4 Ways to Invest in Your Home's Design for Now & Later
Remodeling a home to age in place is an investment in your future and increases the home's resale value. Have you ever shopped for a new home with an older friend? The first thing they look for in a house is a primary en suite on the first floor. That's one way to "age in place." Age in place describes how to remain safely in your home as you start to slow down.
Here are 4 features that you can incorporate into your home’s design for a desirable setting to age in place…
1. Spacious Doorways & Hallways
Create ample space for wheelchairs and walkers. By having ample space in passageways, anyone can get through easily. And a home that is more accessible for everyone increases resell value. A designer can help you assess your home for future functionality and suggest the best use of your space.
2. An Accessible Home
If you can get a single-story bungalow, great! If not, hire a designer to help create a primary en suite on the first floor. There are also other solutions you can consider. For example, would your home benefit from an elevator? You would be surprised to know that elevators aren't that expensive and can integrate pretty seamlessly when designed correctly.
Do your full bathrooms have tub/shower combos? Stepping into a shower isn't the easiest when you have mobility issues. A designer can help you design a thoughtful first-floor bathroom without steps into the shower.
3. Built-In Balance Assistance
Evaluate your home to determine if there are locations where balance is tricky. When you hire an expert, like an interior designer, we can help you assess where grab bars might help. And designers know how to specify great-looking mobility accessories that won't make your home look like a hospital.
4. Prioritize Functionality
It's essential to design for functionality in an aging-in-place home. Consider these functional updates:
Accessible light switches
Motorized drapery
Eliminate or limit upper cabinetry so people in wheelchairs have full storage access
It's the list of things like this that a designer can help prioritize in your home.
Designing for aging isn't only important for retirees. Young homeowners can increase their property value if they have an ADA-compliant home. And hiring a designer will help ensure that adding functionality to your home won't take away anything from the aesthetic value of your home.
If you're ready to create a functional and fashionable home that lets you age in place, please reach out to us. We can't wait to hear about your home.
Cheers,
Angie
