As you grow older and start thinking about your "golden years", your idea of the "perfect" home will likely change. That big house with plenty of room for you kids' friends to sleep over and host Thanksgiving for your extended family is great for now, but in time you will likely find that cleaning, maintaining and even getting around in a home that size can be too much work for the benefit.
This article will focus on 4 factors to consider when searching for a house after your retirement. Ready to dive in? Let's go!
As you get older, climbing stairs can become a challenge. Even if you do not have any mobility issues now, it's prudent to assume that you may start to have trouble with mobility at some point in the future.
This is one reason that 1-level ranch style homes are so popular with older homeowners. As one of the most enduring home styles, ranches boast open layouts and one-level living, making it easier for people to get around without having to navigate stairs. Check out some examples of Ranch-Style homes here.
A walk-in bathtub or a shower is another factor to consider when you are designing your "retirement" home. Tubs and showers that have high walls or curbs can make it hard for people with mobility issues to get in and out of. A walk-in shower allows for people with joint or hip problems to shower with ease. The bathroom floor must also be slip-resistant, as slips and falls are common among the elderly and can present serious health concerns.
In the unfortunate event that you or a family member are ever confined to a wheelchair, having wide hallways and doors in your home can make navigating easier. With wide hallways, you will be able to move around in your wheelchair without bumping into things or catching your chair on walls or corners. We can customize most floor plans to include wide hallways and doorways for better accessibility.
When thinking about the home you will grow old in, one of the first things on your mind should be how you plan to keep up with maintenance. Older houses will most likely need care, and it can be challenging to deal with constant repairs as you age. Maintenance not only costs money but also requires supervision and causes chaos around the house, so rather than dealing with all these maintenance needs, look for a newly-constructed home that won't need major repairs or renovations in the years to come.
This also applies to general cleaning and housekeeping—the more space you have, the more dusting, vacuuming, and straightening up you will likely have to do, so make sure your new home is a manageable size and that the layout is easy to keep up.
The home you build for your retirement will hopefully be the home you will choose to live in for the rest of your life. That's why it's so important to plan for the future and make sure your home is comfortable, easy to navigate, and easy to maintain.
If you would like to discuss your options for building the home of your dreams, get in touch with our homebuilding experts at Paradise Homes today by visiting our website or calling us at 304-291-0072, or better yet, stop in at our office and take a tour of some of our model display homes! We can provide you with a customized floor plan for your dream house that fulfills all your needs, fits your budget, and suits your unique style!
