Building your dream home is an exciting experience, but it's important to keep in mind that the needs of your family will change as time goes on. After all, it's easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to consider how your new home will work for you in the future. So, how can you ensure that your new home build will be suitable for all stages of life?
Focus on Accessibility
One of the most important features to consider when building a new home is accessibility. Ideally, try to aim for a single-story open floor plan. That's because stairs can become a challenge to navigate as you age, and an open floor design makes it easier to get around, removing any obstacles. Consider installing wider doorways and hallways to accommodate future mobility needs.
Consider Home Automation
Technology is changing the way people live in their homes, and advancements in home automation make it easier for seniors to live independently. Home automation can make managing your home easy by turning lights on and off, locking doors and adjusting the thermostat with just the push of a button. This technological advancement not only makes life easier but will increase the safety and security of your home.
Choose Flooring Wisely
Flooring is an important consideration when building a new home. Choose flooring that provides good traction and is slip-resistant. This can reduce the risk of slipping and falling, which becomes a major concern as we age. Avoid carpets with high piles and seams that can become difficult to navigate. Cork and bamboo flooring are excellent options that offer better traction and are more forgiving in case of accidents.
Incorporate Safety Features
Consider building safety features in your new home. A few examples include grab bars and rails in the bathroom, shower and toilet areas, as well as secure handrails and stair treads. Installing these features during construction can save money on future modifications. Additionally, other fundamental safety features include smoke detectors, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide monitors.
Plan for Future Modifications
No matter how much you plan, it's almost inevitable that you'll need to modify your home as you age. Plan for future modifications by building structures into the design, such as having easy accessibility to the plumbing and electrical systems. This will allow for later renovations or adaptations to be made without sacrificing the integrity of the house's structure.
The Takeaway
Building a new home can be a thrilling experience, but it's important to design your home for all stages of life. So, talk with new home building contractors right from the outset to ensure that you take these factors into account.
