When you begin to think about a home renovation, you have a goal in mind. It might be to make the home more livable for your family, to improve resale value, or to make it more accessible. When thinking about renovations, we consider not only the people using the home now, but also who will be using the home in the future.
Aging in place is a term use for people who plan on staying in their home as they age. This is when you take a home that has been functioning well for its owners, then prepare it for the next phase of life. Think of parents who bought a home in their forties with school age children. Now, thirty years later, they want to stay in their home and make it work for their new stage in life. Considerations need to be made for safety and mobility. Grab bars can be added to the shower. Perhaps the parents need to relocate the primary bedroom to the first floor of the home to avoid stairs.
Universal design involves more of forethought toward considering who could be using the home in the future aside from the current owners. Young families might consider aging parents moving in with them or coming to visit. It’s also a great consideration when thinking about the resale value of the home. Making your home useable to all ages is a critical consideration. You may opt to include bathtubs for small kids, and also curbless showers for those who are unable to step into a tall tub.
Many elevated homes in Charleston and Mt. Pleasant are built with an elevator shaft, as many homes in our area require a set of stairs to enter. This would be a good thing to consider from a mobility standpoint, and as a useful tool to getting heavy items or groceries into the kitchen without any required lifting. Wide doorways and hallways are features to consider for the use of wheelchairs and walkers.
As you begin any home renovation for you, your family, or your investment, consider which strategy is right for you. Do you intend for this to be your forever home? If not, consider who will be using the home in your immediate family, or who might be wanting to buy in the future. Aging in place and Universal Design are both important considerations as you begin any renovation. You want it to function well for you right now, but forward-thinking is also so important to any renovation. Considering how to make your home more accessible and functional? Give us a call today! We’d love to help!