Total Quality Home Builders 2021What do you think of when you hear “retirement planning?” Are you thinking about what your home looks like, too? If not, you’ll want to consider designing a retirement home to make your future space every bit as perfect as it is today. As more than 21,000 retirees shift into senior living units each year, we believe in planning for a retirement that allows you to “age in place.”
When designing a retirement home, we begin with those important age-in-place features that allow you to live comfortably in a home throughout your golden years. Think it doesn’t sound exciting or might be overwhelming? That’s why we’re here to help.
Here are 4 tips that will help you get started on designing your perfect forever home.
Understand Universal Design for Retirement
Universal design is defined by the National Association of Home Builders as, “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.”
The great thing about universal design is that it meets the needs of virtually anyone, and it creates flexibility, even as needs and abilities change. That means down the road, you won’t need to make expensive renovations to your house.
Keep in mind universal design benefits many types of people. For example, certain sidewalks, designed with curb cuts for wheelchair accessibility are also great for kids on skateboards, baby strollers, and delivery staff who use rolling cards. Extra-wide hallways can be great for moving furniture, or for wheelchair usage. Start by being aware of what your home can do if you have the goal of aging in place.
Set Your Budget
Whether you’re designing a retirement home now or thinking about it further down the road, make sure to plan and begin budgeting for it now. It’s impossible to know what you’ll need to expect when you’re young, which is why we recommend working directly with your financial advisor. Along with your advisor, set a realistic budget and plan your monthly expenses and retirement income to identify any areas with which you might want to better prepare.
Find A Builder You Trust
Retirement might be a long way away but designing a retirement home can be done today as you think about that future. You’ll want to choose the right builder who knows the ins and outs of building a home suitable for both now and tomorrow. They’ll be able to answer your questions and provide you with the expert advice you need to build the home that lasts you well into retirement.
Talk to Your Builder about Common Universal Design Features
There are several features in universal design that can apply whether you’re designing a retirement home or not. For example, single-story living keeps mobility in mind with a kitchen, full bath, and bedroom on the first floor. Next, keep in mind that a no-step entrance is a great way to accommodate anyone with a wheelchair or walker, or even aging pets and young children.
Consider the following, or talk to your builder as you make your decisions, too:
- An open floor plan can keep your home spacious and easily maneuverable
- Flush thresholds allow for ease of movement
- Non-slip flooring will be safe with kids around, or as you age
- Building reinforced bathroom walls with grab bars right away is more efficient than tearing out and rebuilding an old wall
- Electrical outlets could be raised or lowered with future needs in mind
- Pull-out shelving and accessible storage spaces can keep your clutter at bay and your things easily within reach
- Bright lighting will help you stay clear
- Lever-handled doorknobs and rocker-style electrical switches give you ease of use regardless of where you are in life
In short, you’ll save time, money, and stress if you plan for your future needs. It’s possible to have your dream home of both today and tomorrow.
Let’s Build the Retirement Home of Your Dreams
Are you ready to build your dream home? Then start by designing a retirement home you’ll love both today and tomorrow.
Do you want a high-end gourmet kitchen? A home designed for aging in place will be designed with that in mind. Dreaming of an incredible outdoor living space with a kitchen and pool? You’ll be able to build those things in such a way it perfectly suits you well into retirement.
In other words, if aging in place is important to you, you’ll be able to build a comfortable and beautiful home that suits you well into retirement. The right design will be yours to enjoy for years to come.
