For Kids, The Ultimate Play Room … at Grandma’s House

A growing number of retirees are renovating their homes, rather than downsizing, in order to accommodate their grandchildren. Such projects might involve creating a children’s suite in the basement or attic or transforming bedrooms into nurseries. These renovations, costing as much as $40,000 to $60,000 or even more than $100,000, feature low breakfast counters in the kitchen or bathrooms with trough sinks for multiple grandchildren. AARP attributes the trend to Baby Boomer grandparents who are more active and more interested in interacting with their families than their predecessors. According to the organization, 25 percent of the 1,904 grandparents surveyed last year spend at least $1,000 per year on their grandkids. Some believe these renovations make it more likely that grandchildren will want to visit and spend a weekend. | Read More