t simply to find a place for an aging parent to live. It’s to create an arrangement where everyone can enjoy more time together without sacrificing their own space.

Designing a DADU for Comfortable, Long-Term Living

If you’re considering a DADU for an aging parent or grandparent, it’s worth thinking about accessibility from the beginning. A home designed around current and future needs can help make everyday living safer and more comfortable.

Here are a few features to consider:

• Single-level living: Keep essential rooms on one floor to minimize the need for stairs.
• Step-free entry: Reduce tripping hazards and make entering and exiting the home easier.
• Accessible doorways and walkways: Allow comfortable movement, including for those using a walker or wheelchair.
• Thoughtful bathroom design: Consider a curbless shower, sturdy grab bars, a built-in bench, and adequate maneuvering space.
• Safe flooring and lighting: Reduce trip hazards with consistent flooring and well-placed lighting.
• Flexible space: An extra bedroom can accommodate visiting family, a caregiver, or changing needs over time.

These details can be incorporated into a beautiful, welcoming home without making it feel clinical. The goal is to create a space that feels like home today and can continue serving your loved one in the years ahead.

Is a DADU Right for Your Family?

Every family has different needs, priorities, and financial considerations. But if you’re exploring ways to keep aging parents close, make better use of your property, and create a home that can serve multiple generations, a DADU may be worth considering.

For homeowners in Gig Harbor and the surrounding South Puget Sound, the first step is understanding what’s possible on your property, from zoning and site conditions to design, budget, and long-term goals.

At Gordon T. Jacob, we help families explore those possibilities, bringing design and construction together to create spaces that work for the way they live.

Ready to explore a DADU for your family?

Contact Gordon T. Jacob for a free estimate and let’s talk about how a backyard DADU could support your family’s future.

Gordon T. Jacob — Design | Build | Remodel

Change the way you live.