Preparing your home for the latter years of life is no easy task. But how will you know what you need 10, 15, 20 years down the road?
At MK Remodeling & Design, aging in place is one of our passions! With that in mind, here are a few tips from CNBC to consider when remodeling your home for seniors.
First, think small. Avoiding slips is a great start. Adding slip-resistant flooring in the bathroom or kitchen is a cost-effective way to age in place. As the article notes, pay attention to flooring with a higher coefficient of friction value. Traction is king! Grab bars are also a good investment for the bathroom.
Second, think accessibility. Consider widening doorways, hallways, or cooking areas in the kitchen to accommodate someone in a wheelchair, or who uses a crane. Most people would benefit from seated working areas and easy-to-reach storage areas. Updating appliances is also a good move.
Accessible bathrooms are important, too. Easy-access showers, sometimes called “curbless,” are among the more popular projects. In addition to providing comfort, they are good bets at resale because larger space gives off a spa-like vibe, the article says. Other things to consider are raised toilets and seating in an existing shower or tub.
Third, think about room accessibility. If your home has multiple levels, consider installing an elevator or stair lift. While every home is different, lift projects can run between $3,000 and $12,000. While elevators are more pricey, they will still cost much less than adding a first-floor bathroom or a master-bedroom addition, the article notes.
Also, consider access from outside and a garage. Ensure steps or small, or better yet, convert them into mini ramps. Make sure walkways are wide and level, or rise or fall gradually.
Have a great week!
