One big trend that I am seeing over and over again is planning a custom home that takes into consideration the challenges that we face as we age. Many baby boomers, especially retirees, want to plan a home that they can stay in as long as possible and maintain the comfortable lifestyle they are used to. So whether they are in a wheelchair or worried about reduced eyesight or arthritis, navigating their home does not have to become a chore.
Here are some of the areas that people are customizing so that they can grow old gracefully in their home:
- Single story floor plans
- Stair free living - that includes eliminating steps leading into the front door or even the garage
- Wider doorways and hallways - these should be at least 32 inches wide
- Clothing rods that are located between 24 and 44 inches from the finished floor
- Lower light switches
- Higher electrical outlets
- Good lighting through out the home including closets and hallways
- Eliminating carpet in order to be more wheelchair friendly
- Showers with a sit-down bench
Thinking through these options has allowed many of our clients to not only build the home that they want to live in now, but also down the road.
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