The Benefits of Having Multiple Ensuites in Your Home
If you’re buying a home, one of the many decisions you will need to make is how many bathrooms you want / need. Although traditionally homes were built with one family bathroom and a master ensuite bathroom, a recent trend in home design has seen a shift towards multiple ensuites.
The reasons for this recent demand in multiple ensuites or master suites are numerous and reflect the way modern families use their homes now and how they may want to use them in the future. For instance, a multi-generational home would be a great fit for multiple ensuites, ensuring that family members have their own private bathrooms.
What is an Ensuite and Why Are They So Popular?
Simply put, an ensuite is a bathroom attached to, or directly accessed from, a bedroom. An ensuite can be compact and practical or it may be larger and more luxurious. It will usually contain at least:
A toilet
A vanity with a single or double sink
A bathtub or shower, sometimes both
Ensuites are popular thanks to the convenience and privacy they offer, allowing quick and quiet use at night and first thing in the morning. They also help to prevent fighting over sink space in the mornings. Ensuite bathrooms can be combined with a walk-in closet for a dedicated master suite with walk-in closet, full bath and other luxurious amenities that let you get ready for work or school in your own completely private space.
Some homeowners like a Jack and Jill ensuite, which is an ensuite bathroom positioned between two bedrooms that is accessible from both sides. This can be useful when there is not enough room for separate ensuites or for young children to share.
Many modern homes will also include a powder room, which is usually just a toilet and sink. These are placed closer to the living area, making it easily accessible to guests.
Why Multiple Ensuite Bathrooms?
Historically an ensuite for every bedroom was used as an indication of wealth, but now they are in demand for a number of reasons:
Demanding housing market: As rental and sale costs rise, children are staying at home longer, living with their parents as young adults. At the other end of the spectrum, it is becoming more common for older relatives to move in with family as they become unable to live alone.
Growing and changing family: When buying a home, prospective homeowners want it to be somewhere they can stay for many years to come and still remain suitable. Whether it's having children who will grow up in the home and want their privacy or a space for extended family to come back and visit with grandchildren.
Increase in co-buying: More than ever before, young people are buying homes with their friends, in order to get on the housing ladder. These types of buyers are looking for homes with multiple master suites to give the privacy desired when sharing a home.
Guest accommodation: Social families who enjoy having friends over will appreciate the convenience of a guest room with its own ensuite. No more rushing to tidy the family bathroom and hide private items before the guests arrive.
In these types of households where sharing bathrooms is not desired, multiple ensuites are the ideal solution.
What are The Benefits of Multiple Ensuites?
Buying a house with multiple ensuites have many benefits including:
Convenience: No taking turns, no need for a shower schedule in the mornings
Privacy: Each person is able to use their bathroom without interruption and have their personal care items on hand
No disturbances at night: Close access to the bathroom means the whole house isn’t woken in the night when someone needs to go
Added value: Multiple ensuites add value to your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell
Multigenerational living solution: Whether its grown-up children or in-laws, multiple ensuites provide the ability for adults to live together without imposing on each other’s personal and private spaces.
Wondering How Many Ensuites you Need in Your Next Home?
If you’re in the market for a new home and you’re wondering how many ensuites you’d like to have, consider the following questions:
How will you use your home now and how might that change over time? Who might live there?
What age are the occupants? If you have young children a Jack and Jill bathroom could work.
Do you need an accessible bathroom for older family members or a person with a disability to use?
White Wolf Homes Has Built Many Homes with Multiple Ensuites
At White Wolf Homes, we build beautiful homes and many of them have multiple ensuites. Based in Victoria, BC we are a fully licensed general contractor who builds trendy and timeless homes that stand the test of time.
Looking for a new home? Check out our upcoming projects to see the homes we’re building that are about to hit the market. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.