Members of the Millennial generation have been moving back home to live with their parents in record numbers. This is happening for a number of reasons: the job market is challenging, student loan payments have to be made, and housing costs, especially in the Boston area, are quite high. Turning to Mom and Dad may seem like the best option many young adults have – but Mom and Dad may have their own thoughts on the matter.

“When Jake moved out, we did some serious home renovations,” explained Chris, his father. “His bedroom and his sister Jeannine’s bedroom were both eliminated when we expanded the kitchen and added a sunroom. We still have the guest bedroom on the second floor, but that’s really small, and I don’t know if it will work as the housing Jake is looking for.”

“It was also important for us to recognize that Jake really isn’t a child anymore,” Jake’s mother, Amanda, added. “He needs his own space; a place to be while he figures things out and gets his feet under him. I didn’t want to slip back into that Mom and Dad take care of everything dynamic. That’s not what this is about.”

“Moving into the basement was my idea,” Jake said. “I told Mom and Dad that as long as I had heat and wi-fi, I was all set.”

Amanda laughed. “We needed to spruce things up a little for this solution to actually work.” The family looked into Boston basement finishing companies, and selected the one that had done a great job converting a friend’s basement into a home gym. “It made all the difference in the world to have walls put up, flooring installed, and the lighting done.”

“Our basement finishing contractors helped us design the layout,” Chris added. “Our plan included a bedroom and bath for Jake, as well as a mini kitchen area and a place for him to relax. They helped us incorporate those elements in a way that turned out to be more spacious and comfortable than I expected.”

“We have friends who are in the same situation with their children. Or in some instances, it’s a sibling or even parent that needs a place to go,” Amanda said. “If you’re having a hard time figuring out how that’s going to work for your family, think about finishing the basement. A lot of times, that’s not space you’re using, and if you have the right contractors working on the job, it can really become an attractive, comfortable space that works.”