With a rumbling stomach, Patricia Springer climbed the stairs from her basement living suite to join her family for dinner in their big dining area. Her grandson and granddaughter chatter excitedly as they tumble down the stairs, while the cats, Sasha and Taffy, scurry out of the way. Patricia’s son, Ryan, and daughter-in-law, Kim, dish out generous scoops of orange chicken stir fry for everyone. It’s a lively, warm moment—just another typical evening meal time for the Springers, an intergenerational family sharing one home.
Although not a common living arrangement, merging households has worked well for the Springers. The idea came to Patricia after her husband passed away two years ago. During this time, she had to ask herself some hard questions about the future. The rising costs of retirement homes, her attachment to the house where she’d raised her children and her desire to be with family weighed on her mind. One snowy day watching Ryan shovel her driveway, she thought, “I need him here,” and the unconventional idea took root. With a house large enough for two families, combining households became the solution.
Ryan quickly saw the practicality. Living just five minutes away, he was already managing the upkeep, shoveling and mowing for both homes. As Ryan gave the idea more thought, “I didn’t want to be a landlord or rent out my property,” he says. “Consolidating made sense for everyone.” With his younger brother living out of state, the responsibility of helping their mom naturally fell to him. Kim and the kids also supported the move, knowing that while it was an adjustment, it would ultimately simplify their lives and give Patricia the support she needed.
The plan was to finish the 1600-square-foot basement for Patricia while Ryan and his family would occupy the main and upper levels of the house. Enter Bunn & Sons, a Broomfield-based home construction and remodeling company. Tom Bunn, owner, listened as Patricia and Ryan shared their requirements for the space. Tom and his crew worked closely with the Springers to create a self-sufficient area tailored to Patricia’s needs. The requirements included a bedroom, full kitchen, washer/dryer and living room. “It’s not an official ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit),” explains Tom, “but it has everything she needs.” The basement also features a walk-out design, giving Patricia easy access to the outdoors, which is important as she loves to sit in the sun.
During the renovation process, Ryan and Patricia formed a strong partnership and bonded in new ways. For example, Patricia initially struggled to visualize the layout, so Ryan taped out the dimensions of the bedroom, bathroom, closets and other areas directly on the subfloor. This made it easier for Patricia to see how the design would look.
Ryan also played an integral role in helping Patricia select the finishings for her space. The renovation allowed Patricia to personalize her living area in a way she hadn’t been able to before. Ryan explained, “My dad was into neutral colors—nothing too colorful or fancy. I encouraged her to make the space her own.” As an amateur photographer, Ryan’s understanding of natural and artificial lighting helped guide Patricia in choosing cheerful colors that she loves—mint green and blue. “Ryan was an ally—he truly helped me,” she shared.
One major upgrade—a separate HVAC system—has proven to be a very worthwhile investment despite its cost. The separate systems ensure that both households can manage their comfort independently without compromise. “My mom can crank up the heat as much as she wants, and we can keep our levels cooler,” Ryan says.
Low maintenance was another priority for the renovation. Tom advised the Springers on durable, easy-to-clean materials for the shower system, kitchen surfaces and vinyl flooring. Even the doors and trim were chosen to avoid grooves and edges that could collect dirt. Tom explained, “The goal was to make a space that felt welcoming and functional for Patricia while also being easy to maintain.” Another example is the French doors that lead outside with built-in, embedded blinds, which create an open, welcoming space while preventing the blinds from banging in the wind.
Though not strictly built to ADA standards, the renovations prioritized accessibility. Features include a low-maintenance shower with a built-in seat, wider doorways that accommodate mobility aids and a kitchen layout with generously wide aisles for easy movement.
Ryan’s involvement was invaluable throughout the project. He acted as an intermediary between Patricia and Bunn & Sons’ project manager, especially since Patricia doesn’t use email. Many aspects of the project were coordinated via email, with Ryan facilitating the communication. “I couldn’t have done it without him,” Patricia admitted.
Now that they’ve settled into their new living arrangement, Patricia and Ryan’s family have found unexpected benefits. For Patricia, having her family nearby provides a sense of safety and connection she hadn’t realized she was missing. “I used to lose sleep over every creak and noise, wondering if it was an intruder,” she says. “Now, I sleep so much better knowing they’re here.”
Ryan’s family also cherishes the closer bond. Previously, their busy schedules often meant weeks between visits. Now, their time together feels natural and unhurried. Patricia joins them for dinner every night, where meals become family bonding time. “I just have to make my breakfast and lunch,” Patricia laughs.
The grandchildren, a high school freshman and senior, have also benefited. “The kids absolutely adore having their grandma so close,” Ryan says. “She’s become a daily part of their lives in a way that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.” Growing up near Washington DC, Patricia was able to see many historical things such as the procession for JFK’s funeral and the Mona Lisa when it was at the National Art Gallery. Patricia shares these stories from her youth. In return, they teach her about today’s slang and technology and provide modern perspectives. “I see them going through things that I went through. They don’t ask for advice,” Patricia jokes, “but I give it anyway.”
Sasha and Taffy add another layer of joy. Despite being allergic to cat hair, Patricia has bonded with Sasha, who often curls up on her lap. “He’s my little friend,” she says. While the Springers had pets when Ryan and his brother were growing up, it’s been about 25 years since a pet was in the home. When all the humans leave the house, the cats are still there to bring happiness. Though Patricia may go downstairs coughing, she feels it’s worth it for the joy they bring.
Looking back, Patricia and Ryan agree merging households was the right choice. Adjusting to habits took time, but the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences. Patricia enjoys independence while staying connected, and Ryan no longer juggles maintaining two homes.
“This house keeps me young,” Patricia says, smiling. For Ryan and his family, it’s a chance to create lasting memories while supporting Patricia. Together, they’ve turned a house into a shared, loving home, proving intergenerational living can be both practical and fulfilling.
FINELY CRAFTED HOMES
At Bunn & Sons Custom Builders, we build better lives through high-quality residential remodeling and additions. Our meticulous pre-construction planning and fixed-price contracts ensure projects stay on budget and schedule with no surprises. We focus on residential projects, dedicating our expertise to creating beautiful, functional homes. Most importantly, we put people first, fostering a great work environment for our employees and trade partners while delivering exceptional experiences for our clients. We love what we do and would love to help with your next project!